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Jack A. Langedijk
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because Kindle Edition

by Jack A. Langedijk (Author), V. V. Cam (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 112 ratings
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“because" is a poignant and inspiring story about Roberto, a passionate climber who, after losing his legs in an accident, struggles to find hope and meaning in his life. In this heartwarming book, Roberto shares his journey through the depths of despair and depression to ultimately find a sense of purpose and joy.

As he grapples with his physical limitations, Roberto is forced to confront the harsh realities of his new life. He initially feels hopeless and helpless, struggling to find any motivation to continue living. His story takes a turn when he discovers the power of the human spirit and his own resilience. He uses his love of climbing to inspire and motivate him, setting his sights on new goals and challenging himself to reach new heights.

Throughout the book, Roberto shares how he learns to navigate the challenges of his new reality. He shares the ups and downs of his physical therapy journey, as well as the emotional toll it takes on him and those around him. He also shares how he reconnects with his loved ones, rebuilding relationships that he thought were lost forever.

The most inspiring part of the book is how Roberto discovers a new sense of purpose and fulfillment in his life. He learns to see his disability not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to inspire others and create positive change in the world. He shares his story to inspire and motivate others, showing that even in the face of extreme adversity, it’s possible to find hope, healing, and happiness.

"because" is a story of courage, resilience, and determination that will leave readers feeling inspired and empowered. Roberto’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of hope. This is a must-read book for anyone looking to overcome adversity and find purpose and joy in their life.
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  1. Print length
    389 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    September 12, 2014
  5. File size
    1447 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

e-SCRIBES, UK - November 10, 2016

"We find this a skillful, thoughtful and deeply moving novel... and it's an inspiration to anyone who knows someone in this situation, or whose physical life as they knew it has been unexpectedly curtailed. This book is a life lesson from which we will all extract our own, differing, narratives."

INDIEREADER - February 15, 2016

"BECAUSE is a deeply moving, emotionally-powerful tale of intertwined lives, and of finding strength to go on in the face of utter despair. There are multiple stories braided into the main plot, as each of the characters has a voice and a tale of their own. Robert's story, therefore, is reflected in the stories of those he's helped as well as those who want to help him, giving the book a multifaceted perspective and adding deeper emotional and philosophical layers to the plot. This is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting book, and there isn't a character who doesn't have a substantial, painful tragedy to wrestle with...

BECAUSE is a book full of both emotional intensity and real philosophical and psychological insight."

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - Small Press Bookwatch November 2015 Issue

"A deftly crafted novel and an absorbing read from beginning to end, "because" is a compelling and thoroughly entertaining novel that documents author Jack Langedijk's truly exceptional storytelling skills..." - Midwest Book Review

KIRKUS REVIEWS MAGAZINE - August 15, 2015 Issue

"...Langedijk has lots to say about courage, compassion, redemption, and self-worth...

Meditations on some of life's biggest questions as told through some harrowing experiences." - Kirkus Reviews

Amazon.ca Top 100 Reviewer, Charles Dimov

I cannot say enough about Jack Langedijk's book. I just finished reading it - and am feeling completely inspired.

For anyone facing change, a challenge, or hardship - this is a wonderful book to read. It takes you through a tragic part of a remarkable man's life... and looks at his transformation and ability to cope/or not - with the biggest hurdle of his life.

It is a fantastic character development story, with an emotional punch. If you are going through any hardship, or challenge - you will want to read Because. There were emotional moments that gripped you in a pit of despair... with a breakthrough moment that brings you back to that sense of clarity - to see the path forward.

This gripping novel has renewed my own hope in my personal challenges.

If you are looking for an inspiring novel - to get you back on your feet and ready to re-appreciate life... this is the one for you!

I loved every minute of it!

I will be recommending Because to my friends! :-)

From the Author

To all those who may feel alone in their struggles. And to each and every person who takes the time to show them that they are not alone.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NJBHSXY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (September 12, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1447 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 389 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

About the author

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Jack A. Langedijk

Jack A. Langedijk

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Jack Langedijk is a passionate storyteller with contagious optimism and original ideas. He has delivered many ground-breaking workshops in leadership and listening to diverse audiences including elementary school children, families and corporations.

Jack founded QUEST-I'm-ON, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to create and foster healthy relationships within schools, workplaces and homes. He received his BFA in Montreal at Concordia University and his MFA at York University in Toronto. Jack has also taught acting and directing at Concordia University and Ryerson University in Toronto.

because is his debut novel which combines lessons learned from his own life with a fictional setting that articulates and instills fresh strategies for social issues such as teen bullying. With powerful anecdotes and vivid metaphors, the novel expresses real life obstacles and the possibilities of achievements for all of us.

Jack lives with his wife and daughter in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
112 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Brenda
5.0 out of 5 stars I was expecting to not enjoy it. I read it because I said I ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
What a delightful surprise I found Jack's book to be. Truth be told, I was expecting to not enjoy it. I read it because I said I would. Why this reluctance, you ask? Well, I'm a little "set in my ways", whose reading choices have narrowed significantly over the years (who knows why?). And this "type" of book definitely does not fall within my regular choices. That being said, I dutifully picked up the book. First let me note that I was intrigued by the cover - my interest was peaked. A good start, so far. The first page did not put me off (if that happens, the book is dismissed - I will not waste my time further). In fact, by the end of the first chapter, I was quite prepared to go on reading Chapter 2. As each chapter was finished, I became more and more invested in the characters, in wanting to know what was going to happen next. I found Jack's writing style entertaining and enlightening, lively enough to keep me wanting more. The switching between the present and the past kept me on my toes - I believe this approach kept my anticipation levels high. By the time I reached the half-way mark, I couldn't put the book down. "because" reached me emotionally - I laughed, I cried, I feared, I sighed, I hoped. When the book was finished, I was left feeling immensely satisfied - all the pieces fit perfectly. "because" felt like a friend who had been through almost unimaginable difficulties. It left me with a feeling of hope. And again, to my surprise, it gave me "food for thought" - I could see how the many changes in my life fit in so well with "becoming". In a way, this was something of a revelation to me. I believe this book can provide value to all ages who read it - it definitely is of value to me. I hope Jack continues to write more books - I can guarantee I will eagerly race to read his next one.
3 people found this helpful
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nursey
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read, especially if you know a mom supporting a child through cancer.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
It's something none of us ever want to hear, that your child has cancer. How this mom handles that is all too imaginable. The personal story going along with the child's illness is an interesting side line.
One person found this helpful
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Monica LaSarre, Author
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning art and a gift to humanity
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2014
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I feel strongly that ten years from now we'll be hearing Jack Langedijk’s name often and recalling the experience of reading the first of his many published works, Because, like we recall a poignant life memory. The story of Robert Sanchez is heart-wrenchingly beautiful, unprecedentedly attention-commanding, and from me it has earned the compliment every good author attains to, which is: "I couldn't put this book down!"

This is not a simple story. The drama is complicated, the story is revealed subtly. The dimensions of Robert's past and present, the intricacies of his relationships, were revealed in an ever-deepening cascade of naked truths until I, the reader, felt so deeply entrenched in all that made up the layers of Robert's life that I simply had to finish reading. I rushed headlong and with utter abandon towards the ending, with an aching need to know that this beautiful person would be OK in the end. You'll have to read it yourself to find out. Read the first chapter and you'll be hooked. You too will need to know that Robert and Monique will be OK.

If you read one book this year, one book that you will think over and mull over and allow to seep slowly and deeply into the marrow of your soul, let this book be it. And then, when you've finished reading it, spend some time to find the "Robert" in your own life. There's a little bit of “Because” in all of us, I believe, and I owe Mr. Langedijk a debt of gratitude for the gift this book has brought to my own life.
5 people found this helpful
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shelly
5.0 out of 5 stars and at the perfect time in our lives
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2014
Verified Purchase
Jack Langedijk sure knows how to write a powerful, inspiring and captivating novel.
A novel where we believe it was written for us, and at the perfect time in our lives.
I believe this book needs to be in schools, through a story to teach our children lessons and values.
Through Roberts journey we realize we have all traveled through the same journeys, learning the lessons of life. The lessons become like "Oprah's light bulb moments". We learn we are all human, we all have pain,failures and triumph's. Not only are we transported to Robert and Monique's world, we are also transported back to our own. The AH HA moment...
The book captivated me, I couldn't put it down.
I learned a lot about myself, through Roberts life.
I wondered through the book how it would end, and it wasn't disappointing.
BRAVO JACK A LANGEDIJK
I can't wait for another book.
One person found this helpful
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Cascadiana
2.0 out of 5 stars Relentlessly instructive
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2017
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Should be inspiring but felt way too forced. And how did this guy ever become a mountain climber anyway? It was way too long and way too predictable. It seemed as though I have read a story like this so many times before.
One person found this helpful
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Jane Bradley
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read - Because ......
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2015
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Langedijk captures the essence of understanding and perseverance along with tolerance, belief in one's self and others, and finding the real meaning of tests and challenges set before each one of us in our own lives. This book is written with passion and deep commitment to finding answers and solutions, while allowing the reader to develop their own thoughts and interpretations. Because ... is a MUST read by anyone who finds lack of tolerance and acceptance an issue that needs addressing. Langedijk is clearly a deeply committed writer and brings the reader to tears and joy throughout this book as his tale of discovery and belief in the possible unfolds. Very hard to put it down!
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Top reviews from other countries

Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars “Because” -- An inspirational “must read” for all!!
Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2014
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How is it that a random book can inspire self-reflection? The act of reading "because" - a fictional story - inspires you to imagine "what if", what would you do", "would you have the inner strength to face unexpected, unplanned events in your life? "Because" through its main character, Robert Sanchez, has you so connected to his trials and tribulations after a tragic event - a twist of fate - that you find yourself immersed in his world, of "what if and what direction do I take?" Perhaps it was fate for me to come across this book that affected me so strongly? As coincidently "change" is a key element in this story and I read this book while contemplating a career and other personal changes in my life.

While reading this book, you'll find yourself going through the emotions along with Robert as he deals with how the drastic changes in his physical-self affects how he sees himself and his interactions with others. Eventually, leading up to his need to re-examine his life and how he now fits in it.

Jack Langedijk, through his intricate weaving of characters throughout Robert's lifetime, causes you to reflect on the many guides, mentors (or "sherpas" if you will) that you come across in your own life. You're sure to relate with one or more of the diverse characters in this book. "Because" has you move from each characters' past, present and future; their troubled life's journey before meeting Robert, how they met Robert, and how he has a positive affect with their present (and perhaps future) direction in life. Like Robert, you can be a mentor and have many of your own (experiencing either circumstance unintentionally). The jumping back and forth through time as each character is introduced might be confusing for some; I thought the different flow added to their character development which helped me connect with some of their personality traits.

Experiencing drastic change through Robert's eyes reminded me of the adage "people are in your life for a reason, a reason or for a lifetime". "Because had me realize that there's a purpose for all interactions - to learn from others, to teach others or re-assess yourself!) An instance of this for me in the book (relax...no spoiler alert is required :)!) dealt with a character (who I felt was a positively-influential "random sherpa") that inspired Robert (and me) simply through a casual yet powerful interaction unintentionally changing his negatively-constrictive mindset (you know - the "stuck-in-a-rut" perspective we can sometimes find ourselves dealing with). Life is filled with many unrecognized moments of guidance leading to self-discovery. Like Robert, we can easily pigeon-hole ourselves into a role that "defines who you are supposed to be" forgetting that we're allowed to be flexible... Thankfully, our "random sherpas" encountered throughout life remind us that we can change - ideally for the better!

In reference to the background theme of rock-climbing in "because", scale your self-induced fears and embark on your journey to self-fulfilment and discovery. "Because" surprisingly opened my eyes to creating change instead of waiting for change. Who would think that embarking on an inspiring journey of self-discovery could start from reading a random book? For that reason alone, I highly recommend this book! because
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Christina
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!
Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2014
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“Because” was not my usual choice of reading material. I don't generally read memoirs or anything much in the non-fiction genre, but I was given an advance copy and thought I’d give it a try. I was surprised to find myself unable to put this book down. I found “Because” to be compelling and moving. The author’s writing style is very direct, and character driven.

The narrative moves easily and fluidly from past to present, allowing the author to tell many connected stories, while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread, each chapter building the momentum of the story and fleshing out characters, but never causing the story to lag.

I tend to be put off by anything remotely emotional, or inspirational but this book manages to be both without being mawkish or weepy. Dialogue is particularly good, really well written and engaging. The characters are moody and the main character is even downright unlikeable at times.

The author doesn’t gloss over the main characters despair, but rather builds the story and to a believable and satisfying conclusion, with each story line reaching a believable transcendence over the characters struggles or limitations. This really was an inspiring story. Considering my own hesitation about the genre, I was very, very impressed and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read. I look forward to more work by this author.
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shawn smyth
5.0 out of 5 stars Enticing – Great Read! Who is Robert Sanchez
Reviewed in Canada on October 19, 2014
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Enticing – Great Read!

Who is Robert Sanchez, and what is his problem? This is the question I asked myself throughout the book. The more I discovered about Robert, the more these questions became my own personal and introspective journey. As a special education resource teacher I know all too well that we are all handicapped in some ways, just as we are talented in other ways. Understanding this is the key to happiness. ‘Because’ is an inspirational journey that is sure to lead to enlightenment for all who take that path. ‘Because’ is both the answer, and the question, to better self-understanding and happiness.
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Loraine Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars sadness and great joy told by a Master Storyteller
Reviewed in Canada on October 21, 2014
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This is a MUST READ. It not only kept me up many nights till way after midnight, but had me looking forward to bedtime to read more. It is a powerful tale of despair and hope, sadness and great joy told by a Master Storyteller.
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smiling
5.0 out of 5 stars Because
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
Excellent book, made me reflect on my life and life in general? I love believe, belong, behave. 😀 good read, thought provoking.
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