Choosing Hope

Moving Forward from Life's Darkest Hours

By: Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, Robin Gaby Fisher

Narrated by: Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis

Kaitlin Roig-Debellis is the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who saved her entire class of 15 six and seven-year-olds from the tragic events that took place on December 14, 2012, by piling them into a single-occupancy bathroom within her classroom, mere feet from the brutal and indiscriminate massacre taking place outside the door. Since then, despite the unimaginably painful experiences she endured, she has chosen to share her experience with others, in the hope that they too can find light in dark moments.

Choosing Hope is a lot of things. A written witness to a tragedy that will never be forgotten. A gripping firsthand testament to the power of good over the power of destruction. An inspirational memoir by a brave young woman whose story is one of courage, heroism, faith, and resilience. And a celebration of all the people who make the choice to pass along their hope and positivity to young ones - parents, mentors, and especially teachers. There is no moving on, but there is always moving forward. And how we move forward is a choice.

“Although now I have witnessed the worst of mankind, instead of feeling bitter or regretful I have chosen to embrace gratitude. I believe in the power of kindness, the influence of educators and mentors, faith and God, and most of all I believe in humanity. Bad things happen to all of us, things that test us and impact us and change us, but it is not those moments that define us. It is how we choose to react to them that does”. (Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis)

©2015 Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis and Robin Gaby Fisher (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[S]tirring...a bold, inspiring and ultimately hopeful book." (Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and author of the New York Times best seller Thrive)

"[M]oving" (Wally Lamb, New York Times best-selling author of We Are Water and She’s Come Undone)

"[B]rave" (Karen Armstrong, New York Times best-selling author of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life and The History of God)

Moving

This book touched me in many ways. So well written and I loved the author reading the book.

Powerful Story

If you could sum up Choosing Hope in three words, what would they be?

It was sad and inspiring ti hear her tell her own story.

Which character – as performed by Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis – was your favorite?

Na

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Choosing Hope?

The ability to choose at any moment.

A BEAUTIFUL Story!!!

This is an amazing story!!! A moving tribute to the ones lost on this mournful day. God be with you all.

Have a seat and listen in...

I live in CT, in the next town over from Newtown, and decided to read Choosing Hope, as skeptic, curious to know more about Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis's story and Sandy Hook . By the time I finished listening to the book (5 hours and a box of tissues later)... I truly feel inspired. There is a lot more to the story, and to Roig-DeBellis than what was out on main stream media. The author was able to share important details without making it feel exploitive, you can hear voice raw, breaking at certain spots in between tears. The book is a therapy room where Roig-DeBellis is processing her own feelings and emotions about this horrific tragedy, as well as her whole life, and allows the reader to have a seat and listen in. I am glad I listened, I am better for it, and will join her in her daily quest to choose hope. Ps: getting a hard copy as Holiday gift for all of son's teachers...

Inspirational

Inspiring story of choosing hope over despair. Having the book read by the author reinforces the positive message.

Moving and hopeful

Very well narrated and gives hope and inspiration to all who may struggle with life' challenges.

Unimaginable

It is unimaginable for most of us to understand what the survivors of Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting experienced during and the long term effects after. This audio book brought me to tears on several occasions. Please pray that we find more people in the world that want to become amazing teachers like Mrs. Roig-debellis!

Count your blessings

Clarifies how fragile life is and how in a moments notice things can drastically change or end. To view life with new wisdom. Hope.

Powerful!

In this book, Kaitlin tells the story of her path from the debilitating result of unfathomable tragedy to thriving with hope. Such a great listen from beginning to end.

impactful

thank you kaitlin for sharing your story. it has impacted my life. what a powerful message of choosing hope.