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Testimonials---
- This is a truly remarkable work, unflinching and extremely well-written. It pulls no punches about the struggles you have faced and overcome, and the role of faith in your recovery. Your account of your accident, brain injury, courage, rehabilitation, and quest to live a meaningful life informed by faith makes 23: Time to Choose a truly exceptional book. I, myself, think it is a book every one of our students would benefit from reading.
Reverend Dennis Dease
President
University of St. Thomas
- Nick, keep me apprised. My book arrived! Great job! You should be proud of your accomplishment. And, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the wonderful things you said on my behalf. I am truly humbled by your comments. Hope you don’t mind, but I actually made a copy of page 150 and keep it in one of those magnetic picture frames on my office bookcase. I have the Dean Koontz passage posted on my office door, and continue to hand it out to my capstone classes. I plan to share the page from your book now, as well, to show that little things we do can, indeed, make a difference. So you know, your thoughtfulness in including the comments on my behalf made a difference in my life. It helped re-energize me as a teacher, and I want you to know how much it is appreciated. TGE
Thomas G. Endres, Ph.D. Director, School of Communication
University of Northern Colorado
Author, Sturgis Stories
- 23 is unforgettable. I am thinking of 23 on the big screen, "movie." You too?
Bethesda Hospital:-) Lanchi - For a brain-damaged young man to write a book is a staggering idea. His injuries were severe and his parents expected to lose him, but he emerged the victor. I like the saying "Do not become a prisoner of the past." That's profound insight into human nature, and I was also interested when, in Chapter 12, he fights occupational therapy--and suddenly relents. He sees the hard work of OT as the way he "climbed out of hell."
Writer's Digest
- Nicholas Dennen lives by the motto, "As we learn, teach and as we teach, learn." A student and a teacher, Nicholas, reflecting on his own experiences, including his near-death experience, helps us to recognize the importance of making the right choices before it is too late.
His story, words, and insights are powerful. He makes us think about the eulogy we would want someone to say about us, and encourages us to live that way today. It is time to choose our paths and live.
Kian K. Dwyer, Author
Living Your Chosen Eulogy: live today how you want to be remembered
23 is an inspirational memoir written from the heart. Articulately drawing on his own experiences, as well as on the words of others who have grown through facing adversity, Dennen offers tremendous courage and hope!
Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D., Psychologist
Finding my Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma
23 masterfully follows one person's stream of consciousness following a traumatic brain injury. Each step of post-TBI growth is visited and tracked, outlining a lucid path that flows easily and naturally. Richly sown with quotations and reflections, it stimulates readers to examine their own experiences. 23 is an excellent faith-based guide for anyone facing adversity of any kind.
Mike Strand, Author
Meditations on Brain Injury(Amazon.com)
Many of us have life journeys that contained minor detours - nothing like 23. Dennen's book tells an amazing story of adversity and recovery. However, it is more than a 'story'. It is a challenge to hope for a new beginning and for the second chance that can follow the most demanding of life's roadblocks. 23 is a book that rewards those who seek meaning.
Marston Moore, Author
Prairie Perpendicular
- Nick, I finished reading your book last night on Christmas Eve while I was at work. Great Job! I couldn't put it down. Your story inspired me to write a poem. I have been writing poems for almost 10 year now. I am nervous because it is personal but you shared your personal story with the world and I really want to share this poem with you.
So here it goes....
My Time To Choose I never thought it could be
I never thought I would see
God has put angels on the earth
He has brought you to me
One of the best gifts I have been given
Comes from the inspiration of a tragedy you were living
The things you had to face
Certainly put me in my place
You have given me My Time To Choose
Now I have the courage to decide to live a life I was about to lose
My hope was lost, life spiraling down
My purpose no where to be found
I almost stopped believing and for that I am sorry
To my surprise, I found an earth angel to help light my way
Thank you for surviving to tell your story
And helping me find a better day
Nicole B. 12.25.06
- Nick, I’m not very good at putting my thoughts into words, but I will do my best. Thank you for sharing your deepest and most personal thoughts regarding your life. You have opened my mind to what is important and reminded me to reflect on what is, and always has been the most important thing in my life…..personal relationships.
I am so inspired by your words and reflection on life and faith. I honestly felt like you were speaking to me directly when reading the book and I want to thank you for that. I will begin implementing your inspiration in my life starting today.
Jon, friend/roommate UMD, 1997-8, 12.25.06
- Nick, I received 23: Time To Choose yesterday. I began it before bed and stayed up until 1am. Then I woke up at 8am this morning and finished it before class. I seriously could not put it down---I enjoyed it so much! You are a great writer and have a talent to reach inside of people's souls through telling your story. I will be buying a few more copies during the next few months for birthday and graduation gifts. Also, I am sending out a mass email to all of my fellow students and professors regarding your book. I am highly recommending they read it. I am also going to pose to the professors that they consider making it a supplemental reading for our Adult Language Disorders Graduate class (for our Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program at MNSU). There is an abundance of information regarding life lessons and TBI recovery. I think your book is the most inspirational work I have ever read. It has definitely touched me--therefore, fulfilling your goal! Keep up the great work!
Kim, Mankato State Graduate student
(Jan, 2007) |
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