Cider - Shop now
$14.24 with 62 percent savings
List Price: $37.00
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 12 to Nashville 37217 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Friday, May 9. Order within 2 hrs 26 mins.
Only 5 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.24 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.24
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Jenna Glatzer
Follow
Colleen Kelly Alexander
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Gratitude in Motion: A True Story of Hope, Determination, and the Everyday Heroes Around Us Hardcover – January 16, 2018

4.7 out of 5 stars 158 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.24","priceAmount":14.24,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"24","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"GAWoecbDrUMd9r8h77W5CtQaEybMaXmBOP6K%2FcZGLm7DKKbsgc4IQAd25%2FME4OAisEZeYBb6w1lDOX0um3lxhx1eGdLa0HMW0M9k7FckIR0nDEO9AHq85SKJ9tefb0ppnwMbKwcokT5oBFsx8YJb1%2B0TiaSmstGLuah2kkywCL64upC8vN5HJLqvp8D3sikq","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

It was a beautiful fall day in Connecticut when Colleen Kelly Alexander, a lifelong athlete, rode her bike home from work. She had survived both a diagnosis of lupus and brain surgery, had a fulfilling career, and was married at last to the love of her life. Everything was good as she coasted along, meeting the eyes of a truck driver as he approached the stop sign beside her.

He didn't stop. The truck hit Colleen, running over her lower body with front and back tires and dragging her across the pavement. As she bled out in the street, nearby strangers surrounded her and the driver attempted to get away. An EMT herself, Colleen knew she had to stay awake. "I've just been reconnected with my soulmate," she told the medic. "We want to have a baby. I can't die now. Please don't let me die."

Five weeks in a coma and twenty-nine surgeries later, Colleen survived. Rather than let the trauma and PTSD control her life, she became determined to find a way to make something positive from her pain. She decided she'd run again and dedicate her race medals to the everyday heroes around us, including the medical staff and blood donors who saved her life. Since then Colleen has run fifty races and completed forty triathlons, including four half-Ironman events. Now a spokesperson for the Red Cross, Colleen shares her incredible inspirational story to encourage others to take that first step forward.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    296 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Center Street
  4. Publication date
    January 16, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    145557113X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1455571130
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition

Editorial Reviews

Review

Colleen is a personal inspiration of mine. Her guts, grit and determination alone are enough to embolden anyone who hears her speak. But it is Colleen's great humanity and humility in the face of her challenges that should inspire us all.―Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate

"I always said running is the ultimate faith healer, restoring belief not only in oneself but life's possibilities. Colleen brought that message to life and had me thinking of my own possibilities. Colleen's message isn't about how far we can run but how much we can endure just to be part of the running community."―Bart Yasso, Retired Chief Running Officer of Runner's World

Colleen Kelly Alexander is a living embodiment of resiliency, grace, and gratitude--even in the face of some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Read this remarkable memoir. It will lift up your heart with thankfulness and inspiration, just as Colleen has inspired countless everyday heroes who strive to make this world a better place.―Gail McGovern, President and CEO, American Red Cross

Gratitude in Motion is a powerful story of the triumph of one determined and inspiring soul. Colleen Kelly Alexander's vision to 'bring about more humanity and understanding' despite monumental obstacles gives hope to us all. Her story is the gift that the world needs so desperately right now.―Kate Cumbo, PhD, Director of Programs, PeaceJam Foundation

About the Author

Colleen Kelly Alexander is a lifelong athlete and motivational speaker. With her indomitable spirit and amazing story of survival, Colleen teaches others how to aim higher, be stronger, and use adversity as a catalyst to make themselves and the world better. She was the executive director of the Common Ground Youth Center in Vermont for eight years, and a regional program manager for PeaceJam, where Nobel Peace Prize laureates mentor youth. She has also worked for, volunteered for, and is heavily involved with the Red Cross. She lives in a New England coastal town with her husband and their three dogs and cat.

Jenna Glatzer (www.jennaglatzer.com) is the author or ghostwriter of twenty-nine books, including Celine Dion's authorized biography and The Marilyn Monroe Treasures. She and her daughter live in New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Center Street; Illustrated edition (January 16, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 145557113X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455571130
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 158 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Jenna Glatzer

    Jenna Glatzer

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    I am the author or ghostwriter of more than 25 books, including Celine Dion's authorized biography (Celine Dion: For Keeps) and a Marilyn Monroe biography authorized by her estate (The Marilyn Monroe Treasures).

    Some of my books have been turned into movies; others have been released in multiple languages around the world. I love what I do and the opportunities it gives me to meet and chronicle the lives of some pretty fascinating people.

    Take, for instance, Scott Rigsby, the first double-amputee to finish the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon. Not only did he have no legs, but he also had two slipped discs in his back and one eye swollen shut on the day of the race. Our book is called Unthinkable.

    Then there's Susan Markowitz, whose son's murder was the basis of the movie Alpha Dog. Our book is My Stolen Son.

    Gaby Rodriguez made major headlines when she faked a pregnancy as her senior project in high school. Our book is The Pregnancy Project (also a Lifetime movie by the same name).

    I've also written several health and self-help books, such as Bullyproof Your Child for Life with Joel Haber, Ph.D.

    I live in New York with my awesome daughter. I have oddly wedge-shaped feet, and an excessive number of mugs. Maybe one day I'll get bigger cabinets.

    See my author site at www.jennaglatzer.com for more about me.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Colleen Kelly Alexander

    Colleen Kelly Alexander

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
158 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book inspiring, praising its incredible sense of gratitude and purpose. They describe it as a riveting story that is well-written and beyond remarkable, with one customer noting how the author overcomes huge odds with humor. Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of a wonderful woman who embodies strength and perseverance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

18 customers mention "Inspirational content"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring, noting its incredible sense of gratitude and purpose, and how it can improve one's life.

"I am amazed at Colleen's miraculous recovery. It is very inspiring, well written, and I could not put it down once I started reading, as so many..." Read more

"...It is easy and fulfilling to be kind to each other. We all need and can be heroes to each other in every day life. We all bleed red...." Read more

"...She doesn't hold back at all. Her remarkable perspective that has gotten her through challenges most will never face, is so inspiring and motivating...." Read more

"Colleen Kelly Alexander's story is one of inspiration, determination, and true grit...." Read more

14 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story riveting, with one customer describing it as an extraordinary tale of survival.

"...marathon finisher, and just--- as a human being--- her triumphant story took my breath away...." Read more

"...This story is piercing in its ability to break one out of their stupor." Read more

"...Colleen is a wonderful writer and does a great job of sharing her remarkable story. Her writing takes you though the tough stuff with grace and wit...." Read more

"Loved Colleen’s strength and Sean’s commitment. Truly a love story...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing and beyond remarkable.

"Colleen Kelly Alexander is beyond remarkable and brave...." Read more

"The book was good. My only issue is the repeating of all the things she could NOT do. The point was made once or twice, which was fine...." Read more

"...It was like meeting an angel. This is a great book about an amazingly strong and positive woman...." Read more

"...us to see her determination to overcome all that comes her way and it's amazing. The love between Colleen and Sean is so obvious...." Read more

9 customers mention "Strength"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's strength, describing it as an epitome of grit and bravery.

"I appreciate the stark authenticity of this book. Colleen is gritty and detailed in her descriptions of the trauma and recovery, which I appreciate,..." Read more

"Colleen Kelly Alexander is beyond remarkable and brave...." Read more

"...Kelly Alexander's story is one of inspiration, determination, and true grit...." Read more

"...It was like meeting an angel. This is a great book about an amazingly strong and positive woman...." Read more

5 customers mention "Personality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's personality, describing her as a wonderful woman, with one customer highlighting the beauty of the human spirit.

"...This is a great book about an amazingly strong and positive woman. I love the summary list at the end about what we can all do to be heroes...." Read more

"Colleen has to be one of the most outstanding person I have ever read about. This book is so tragic,I could not put it down...." Read more

"...There will be tears, but this book also shows the beauty of the human spirit.....thank you for writing such a personal memoir....." Read more

"My husband and I both read this book and loved it. Colleen is an amazing woman who overcomes huge odds with humor, grace and an incredible sense of..." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well written and told extraordinarily well.

"I am amazed at Colleen's miraculous recovery. It is very inspiring, well written, and I could not put it down once I started reading, as so many..." Read more

"What an amazing story and outlook on life. Colleen is a wonderful writer and does a great job of sharing her remarkable story...." Read more

"It was a riveting story told in a truly gentle and genuine voice. Is the audio available yet?" Read more

"An extraordinary story of survival, grit, purpose and love, told extraordinarily well. Couldn't put this book down!" Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's humor, with one mentioning how the author overcomes huge odds with it, while another notes its grace and wit.

"...Her writing takes you though the tough stuff with grace and wit. She doesn't hold back at all...." Read more

"...at the ability to write about traumatic events with such grace and wit...." Read more

"...I cried, laughed through out this entire book. Thank you Colleen for being open, brutally honest and courageous to share your story." Read more

"...Colleen is an amazing woman who overcomes huge odds with humor, grace and an incredible sense of gratitude and purpose." Read more

Beautifully written.......Colleen is the epitome of strength and will
5 out of 5 stars
Beautifully written.......Colleen is the epitome of strength and will
I couldn’t put this book down the moment I received it. There will be tears, but this book also shows the beauty of the human spirit.....thank you for writing such a personal memoir.....
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sandra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Inspirational story!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am amazed at Colleen's miraculous recovery. It is very inspiring, well written, and I could not put it down once I started reading, as so many before me. I met Colleen in her yoga class and before I read her book I knew there was something strong and miraculous about her.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Carrie
    5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THE BOOK!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I'm so very thankful that this was the book I chose to read to start 2020. As an ICU nurse, a "new" runner, half marathon finisher, and just--- as a human being--- her triumphant story took my breath away. I laughed, I audibly gasped (the kids asked what was wrong!), I cried, I sobbed, I smiled, and then laughed out loud more. Then I cried more, as I read this book today... in about 6 hours, near non stop. It was my school for the day- maybe for the year. Thanks @ckellyalexander for being a courageous hero- for reminding me- as a caregiver what we "do" to our patients and how to be mindful of what really matters to patients, and for reminding me to be grateful for all that this body God has given me can do. "Emotion without action is irrelevant." ~Jody Williams~ #letsgetmoving #runforyourlife #mommasgotnewgoals #BUYTHEBOOKFOLKS
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alison Nishi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic, Gritty, and Full of Hope
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I appreciate the stark authenticity of this book. Colleen is gritty and detailed in her descriptions of the trauma and recovery, which I appreciate, and yet she never loses track of her overarching themes of gratitude and human connection. She doesn't shy away from intimate details of what she has gone through and IS going through in terms of her physical, mental, and emotional trauma, and yet she manages to inspire awe and hope in the reader.

    The narrative is told through Colleen's engaging and consistent voice. She reminds us that we are all human; we all have ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs, and a shared human experience. In a time when society seems to be so polarized and people seem to be divided by chasms so wide, we don't know how to bridge them, she finds ways to bring people together. It is easy and fulfilling to be kind to each other. We all need and can be heroes to each other in every day life. We all bleed red. We are all human, and life is so much better when we're in it together.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • DD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Think!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Colleen Kelly Alexander is beyond remarkable and brave. This book is a figurative "smack upside the head", "glass of cold water in the face" for people to THINK about what they are doing and how they are living. Way too many of us seem to suffer from "comatose of the soul". And our lack of attention to our surroundings poses many physical and emotional dangers. This story is piercing in its ability to break one out of their stupor.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story of determination
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The book was good. My only issue is the repeating of all the things she could NOT do. The point was made once or twice, which was fine. I finished the book, but stalled reading it for a while, because she repeatedly made the point (and I knew exactly when it was coming) that she was unable to be intimate with her husband. I can see mentioning it once, maybe twice to make a point, but no need to keep making a point of it when it was mentioned several times early on in the book. We got it.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • megan tsuyuki
    5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK it will improve your life and your perspective on EVERYTHING!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    What an amazing story and outlook on life. Colleen is a wonderful writer and does a great job of sharing her remarkable story. Her writing takes you though the tough stuff with grace and wit. She doesn't hold back at all. Her remarkable perspective that has gotten her through challenges most will never face, is so inspiring and motivating. READ THIS BOOK it will improve your life and your perspective on EVERYTHING!!!
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • mpggator
    5.0 out of 5 stars Colleen Kelly Alexander's story is one of inspiration, determination ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Colleen Kelly Alexander's story is one of inspiration, determination, and true grit. She manages to find hope in dark places and teaches others to do the same. This story is not for the faint of heart - she shares intimate details of her injuries and the aftermath those injuries cause. At the end of the day, we can all benefit from her lessons in celebrating the heroes in our own lives and learning how to show gratitude for even the littlest of things.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • JJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for sharing, Colleen!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I met Colleen last year at a Ride of Silence (honoring cyclists and pedestrians who have been killed or injured by motorists) in her hometown in CT. It was like meeting an angel. This is a great book about an amazingly strong and positive woman. I love the summary list at the end about what we can all do to be heroes. I already gave blood twice as a result of Colleen's advocacy.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • susieq
    3.0 out of 5 stars Admired her but didn't like her.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the book. I was fascinated by the detail of the injuries and the healing, and what a medically induced coma is like. I couldn't help admiring the author's resilience, but I couldn't warm to her. There's rather too much 'god' and inspiring phrases for my taste. And you get little impression of all the others in her life, particularly her partner, Sean. So yes, it's worth reading her account, but you may not like her.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Arrived on time and as shown. Great read!
    Report