Book excerpt: We all face obstacles. Whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or financial, we are all working to overcome a roadblock ahead of us. When Shay Eskew's roadblock--a splash of gasoline and a lit match that set his body ablaze--came as a child, he had the choice to either succumb to his injuries or to rise above them. In What the Fire Ignited: How Life's Worst Helped Me Achieve My Best, Shay shares the trials and tribulations he was forced to face while recovering from his burns and reclaiming his life as an athlete. Despite being told to give up on sports, Shay began training for and competing in IRONMAN triathlons. By sharing his story, Shay hopes to help those struggling with life to realize the greatest tragedies are often our greatest blessings if we have the faith to stay the course. We are all facing something; we all have the odds stacked against us in some way. In What the Fire Ignited, readers should take comfort in knowing others have been there and not only survived, but thrived. "Shay's story of perseverance and sheer will is one that needs to be told and retold His journey is both harrowing and hope filled." - R.A. Dickey, NL CY Young Winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist "To call Shay Eskew superhuman is an understatement. Shay somehow turned an unthinkable tragedy into boundless inspiration. He bares his soul in, What the Fire Ignited and his story had me laughing and crying, but mostly cheering for this most improbable hero. Go Shay " - Dean Karnazes, TIME: "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World" and NY Times Best Selling Author "This is an incredible story. Shay shares his amazing journey of overcoming countless obstacles and challenges to become a world class athlete against insurmountable odds. It is a story of resilience, strength, family and turning everything thrown at you into an opportunity. Read this and prepare to be inspired " -Craig Alexander, 5 time Triathlon World Champion. "Utterly inspirational. Shay has constantly defied the odds, and his powerful, heart wrenching and ultimately uplifting story is a testament to the indomitable power of the human body and mind. It's a must read." - Chrissie Wellington, 4 time IRONMAN World Champion What the Fire Ignited is a quick, fascinating read. Based on a personal tale of tragedy, it's an inspirational and gut-wrenching account of one man's determination which ultimately proves self-made success is possible despite tragedy and formidable obstacles. Told with self-deprecating humor, a lot of heart and wistful charm this compelling story forces you to empathize, do a little self-reflection, and ultimately walk away thinking, "Man, I want to get to know this guy " - Chanda Bell, Author, The Elf on the Shelf, writer, director "A book that needed to be written now needs to read. BAM" -Jack Daly, three time Amazon Best Selling Author and 15 time Ironman