Join autobiographer Dave Hammer as he journeys from being burned in a tent fire at age five, to going to public school, to college, to driving a stick-shift, to where he is now.
Morality
The Hammer family is close-knit. When trouble strikes, extended family rallies around. Dave's mom finds out he's stealing and tells him to return the stolen items immediately. Dave's mom and dad reunite after being separated for a few years. Dave forgives those responsible (and those who feel responsible) for the fire that changed his life.
Spiritual Content
Dave gives God glory for his rescue from the flames. He gets saved at a little Sunday school.
Violence
Nothing is described in great detail. There was the fire that burned Dave, his brother, and a girl, while killing two others. A mean nurse rips a bandage off of Dave's leg on purpose. While not "violent", Dave goes through a screaming-painful procedure during which his dead, blackened skin in scraped off. A little kid scratches at Dave's eye. Dave crashes into a black cow at midnight, flipping the car to some distance away.
There are photos in the book of Dave after he is burned in the fire. Again, these aren't "violent," but certainly have the potential to startle readers.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Nothing beyond medications and pre-surgery anesthetics.
Sexual Content
Nothing of consequence. Dave threatens to kiss a girl, and she wishes he would, but nothing happens.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
Dave Hammer has an amazing way of drawing people into the drama of his life. I only had to read the prologue and I was hooked. Be prepared to laugh and cry. All through his life, Dave was and is stubborn. He is determined to at least try to accomplish things people say he can't. He believes that God had His hand in all that happened. He is optimistic, plucky, and has a great sense of humor. He encourages others to face the impossible with the attitude of the possible.
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