GATHERING COURAGE
A Life-Changing Journey through Adoption,
Adversity, and a Reading Disability
by
T.A. McMullin
Genre: Inspirational Memoir
Publisher: Gathering Courage Media
Date of Publication: January 19, 2016
Number of Pages: 222
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Why do some people find success despite hardships and others sink into a pit of despair?
Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability by T.A. “Terry” McMullin is the author’s incredible, award-winning memoir meant to inspire hope and encouragement to those who are going through tough times.
Terry dusted off the hurt from abandonment, rejection by her adoptive parents, dyslexia, shock of placement in a foster home, and a life-altering accident. Her faith and tenacity along with the internal desire to overcome is thought provoking as Terry worked her way through Texas A&M University. Terry’s life transformed from a broken-hearted child who could barely make out words in elementary school to a distinguished educator and writer who encourages young people to work hard and achieve their greatest aspirations.
Any reader who loves a true story with a Christian focus should definitely read this book. Learn about the special love for rescued animals and how they played a part in healing hurts and encouraging success.
PRAISE FOR GATHERING COURAGE:
*North American Book Awards, 2015 Winner
“Gathering Courage is an American story filled with adversity, triumphs, heartbreaks, and great personal victory. . . I give this epic book five stars. I held my breath after every chapter and you will too! — Charmaine Carraway, writer for the HUFFINGTON POST
“Overall, this memoir is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of emotional and physical pain. The author consistently notes the need for love and encouragement when dealing with both people and animals as well as the necessity of prayer and thankfulness; it’s almost a rhythmic incantation in the text. Readers will feel as if they’re walking alongside McMullin as she tells her story and advises readers how they, too, can survive setbacks. — KIRKUS REVIEW
“Gathering Courage is a truly moving read that will touch many hearts and positively inspire them to touch the lives of others.” — Faridah Nassozi, READERS’ FAVORITE
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Gathering Courage is heartbreaking in many ways, but it’s also extremely inspiring and uplifting. The author pulls no punches in telling about her difficult experiences in an adoptive home (and briefly in a foster home), her slow learning and poor grades because of undiagnosed dyslexia, and her never-ending struggle to please her adoptive parents. Instead of cowering and giving up in the face of so much negativity throughout her childhood, Terry chose to set goals and work unbelievably hard to achieve those goals. Her determination and steadfastness to attend college and work several jobs all at the same time are encouraging. What jumps out for me in this story is how some encouraging words and kind acts from a few people in Terry’s early years were enough to keep her chin up and moving forward. We should all be mindful of our words and deeds, especially toward impressionable and vulnerable children.
Terry’s words and writing style are not flowery or poetic; they are breathtaking in their simplicity and honesty. Her story comes from her heart and is filled with hope, faith, and love. Hope for the ability to achieve every goal she sets and positively impact the lives of so many, faith in God to see her through every obstacle and painful loss, and love for friends, students, and the animals in her care.
Terry’s journey will inspire you to view your own difficulties and relationships and outlook on life through a new and positive lens. Thank you, Terry, for your courage and your faith and for sharing your truly moving story.
Award winning Gathering Courage author, T. A. “Terry” McMullin, knows as well as anyone that hard times are a part of the journey of life.
Terry was born in an orphanage, then adopted, and made a foster child by her parents. Because Terry struggled with reading, comprehension, and spelling, she was placed in a foster home at the age of nine. As a child in the 1960s, hardly anyone recognized the learning issues related to dyslexia. The struggle to learn continued through high school.
From her deep faith in the Lord, Terry developed an internal desire to excel, no matter the obstacle, no matter the situation. Pushing adversity and a reading disability aside, Terry enrolled in college. While attending college and working full-time, Terry taught herself how to read and study. With pure grit and determination, Terry succeeded and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University.
At crucial points in her life, Terry found people who showed her unconditional love and encouragement. Terry gained gratification, emotional, and spiritual support from working with horses and dogs. The encouragement from others made Terry’s life better so she vowed to be a champion for others who needed help.
Terry lives on a small ranch in Texas, a forever home, with her horses, donkeys, and rescued border collie dogs.
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SEVEN SIGNED COPIES!
(US ONLY)
October 3 – October 17, 2016
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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
| 10/3 | Review | It’s a Jenn World |
| 10/4 | Author Interview 1 | Hall Ways Blog |
| 10/5 | Review | Country Girl Bookaholic |
| 10/6 | Excerpt 1 | Margie’s Must Reads |
| 10/7 | Review | Forgotten Winds |
| 10/8 | Guest Post 1 | My Book Fix Blog |
| 10/9 | Promo | Momma On The Rocks |
| 10/10 | Author Interview 2 | StoreyBook Reviews |
| 10/11 | Review | Blogging for the Love of Authors and Their Books |
| 10/12 | Excerpt 2 | Byers Editing Reviews & Blog |
| 10/13 | Guest Post 2 | Books and Broomsticks |
| 10/14 | Review | Reading By Moonlight |
| 10/15 | Author Interview 3 | A Novel Reality |
| 10/16 | Promo | Syd Savvy |
| 10/17 | Review | The Page Unbound |
