Rise and Shine

The Path to Life

By: Simon Lewis

Narrated by: Kelsey Grammer

"I am proud and humbled to have read Simon's story. It is one of extraordinary suffering and perseverance, tragedy and ultimate triumph. I cannot recommend it enough. While all who suffer in this life search for hope and the strength to go on, few have faced such a mountain of challenges and heartache — Simon's story is an inspiration to all. It reminds me of a line from Prometheus Unbound by Shelley — 'To suffer woes which hope thinks infinite' — surely Simon's story measures up to that description. That he emerged victorious, in the face of such travail, is a testament to his courage, the courage of his family and their love. It is an inspiration to all." (Narrator Kelsey Grammer)

Crushed between a truck and a tree, Simon and his wife were both pronounced dead at the scene of a horrific car accident. Enduring a broken skull, jaw, arms, clavicle and pelvis, followed by a coma, Simon lives to tell his remarkable journey from tragedy to triumph. Highlighting 15 years of cutting-edge treatments and therapies, Rise and Shine doubles as a memoir and medical thriller, with numerous experimental surgeries leading to revolutionary scientific and personal breakthroughs.

Rise and Shine is an inspirational first person account of a medical "miracle" that stems from redefining the true meaning of faith in the mind, body, and spirit. Simon provides practical insight into navigating the treacherous insurance maze and how to differentiate among often conflicting medical opinions. This impassioned tale of survival and recovery also gives testimony to the power of family, resiliency, and self-transformation.

Emmy and Tony Award-winner Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, The Simpsons) delivers a powerful vocal performance that adds emotion and hope to this heart-wrenching, beautiful narrative.

©2010 Parkside, LLC (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"I loved listening to Rise and Shine written by my friend Simon Lewis and narrated by Kelsey Grammer." (Howie Mandel)

Simply Inspirational

I really enjoyed this very amazing story by Simon Lewis as read by Kelsey Grammer... it made me feel that the human spirit can conquer anything with a determined attitude and a lot of support from the right resources...

Amazing Glimpse into overcoming Traumatic Injury

Simons story is amazing. A journey of insurance challenges and cancellations while trying to navigate figuring out how to reduce the suffering of survival.
I know someone who lost her ability to speak after a life saving surgery affected her vocal chords. She is now a mute quadriplegic. She has longed to have her voice back but ran into similar obstacles as Simon. I had no idea of the possible treatment options for those suffering from the effects of surviving severe physical trauma. It is not enough to get put back together when life saving interventions can prove debilitating and life limiting. Sometimes survival is gruelling but Simon and his mother are true warriors and students of the system.
A must read for anyone interested in trauma survival and care.

Eye opening about the world of healthcare

Would you consider the audio edition of Rise and Shine to be better than the print version?

I'm neutral on this point, however, I did feel that the narrator, Kelsey Grammer, did a great job with narrating and really gave insight and perspective into the character. I kept picturing him the entire book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, the main character, since that was who the book was about and there really weren't many additional key players. He was very strong, determined & overcame even the greatest of obstacles, even when he was told no numerous times he persevered and was still able to obtain complete mind, body & spirit full recovery.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily because parts can be repetitive due to all the medical procedures and information, I found it better if I broke the story up a bit.

Inspiration Personified

Congratulations Mr. Lewis for inspiring others to reach beyond their pain and discomfort. As one who deals with chronic pain daily you have given me a reality check. I am in your debt.

Great story

I really enjoyed the inspirational story of Mr Lewis and the story read by Kelsey Grammer was excellent.

Intriguing

This is a very accurate dipiction of the events that surrounded tge authors traumatic accident & the journey of his innumerable surgeries to finally get to the point of regaining the life he lost. You see the heartaches and pain of what he had to endure. You become a part of his journey.

Amazing opportunities for healing!

Which scene was your favorite?

Every time a new, unheard of method of healing came about. When Simon started to know what to ask in order to get help in healing long term. We just don't know what we don't know.
Also when the woman told him off in the bar. Now that was a big marker in refusing to sit down and be disabled. Bravo!

Any additional comments?

I love the narrator's reading style and voice. It's so peaceful and sure. Perfect for this book.
This book opened my eyes to other possibilities for myself. I have been muddling through my life after having Giullian Barre. Residuals are like that of one who has suffered a stroke. While I have adapted well, I foolishly believed my medical teams when they told me that after 2 months of PT, the way I was by then is how I'd be. After the fact, I realized that was when my insurance would stop paying for it. I never thought to dig deeper medically speaking in order to function normally, but instead have worked on myself as much as possible. I can now walk for two miles and hold a very good job as a laborer. Nobody knows that I am compensating for what I cannot do. They just think I have somewhat quirky(?) habits and mannerisms.

Fantastic!

Would you listen to Rise and Shine again? Why?

Oh, yes. The author's experience was remarkable. He endured massive injury during the same accident that claimed the life of his young wife. He suffered many years of rehab made even more difficult by the inadequate, disorganized information he was given about his options for care. Worse, he often was blocked by his health insurance plans when he tried to access the medical treatments that he needed. Most of us would give up and quit trying along the way if we had to deal with so much pain and frustration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author.

What does Kelsey Grammer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wow. If I could give ten stars, Kelsey Grammer would deserve them for this narration. He has just the right pacing and tone for narrating this story. He was the best part of this Audible book. I love a narrator who reads at a brisk pace and doesn't dawdle, over-emote or overact. Mr. Grammer, thank you.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many such moments. Listen and find them for yourselves. You'll be glad you did.

Any additional comments?

Simon Lewis is inspiring. I'm glad he shared his story.