Beyond Belief

Hamilton, Josh. Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back. New York, NY: Faith Words, 2008.

Over the past two years, my family and I have become strong fans of the Texas Rangers. Having lived in the DFW Metroplex since 1982, I have always followed (sometimes up-close and sometimes from a distance) the Rangers; however, recently the youth, potential, homerun power, pitching (Did I just type that?), and ticket specials of the team have prompted loyalty from my household. As a result, we have stumbled upon several opportunities to utilize free tickets, and have taken advantage of numerous specials including $10 Friday night fireworks tickets, Free Kids Tuesday nights, and most recently, six tickets for the price of one. We’ve probably been to 10-15 games over the past two years.

During this time, we got to know Josh Hamilton as a fantastic 3-hole hitter and centerfielder. Last year, he had 95 RBIs by the All-Star break, and even though he has struggled to stay healthy and productive this year, the last game I went to with my daughter, he crushed a huge homerun to right field. There is no doubt that Hamilton is my kids' favorite player, and as a result of his looks, my wife's favorite player, too. It was after watching Josh Hamilton the baseball player that we were introduced to his amazing, inspiring, and in-process story. After hearing bits and pieces, I purchased Beyond Belief and read the entire book last Friday.

On the back cover, the book is classified as a “Sports/Memoir,” and that’s a good description of the style and content of the work. Beyond Belief is written by Josh Hamilton and Tim Keown from ESPN The Magazine, and the significance of the book can be found in its narrative structure, authenticity, and insider access to the world of professional baseball. In this review, I will summarize the importance of these three categories as revealed in Beyond Belief.

First, the narrative structure of the book makes for a compelling read. This is the story of Josh Hamilton’s life up to this point, and as a result, it’s easy for the reader to accept the invitation to enter into the narrative. Story drives the world we live in. From our favorite television shows to our employment histories to the current school year experiences of our children, stories that reveal the colorful pages of our lives are taking place all around us. Stories shape the way we view, interact with, and contribute to the world. Typically, in stories, we ultimately learn about ourselves, because we identify with the plight of a prominent character. As a result, we join with them in comparing their experiences with our own. With Beyond Belief, the storytelling quality of the book allows the reader to do just that. In the Epilogue, Hamilton recounts a time when a fan brought his sister to a ballgame in the hopes of having Hamilton say words of encouragement to her in the hopes of stopping her drug abuse. Hamilton reflects on the experience by saying, “There are so many people out there searching. So many people who struggle and want to do better but can’t find the strength. So many confused, sad, desperate people who need the right kind of guidance to change their lives. People just like me.” (256) Many of the themes discussed in the book: family, work ethic, parenting, pressure, jobs, relationships, temptations, faith, boundaries, forgiveness, repentance, transgressions, on-going transformation are all aspects of life that each of us encounter almost everyday, and Hamilton’s ability to share his life in a narrative fashion offers opportunities for others to join the story by reflecting on these issues in their own lives.

Along with sharing his story, Hamilton and Keown write with a high level of authenticity. Even today, as news of his January 2009 relapse surfaces, Hamilton does not shy away from responsibility or confession, and Beyond Belief continues the precedent. Whether it was the time as a 7-year old that he hit a homerun off a 12-year old, the time he relinquished his wife’s wedding ring as collateral for drugs, the time he passed out on the floor of Murd, Leon, and Lester’s trailer, the time he snorted an 8th of an ounce of cocaine all at once, the time he hit a 549 ft home run, or the personal emotions associated with Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Hank Blalock showing up at his first Texas Rangers’ press conference, Hamilton holds back little in an effort to authentically share his struggles and successes. As C.J. Wilson, Texas Rangers’ relief pitcher, tweeted today, “I’ll say this only once about Josh so listen up- he’s a bigger man than anyone I know. Who else can admit EVERY mistake they’ve ever made?”

Finally, Beyond Belief is worth your time, because of the insider access into the world of professional baseball offered throughout the book. Whether it’s a batting practice homerun contest with Jose Canseco his rookie year, his travels through the minor leagues, his conversation with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ General Manager in regards to his reinstatement, or his feelings during the 2008 Home Run Derby in the old Yankee Stadium, getting a behind-the-scenes look at life in Major League Baseball through the eyes of Josh Hamilton is a rare and fascinating opportunity.

Beyond Belief is a quick and worthwhile read for anyone interested in baseball, Josh Hamilton, or life in rural North Carolina. In addition, if you are even partially impacted by drug abuse, the book is a must. Hamilton attributes his new life, sobriety, and professional platform to Jesus Christ; and perhaps, through Beyond Belief, you might encounter Him, too. The book is significant because it is in story form, authentic, and a first-person account of life in and around professional baseball. I would recommend reading Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back as a great way to spend a couple hours.

Amazon.com's Product Details
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (October 13, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599951614
ISBN-13: 978-1599951614
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pound

Have you read this book? Are you considering a read of this book? Are you interested in sparking a discussion of the themes, points, critiques, and challenges of this book? Do you have questions or counterpoints of assertions from this book? Post a comment and join the conversation.

Next, I will review Thomas Nelson Publisher's Read and Share Toddler Bible by Gwen Ellis with illustrations by Steve Smallman as part of my participation in this opportunity.