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Ghost Boy

Ghost Boy

Released: 2013-11-19
© Thomas Nelson
Ghost Boy - QR Code
Released: 2013-11-19
© Thomas Nelson

Description

They all thought he was gone. But he was alive and trapped inside his own body for ten years.
In January 1988 Martin Pistorius, aged twelve, fell inexplicably sick. First he lost his voice and stopped eating. Then he slept constantly and shunned human contact. Doctors were mystified. Within eighteen months he was mute and wheelchair-bound. Martin's parents were told an unknown degenerative disease left him with the mind of a baby and less than two years to live.
Martin was moved to care centers for severely disabled children. The stress and heartache shook his parents marriage and their family to the core. Their boy was gone. Or so they thought.
Ghost Boy is the heart-wrenching story of one boy's return to life through the power of love and faith. In these pages, readers see a parent's resilience, the consequences of misdiagnosis, abuse at the hands of cruel caretakers, and the unthinkable duration of Martin's mental alertness betrayed by his lifeless body.
We also see a life reclaimed a business created, a new love kindled all from a wheelchair. Martin's emergence from his own darkness invites us to celebrate our own lives and fight for a better life for others.

Apple Books: Customer Ratings

Ratings & Reviews

4.5 of 5 (829 Ratings)

Apple Books: Customer Reviews

2016-11-23

An Awakening

Eye opening and heart wrenching. I have been changed. So elegantly written, I didn't want it to end.
Heath950
2016-11-06

Ghost Boy

A really good read.
Shaky Puddin
2016-11-03

Inspiring!

This was a wonderful book that was nearly impossible to put down until I finished. Martin you are an amazing man that deserves all the blessings this world has to offer. You are inspiring as you are truly honest as you tell your story. I can honestly say after reading your words that you have affected my life in a positive way. You give hope to keep reaching for your dreams. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and yours!
Run-R
2016-09-24

Good reading

Excellent book!
BobCrazy
2016-01-03

Ghost Boy

Thanks for sharing your life! The book tells the story of life. It demands the basic need people have for respect, and love no matter what might be seen from the outside. I’m so impressed with the person that was forged in silence, and the people that recognized, and helped rescue you.
goosebumps.
2015-12-30

Ghost Boy

One of the best books I've read in a very long time. I would find myself up until midnight reading not realizing it had gotten so late. Truly a very good book.
4Givenatlast
2015-10-19

Remarkable

A truly inspiring story. I will never forget the book.
An annoyed squid
2015-10-06

Ghost Boy

This was an engaging book that stirred my heart. I was drawn in immediately and was rooting for the title character, Martin, to find happiness and a sense of normalcy. Well written and easy to read!
heyloserrrrrr
2015-10-01

Ghost boy made me think

Ghost Boy is fairly easy and fast read. I was at times so eager to read the next chapter that I couldn't go to sleep until I did. Very insightful book and I have gained some knowledge having read it. Cheers Martin and may you live life to the fullest
Coolestdudeever
2015-04-18

Powerful and poignant

What an amazing read! It's as if Martin opened his heart and let us delve through the inner reaches. His story made me cry with his struggles, rage at the atrocities he witnessed, and rejoice in his triumphs. And most of all, it made me look at the world a little differently, a bit closer. What an amazing gift it is to live, and communicate, and love!
Worth every second. You will not regret reading this!!
Kj and kids
2015-03-14

Amazing

Martin's story is beyond belief. I'm honored that he shared it with the world. I'll never forget his story.
She-Twain
2015-03-03

Ghost Boy

You won't put the book down.
Jersey2012
2015-03-01

Inspiring

The power of the human spirit is infinite! I was very lucky to see an episode of Dr Oz in which he interviewed Martin. I downloaded his book that day! I live by the philosophy that though we may not control all of the cards we are dealt, we always control how we play them. In his darkest hours, he proved this to be true! Thank you for your beautiful spirit and your willingness to share your wonderful story!
Infiniti8
2015-02-14

Hope

I first learned of this book during a segment on the world news and I knew I had to buy and read it. I have been paralyzed for the last 14 years so I can in someways relate to you Martin. I can't fathom not being able to communicate with people as what you did for so many years. My heart goes out to you, your wife and your family. Thank you for sharing your life story and I wish for you a lifetime of happiness and blessings! God is GREAT!!!
Skeeter29
2015-02-14

Ghost Boy

Ghost Boy is an amazing book! An amazing story by a very amazing man who the book is about! Very captivating.
dml's phone
2015-02-10

Ghost Boy

I have so enjoyed this book. I feel like I personally know Martin. I am looking forward to seeing him when he visits Glenn Beck at the Blaze.
Lmjss
2015-02-09

Love it!

Wow, this was an impressive story. The things he went through and the man he became, not letting his disability play a part. I would so love to shake hands with both Martin and is wife. Well written.
Something nice
2015-02-09

Ghostboy

Other than Helen Keller this man's strength
To overcome and conquer his limitations
Is so inspiring !!! Great read 🎈
Shells from the burg
2015-02-09

Simply AMAZING!

Ghost Boy is a story of everyone's biggest fears. It is unimaginable to live for so many years, locked inside of your unworking body. What a fantastic testament of unconditional family love, and of course to Martins pure will to survive and to beat all obstacles. I will never forget this amazing story, will recommend it to everyone I know. Such a GREAT, GREAT read!!!!
Jillimom
2015-02-09

Inspirational!!

What a courageous man! His story teaches us the human mind is limitless
cspritz
2015-02-08

Ghost Boy review. Brilliant book

I loved reading this book with all its heartfelt sharing of his experiences of his life. I'm sure whatever he shares in this book are just a small portion of what he lived with, however, what he shares pulls us into his world and heart. It gives the reader another view of so many things, how we should look at those in care homes, how we treat others and what we need to change in our life. Thank you for writing this book.
ddwise
2015-02-04

Ghost Boy

This is definitely the best book I have read in a long time. I felt his helplessness, fear, hope and love through every page. It made me cry but left me very happy. Life can be very good.
Bonniejeanmo
2015-02-01

Ghost Boy

I loved this book. I read it after seeing Martin and his family on the Today show. I could hardly put it down. I now have a new level of understanding and compassion for those with disabilities. Thank you Martin for sharing your story
Patriot11205
2015-01-30

A very moving story

Martin's story gets inside your head. It is not always easy to read, but it is worthwhile and thought worthy. It has the power to change the way a person looks at life.
Genotile
2015-01-25

Ghost boy

Inspirational. Never have I felt so many emotions while reading any one book. Anger, frustration, sadness, excitement, happiness, love. Martin is simply amazing and an incredible inspiration who has overcome the impossible. I feel proud to have read this story. Thank you Martin for sharing such an intimate part of your journey. God put you here to share your story and it couldn't have been done in a better way.
PT_378
2015-01-24

Inspiring

What an amazing book! Martin is such an inspiration!
Sammyb1021
2015-01-24

Ghost Boy

Martin, thank you for sharing your testimony written in book form. It was such an encouragement to me. As a woman dealing with the struggles of Multiple Sclerosis and the fears that center around "worst case scenarios" that can occur, your story breathed a burst of fresh hope into my soul and spirit. Thank you for reminding me that our faith in God is unfailing. I loved reading about your life. God bless you and Joanna.
M. Valentine
2015-01-22

Incredible life story

I could not buy this book quick enough and once I bought it I couldn't stop reading. What a truly inspirational story about personal strength, perseverance, family, friendships, kindness and love. I cried while reading the horrible darkness he experienced and also cried for all of the triumphs he achieved! Definitely a must read! Please share with your friends and family.
Star3x1
2015-01-22

Ghost Boy

Unbelievably amazing!!! I am so proud of you Martin.. Your awakening, your journey... Completely and utterly, yours is one of the best journeys in life I've ever read. I'm in awe, inspired, proud and so happy for you. All of the raw emotions you describe depicts how truly amazing, determined and strong you are.
Thank you for writing this book and allowing me and all of your readers to experience the detailed life of the becoming of you. Congratulations to you and Joann!!! Dawn
Dawn Mullaney
2015-01-20

Ghost Boy fantastic book!

This was an AMAZING story, I haven't read a book in 20 years but as soon as I saw this story on facebook I was fascinated, I can't imagine being a prisoner in your own body! Thank God for Verna for realizing that you where awake and aware of everything. Thank God for your WONDERFUL father who never gave up on you, and your mother who I'm sure feels guilty for the years she gave up hope but once she realized you were still in there she started fighting like a tiger for you and your beautiful wife for loving you unconditionally. I would have loved to hear that the people that abused you were arrested, but even if not, they will get theirs. It's hard to believe there are people that evil out there working as caregivers! You are such an amazing and inspirational person to overcome all the obstacles you have. Thanks for sharing your incredible story!
Patricia Drake
2015-01-20

Ghost Boy

An amazing book! And a more amazing story!!
Mr. Pistorius is an inspiration to us all!!!!
Joanne SINY
2015-01-19

Unbelievable story

Great read and impossible to put down. Martin engages you as if you struggle with him and it makes you reflect on your life in new ways. This book came to me at the right time in my life and I can't thank Martin enough for sharing this incredible story with the world.
Also, I loved the short chapter style.
LuvsBR
2015-01-19

Incredible Journey

What a story. A window into a world most of us have never taken the time to consider. It has forever changed the way I will view those who are like the Ghost Boy.
idonothavenonickname
2015-01-19

Ghost Boy

Terrific, well-written book. Candid, engaging, and uplifting. The author does a good job of making you feel part of his journey. You likely will not see another person in the same light again and it reinforces the notion that God does have a plan for each of us, no matter the circumstances.
Christopher Wallace
2015-01-16

Wonderfully written, raw autobiography

I feel so honored to have been allowed into the author's world. His story is not only compelling, but his perspective is fresh and unaffected. If you enjoy inspirational non-fiction, look no further.
Bowlingirl
2015-01-16

Ghost boy

Determination, faith, faults, darkness and light fill the pages of this book.
Unthinkable abuse, sadness and fear cannot stop the one innate feeling....love
Martin does not allow his abusers to take focus in his writings and wow how hard that must have been but I want them held accountable a side note would have been nice that said they were tried and convicted.
A must read
My soul loves
2015-01-15

One of the best books I've ever read

Martin's style of writing allows you to feel like you are right there in the room with him as he lives through each of his experiences. I could not put this book down and plan on sharing with my friends, family, and colleagues. I work in a long term care facility that serves elders living with dementia. Martin's life story reminds us that people are so aware of what goes on around them and have such strong emotional memory regardless if they are able to verbally communicate. The powers of love, touch, and understanding are something ALL human's yearn for and Deserve
Chels456
2015-01-15

Ghost Boy

An absolutely stunning tale, what a journey for this beautiful young man. As I read this book, it did nothing more than place a large emphasis on the appreciation of life for me, I've spent a year away from my son on business and I do currently love him more than life and more than ever I wanted to hold him in my arms and kiss him, and thank god that he is mine. I also have gained a more positive outlook on life after this read, if Martin can do this, there are literally no limitations on life. What a brave soul, a kind and honest man that puts everything in perspective. I am thankful to have come across this book in my many reads, it has been a fresh outlook on life for me, and given me an opportunity to set myself a dream, no matter how big or small and know I can accomplish it. If Martin can do this, anyone can. Again such an inspiration and a great read. Highly recommended.
OCmommy05
2015-01-15

Ghost Boy

Best book I have ever read.
Cc93430
2015-01-14

Awe-Inspiring

I couldn’t put this book down! Martin’s story is truly inspiring and he is an extremely gifted writer. This book will bring you to heights of joy, and at times fill you with shock and anger at some of the things he has endured. But mostly, you will cheer him on! This is a must-read!!! Amazing book, incredible story, inspiring man!!!
RKKP16