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About
A beloved Paralympic champion shares her story-and powerful principles to help readers find their own path to unconditional self-acceptance.
Jessica Long is one of the most inspirational figures of our time. From having both legs amputated as a toddler, she has gone on to become one of the most decorated athletes in history. Yet her true successes-and struggles-are not about winning medals or setting world records in the swimming pool. "Our worth cannot be placed in external things-our looks, job, or approval of others," she says. "No achievement will make us feel worthy unless we can love ourselves without judgment."
With Beyond the Surface, Jessica offers an intimate exploration of the hard-won lessons she learned on her extraordinary journey. Here, she opens up about the toughest challenges she faced-not just the trauma of multiple surgeries and prosthetics, but the anger, resentment, and insecurity of trying to find her place and identity in a world that viewed her as less than whole. In each chapter, she reveals the resources and support that allowed her to overcome hardship-and translates them into practices and reflections to help you create a bedrock of self-acceptance that you can rely on even through the most difficult times.
"I am not a victim to my circumstances, and neither are you," says Jessica. "In sharing my story, including the ugly and uncomfortable parts, I hope to inspire you to love yourself just as you are. It is our differences that make us so incredibly beautiful, and human, and strong." Jessica Long was born with congenital defects in her lower legs requiring double amputation, and placed for adoption at 13 months old. Supported by the love of her family, she has become a world champion swimmer with 29 Paralympic Medals. As one of America's most decorated and recognizable athletic champions, Jessica focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband and their dog, Goose. For more, visit jessicalong.com.
Jessica Long is one of the most inspirational figures of our time. From having both legs amputated as a toddler, she has gone on to become one of the most decorated athletes in history. Yet her true successes-and struggles-are not about winning medals or setting world records in the swimming pool. "Our worth cannot be placed in external things-our looks, job, or approval of others," she says. "No achievement will make us feel worthy unless we can love ourselves without judgment."
With Beyond the Surface, Jessica offers an intimate exploration of the hard-won lessons she learned on her extraordinary journey. Here, she opens up about the toughest challenges she faced-not just the trauma of multiple surgeries and prosthetics, but the anger, resentment, and insecurity of trying to find her place and identity in a world that viewed her as less than whole. In each chapter, she reveals the resources and support that allowed her to overcome hardship-and translates them into practices and reflections to help you create a bedrock of self-acceptance that you can rely on even through the most difficult times.
"I am not a victim to my circumstances, and neither are you," says Jessica. "In sharing my story, including the ugly and uncomfortable parts, I hope to inspire you to love yourself just as you are. It is our differences that make us so incredibly beautiful, and human, and strong." Jessica Long was born with congenital defects in her lower legs requiring double amputation, and placed for adoption at 13 months old. Supported by the love of her family, she has become a world champion swimmer with 29 Paralympic Medals. As one of America's most decorated and recognizable athletic champions, Jessica focuses on succeeding in the water and inspiring others outside the pool. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband and their dog, Goose. For more, visit jessicalong.com.
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Reviews
"Jessica Long will inspire you to define yourself, challenge the narrative, and write your own story. This book is a must read!"
Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion
"In Beyond the Surface, Jessica Long teaches us how to rise above the limiting beliefs that make us question whether we belong and proves that you can come from anywhere and do anything as long as you believe in yourself."
Gabby Thomas, two-time track and field Olympic medalist and public health advocate
"From facing adversity head-on to becoming a Paralympic legend, Jessica Long's story is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. And, despite all her accomplishments and her challenges, she's here to show that our worth isn't measured by medals or performances"
true worth comes from within."