AMC: Thoughts on J.R. Martinez's memoir Full of Heart

This weekend I took the opportunity to read "Full of heart: my story of survival, strength, and spirit" by J.R. Martinez with Alexandra Rockey Fleming. This entry is about my thoughts on the memoir.

The prologue has J.R. reacting to the burns on his face, but then the story really starts at the beginning of his life.

Chapters one through five discuss his early life before going into the military. His mother's life Maria is one that could be on a soap opera. From how she illegally came to the US eventually becoming a citizen to the abuse she suffered at the hands of horrid boyfriends to how she was abandoned with baby J.R. As a child, J.R. grew up with his single mother with the rest of her family back in El Salvador. They lived throughout the US south, and J.R. shared stories of the innocent hijinks he got into growing up and how he was a latchkey kid. While not focusing on his studies, J.R. was able to motivate his classmates on the football team.

Chapters six through twelve, which are the bulk of the book discuss how and why he joined the military, his injuries and recovery primarily at BAMC. This part while very interesting is a bit of a difficult read. He recounts the humvee accident in Iraq in first person.  This was one of the vehicles that didn't have the armor on it, and the makeshift material didn't provide as much protection. Punches aren't pulled and at times, I winced in sympathetic pain over everything he went through in the hospital. He also talked about his feelings of anguish over what happened and the loneliness he felt. When this section ends though we see the light at the end of the tunnel as J.R.'s life steadily improves as he comes to accept himself again.

Chapter thirteen and fourteen are the All My Children and Dancing with the Stars chapters, If you watched either of these shows, what he shares is rather interesting. While not naming names, the pitfalls at AMC were mentioned, though if you are familiar with the program you know who is being referenced. He does talk about the good relationship he had with Shannon Kane, who his character Brot was engaged to at the end of the series. J.R.'s acquisition of his dog Romeo was also part of this section.

With DWTS, J.R. discusses working with Karina and some of the different dances they did together. Karina had suggested a spinoff show with veterans, so she was glad to be paired with J.R. The struggles they had at the show along with their successes were mentioned.

At AMC, he met Diana, who was assistant to the executive producer at the program. They have a daughter named Lauryn Anabelle who is named after Diana's sister who passed away as well as J.R.'s late sister. Diana and J.R.'s relationship is discussed in detail as they were friends who became something more.

The book ends on a happy note as J.R. explains all of the opportunities he had after DWTS. J.R. speaks of his dreams for the future and states what he wishes would be next in his career and personal life.