COME SEE THE BOY BORN DEAD. These were the words on the sign that started it all. They initiated David Ring’s career as an international speaker, simply by helping to fill a small high school auditorium with people ready to hear his story. How did David Ring, a boy who lived every day with the debilitating affects of cerebral palsy, arrive at this point? Well, you’ll need to read The Boy Born Dead, published by Baker Books and written by David Ring with John Driver and David Wideman, to find out.

Although you may not guess it from the first few pages of David Ring’s story, this book was definitely not a light and carefree read, nor an easy story to watch unfold. It was, however, powerful. The story’s chapters jumped back and forth from the time of David’s childhood to the time of his teenage years. However, none of it was revealed through David Ring’s perspective, but rather from that of his best friend, David Wideman. Although this may be an unusual technique for a biography, it provided an appealing voice and interesting outside-looking-in perspective that would have otherwise been lost.

This book was a roller coaster of emotions, from heartbreaking to hope-filled. At times, the descriptions of the horrible abuse David Ring suffered were almost too much. They bothered me a great deal, and I considered closing the book permanently. Then a scene of faith and hope would come along, and I would be convinced to continue reading. Ultimately I was glad to reach an ending that was triumphant and hopeful, and that showed God’s fulfilled promises of good coming forth from the despair that shrouded so much of David’s life. For that is what this story is about – overcoming pain, embracing challenges and difficulties, and trusting God every step of the way.

Having made it clear that David Ring’s biography is truly an inspiration, I ask that you please understand one thing… This book should ONLY be read by mature readers who are prepared for disturbing scenes, uncomfortable information, and ugly truths to be revealed. If you are prepared for this, I know that the story of the boy who was born dead, who was born to lose and who no one believed would ever succeed at anything, will touch your heart and your life.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.