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Life Is Magic: My Inspiring Journey from Tragedy to Self-Discovery Hardcover – November 5, 2019

by Jon Dorenbos (Author), Larry Platt

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“Jon Dorenbos is a magical person. Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds.” —Ellen DeGeneres

An extraordinary and empowering story of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles.

You might recognize him as an NFL All-Pro or as an elite magician who made the finals of America’s Got Talent and regularly appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But Jon Dorenbos says that what he does is not who he is. Who he is is someone forced, at the most tender of ages, to coach himself into turning tragedy to triumph.

One morning in August 1992, when Jon was twelve years old and living a seemingly idyllic childhood in suburban Seattle, he woke up for baseball camp. His dad waved good-bye. Later that day, Jon heard the news: his father had murdered his mother in the family’s three-car garage. In an instant, his life had shattered. He’d been essentially orphaned.

Thrust into foster care while his father stood trial for murder, Jon struggled. Left to himself, he discovered an unlikely escape performing magic tricks. If you found a way to alter your reality after your dad—your hero—killed your mom, wouldn’t you cling to it too? Then came football, which provided a release for all of Jon’s pent-up anger. Together, magic and football saved him, leading to fourteen NFL seasons on the gridiron and raucous sleight-of-hand performances to packed houses across the globe.

In 2017, after being traded to the New Orleans Saints, Jon was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition. He had a choice: break down, or—as he’d long by now taught himself—bounce back. “Talk to yourself, don’t listen to yourself,” Dorenbos advises for those moments when the inner voice of self-doubt screams.

In Life Is Magic, Dorenbos draws a road map for how to shut that voice up by choosing happiness. At his darkest times, he writes, he’s learned lessons of love, forgiveness, and perseverance. His story is poignant and powerful, told by a charismatic and optimistic man who has overcome life-or-death challenges with grace, persistence, a childlike sense of wonder...and jaw-dropping card tricks.

Print length

240 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
Publication date

November 5, 2019
Dimensions

6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

1982101245
ISBN-13

978-1982101244
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Jon Dorenbos is a magical person. Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds, and it makes me so proud to call him a friend.”
—Ellen DeGeneres

“You may know Jon Dorenbos as a pro football player or a world class magician. But to get to know him and hear what he has overcome throughout his life is inspiring. His story of finding happiness throughout his life is both hilarious and moving. Get ready for a wild ride!”
—Garth Brooks

“In everything he does, Jon Dorenbos is the ultimate pro. Someone you want on your side when the going gets tough. In Life Is Magic, Jon shows what I witnessed from him in an NFL locker room, year after year: That, more than anything else, character is what matters, in football and in life.”
—Andy Reid

About the Author

Jon Dorenbos is a former professional football player, a celebrated magician, and a sought-after keynote and motivational speaker for Fortune 500 companies. A special-teams long snapper, he played fourteen seasons in the NFL, mainly for the Philadelphia Eagles, and appeared in the Pro Bowl twice. In his parallel career as a magician, he was a finalist on season 11 of America’s Got Talent and appears frequently on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He and his wife, Annalise, reside in Huntington Beach, California, with their child.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster (November 5, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982101245
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982101244
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #361,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,456 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #8,323 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
- #11,327 in Memoirs (Books)

Customer Reviews:
1,086

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4.7 out of 5

1,086 global ratings

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No name

Very entertaining and insightful!

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this book as I am a big fan of his from AGT. My husband also enjoyed it as a football fan. It was a very good read!

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JOHN C.

Fabulous read so far!

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

So inspirational! Would love to meet Jon & have him inspire my students!
Can't wait to finish this book but yet want to savor the read.

Helpful

Serenity...

~~Forgive others and Move on~~

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2019

Verified Purchase

Tragedy struck in this young man's home at the age of 12. Jon Dorenbos's dad murdered his mom and apparently with zero remorse. This is John's true story of that day, how his life changed instantly and how he moved on...eventually becoming a long-snapper in the National Football League, an All Pro for 14 years. And, a well known magician as well as a motivational speaker.

I loved the quotations from people at the beginning of the chapters including some from Helen Keller, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling and more. One of my favorites was from Frank A. Clark 'If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere'.

The book speaks of love, self-discovery, letting go, resilience, forgiveness and grief...and so much more. It is the story of determination at an early age and trying to find a focus for his young life. He turned to magic and football as a coping mechanism. And, he was excellent at both of those passions~

Such empathy I felt for Jon when he attended the trial of his father. Just imagine being 12 years of age and listening to the gruesome details of your mother's death..Not only that, but he testified and also viewed the autopsy pictures.. so brutal to listen to at that tender age.

He actively kept a journal at the advice of his therapist and some of his journal entries are included. Jon also says that the choice is yours...choose happiness over sadness, and forgiveness is key to moving on in one's life.

A Stanford University study was most interesting to me. This concerned grief and the effects on the body when one is unable to grieve. Paraphrasing: if one is bitter...anger will result; when hopeless....despair; and the inability to cope...leads to mental and physical damage...

So glad Jon was given his Super Bowl ring even though he was not on the team...Class act!

This touched my heart and mind at many levels. His marriage to Annalise and the birth of their daughter, Amaya is also covered near the end.

Most important lesson for me after reading this book....forgive others and remember that this choice belongs to you.

Most highly recommended.

22 people found this helpful

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Stef

Good book

Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024

Good book

Amazing and Inspirational

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

I first heard of Mr. Dorenbros' story on the NFL network.
His story is even more inspiring than I expected! Among tragedy and difficulties he has led an exciting life with success in the NFL and entertainment industry.
What's even more impressive is people's attitudes toward Joe Dorenbros as a person. Great story!

Helpful

Heather

An Engaging and Worthwhile Read

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021

Verified Purchase

This book is well-written, engaging, and flows well, without bogging down. I do not regret buying it. H/t to Michael Smerconish for having Jon on his show to promote it!
I, too, come from a dysfunctional family. No one has murdered anyone physically, but emotionally it's felt like it sometimes.
I've also suffered an unexpected event that damaged me physically and left me permanently disabled.
Jon's story was uplifting. Even though I'm several years older, I feel I can look up to him and form some resolve that I, too, will survive and thrive. I appreciate his positivity, feel gratitude that he's opened his heart and vulnerably shared his story, and that he's reached out to encourage others facing hard things. Thank you, Jon Dorenbos, for sharing.

2 people found this helpful

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Lisa Hanson

Inspiring

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2023

Verified Purchase

After hearing Jon speak at the ABC national craft championships I knew I had to get his book. It is great. Very motivational. I love his self talk and how he creates his own narrative. I will be implementing all his advise in my life.

Helpful

Todd Zavodnick

True Authenticity from the Heart!

Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

I recently heard Jon's interview on POTUS with Michael Smerconish driving to my office in Long Beach, CA which is my normal daily routine.. I grew up in Bucks County, PA raised by my family as a DIEHARD Eagles fan so that is how I knew of Jon to begin with as a long snapper. After hearing the interview I immediately purchased the book and read it this Labor Day weekend and it was excellent. An easy read that had me laugh out loud, fill up here and there with that grapefruit in the throat, and a reminder to truly remember to forgive, surrender, and focus on the "Power of Now" in life. There are so many life lessons to take away for myself as a leader and to share with my own children. Great Work Jon and thank you for adding enjoyment to my weekend here in Hermosa Beach!

PS~ Truly glad you got your ring! Jeffrey is a class act! I was there, took my entire family as my own father passed before we got one, that was one thing he really wanted.. I was able to take my son and sister with me to witness our first Super Bowl together, just typing it gives me chills.

You have truly had an amazing life in such a short time thank you for opening up and sharing with us.

One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Rooster Cog Burn

A must read

Reviewed in Canada on October 13, 2020

Verified Purchase

This book was awesome, quite a life story, very uplifting and really made you think about your own life and how much worse it could be. A motivational book for sure.

Emma

What an incredible story!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2021

Verified Purchase

Jon’s book is jaw dropping, inspiring and just radiates how an amazing kind and humble human being he is. Everyone should read this for a multitude of reasons but above all to realise life is short but it can be incredible and it all comes down to managing our emotions and how we treat others! A must read!

Yoosik Ethan Oum

I feel like I know the real Jon now.

Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2020

Verified Purchase

I’ve seen him of course on AGT, but reading this, you really get to know him, the highs and the lows. A very real and vulnerable and emotional read. Well written.

Andy Johnston

Great guy, great read, great book!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2020

Verified Purchase

I followed Jon Dorenbos through AGT and loved his positivity. Bought the book to read on holiday and whilst I’m not a big reader couldn’t put it down! Best book of 2019 for me.

Anne-Marie Austin

Jon

Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

It is an easy read, very touching and inspirational. Thank you for being you and teaching me the art of forgiveness, not for them but for me. God bless you and your beautiful family.

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