November 21, 2010. U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was posted atop a building in violent Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when an enemy grenade skittered toward him and fellow Marine Nick Eufrazio. Without hesitation, Carpenter jumped on the grenade, saving Eufrazio but sacrificing himself. Severely wounded, it took dozens of surgeries and almost three years to reconstruct his body-- yet his spirit was unbroken. This is Carpenter's story of how he battled back from the gravest challenge to forge a life of joyful purpose. -- adapted from jacket

Introduction: You are worth it --Afghanistan -- It starts at home -- Hard work pays off -- Keep your promises-- to others and to yourself -- Lead with action -- Someone else's shoes -- The grenade -- Call your mom -- Find the joy -- It starts at home (again) -- The past truly is the past -- Jump -- Don't hide your scars -- "Stay motivated" -- Know your worth -- You're going to fail... and that's okay -- You are more than your ribbon rack or résumé -- Say thank you -- Parting thoughts.