Title: Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds: The Jimmy Mulzet Story
Author: Jimmy Mulzet
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
ISBN: ‎9788889453079
Pages: 130
Genre: Autobiography
Reviewed by: Dan MacIntosh

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Jimmy Mulzet’s life story is one of faith, hope, and action. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, Mulzet didn’t start out life with a whole lot of hope. However, his father had enough faith for the both of them, and even though doctors didn’t think the young guy would ever walk, dad simply begged to differ. This parent took Jimmy to church at a young age where he began a life of faith that would last his entire lifetime. Mulzet’s autobiography is a recollection of various challenges and accomplishments. It’s an inspirational tale, to say the least.

Although he doesn’t say so explicitly within the work itself, this book about Mulzet’s life is also yet one more accomplishment in a life filled with multiple met goals. Mulzet was raised in New York City, which can be a really tough town – even for those without any handicaps. However, one learns from reading his story how Mulzet never fails to be thankful for any and all who helped him along the way. He doesn’t tell us in his book that this is the right way to live; the life of thankfulness. Instead, he exemplifies this approach. Reading his story, one loses count of all the many ‘thank yous’ Mulzet mentions throughout this work. Yes, there are doctors thanked, but there are also neighborhood businesses where the employees took the time to talk with Mulzet. That may seem like a little thing, but it was no small favor for Mulzet. He remembers all the people that showed kindness to him, back when he was still young and struggling to get on his feet.

One who gets thanked more than anyone else, though, is God. Mulzet was raised a Catholic. Even though it’s tougher for him than others to do various church tasks, such as ministering in helping to serve Communion, Mulzet believes it is his responsibility to give back to the church that has served him so well. Indirectly, he is giving back to God for blessing him. While serving at church in various capacities, leads to Mulzet taking trips to both Israel and Ireland, and even meeting Pope John Paul. Mulzet receives these wonderful opportunities, not because others have pity and feel sorry for him. No, he earns these benefits because he is no pew potato. Instead, he is active in his church and strongly believes in God. This ought to be an inspiration to all.

Once Mulzet masters the act of walking, even though he is still somewhat unsteady on his feet, he engages in challenging physical activities. These include running in the New York City marathon and climbing up the stairs to the Empire State Building’s very top floor. He may not be able to compete with those more able bodied than himself, he nevertheless works hard to accomplish his goals. He also became a participant and a spokesperson for the Special Olympics. In every endeavor, he exhibits a can-do, rather than a can’t-do attitude. Once again, these accomplishments are an inspiration to all – especially those that may have been told, ‘No, you can’t do that.’

It’s sad how so many people just give up on themselves before they even try something hard. Jimmy Mulzet might well say, ‘Shame on you!’ to these because he doesn’t know the term ‘give up.’ His life is both an inspiration, and inspirational. He’s an inspiration because he’s accomplished more than many ever expected of him.  He’s inspirational, though, because he credits God for his successes. He knows well the Biblical promise that nothing is impossible for God. Jimmy Mulzet is a man that lives to face challenges and beat odds, over and over again.