Praise for The Unbreakable Boy

Now Featured at the Patheos Book Club
The Unbreakable Boy
A Father's Fear, A Son's Courage, And A Story Of Unconditional Love
By Scott LeRette with Susy Flory

What People Are Saying

"The Unbreakable Boy isn't really about a boy. It's about an entire family, formed by accident, marked by trials, and sustained by faith. While the book centers on Scott LeRette's quirky son, Austin, LeRette has his own unconventional perspective, offering a fresh, funny, sincere take on familiar struggles, with autism and alcoholism, illness and isolation, complacency and cynicism. His family's story reminds us that being "unbreakable" isn't about being free of pain, but about remaining open to the miracles of love and grace even, or especially, in hard times.
— Ellen Painter Dollar, author of No Easy Choice: A Story of Disability, Parenthood, and Faith in an Age of Advanced Reproduction

"Austin's story reminded me that God intricately and intentionally designed each one of us for his wonderful purposes. As a mom, I was empowered to simply place the hopes, dreams, future and lives of my kids at His feet and then prayerfully watch miracles unfold. As an educator, this story inspired me to see that child's unique God-given gifts, talents and even struggles work together to reveal incredible potential when nurtured. And as a woman, I was moved by this heart-wrenching, make-me-laugh, make-me-cry, make-me-want-to-be-better story that gave me a glimpse of the incredible power and creativity that is our God.
— Erin MacPherson, author of The Christian Mama's Guide Series and Senior Editor at WeAreTeachers.com

"This endearing story of a young boy's journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and hope, is woven together perfectly and is filled with memorable moments that will make you laugh, cry, and believe that all things are possible."
— Braxton A. Cosby, award-wining author of Protostar

"Sign me up for Team Austin. Not that he needs anymore cheerleaders (he has plenty of those!) but his unquenchable spirit and fierce determination (not to mention his ability pull off big hats) are the traits I want to grow in my life. And Austin? He's the teacher I want to keep learning from. This powerful story of unending hope will help you see the limitless possibilities for your own life — and your family."
— Kathi Lipp, author of I Need Some Help Here: Hope for When Your Kids Don't Go According to Plan and The Cure for the Perfect Life

"The Unbreakable Boy is a riveting and incredible story about not one unbreakable boy, but two. It is a tale which will keep you spellbound right from the first page as Scott LeRette tells you about two life journeys with many twists and turns. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the last page and then I still wanted more.

As usual, Susy Flory has helped craft a gem, "a page turner" as Larry King said about Susy's and my effort, Thunder Dog. The Unbreakable Boy is a must read for every reader who wants to grow and be drawn into a world that will help them learn more about themselves and how to live a better life. You will find that Austin is not the one with the real handicap, but rather it is all of us who impose artificial and breakable limits on him and others like him. Read The Unbreakable Boy with an open mind and imagination and don't let your sight and prejudices get in the way of your vision."
— Michael Hingson, author of New York Times bestseller Thunderdog

"The Unbreakable Boy shares the incredible story of Austin LeRette, a young man with autism and a genetic brittle bone disease. Austin lives his life as an example of the greatest lesson of all; that no matter how hard our journey is or how big the pain we suffer the truest definition of the word unbreakable is a family who loves one another and leans on God together."
— Joanne Kraft, author of Just Too Busy — Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical and The Mean Mom's Guide to Raising Great Kids

The evolution of a man's perspective about life and what is important is captured beautifully in this true accounting of a unique family with a very unique son to raise. I loved the honesty in the telling of the early years with all the struggle that comes along with a son with a rare condition and autism to top it off. But the salvation is in the recognition that we are able to learn from our struggles, learn from those we may think we can't learn from. Maybe rather than trying to make them more like us we need to recognize the wisdom of becoming more like them. I have a friend with a unique son too and I know she will read this and identify with practically every page. But the message is broader than autism and brittle bone disease. There is nothing that God will waste. There is no one that God will waste. The only question is will we waste the opportunity to learn and grow and get closer to the One who made us?
—Lindy Boone Michaelis, author of Heaven Hears: The True Story of What Happened When Pat Boone Asked the World to Pray for His Grandson's Survival

The Unbreakable Boy is a memoir that offers even more to readers than an intimate look at the challenges – as well as the joy and epiphanies – which parents who are raising children with autism encounter. It's also about a beautiful, hopeful marriage that remains strong in spite of almost every imaginable hardship and trauma including addiction, financial and emotional meltdowns, and the strain of parenting a medically fragile child. Read it and be reminded that "grace changes everything."
—Jennifer Grant, author of Love You More, MOMumental, Disquiet Time, and Wholehearted Living.