Ten To Life

A poignant read of one person's experience

I thought that this book was a well-written account of one person's deep personal experience during his hospital stay. Just knowing what he went through is remarkable, and knowing that he actually lived through the experience to actually tell his story is something that I think is pretty amazing. I think people will interpret this book differently; for me it's a poignant account of the amazing life-altering experiences that our soul is able to go through when we are open to it. So I felt that this was a worthwhile read.

Book Details Harrowing, Disturbing, Fantastical Hallucinations of Delirious COVID-19 Survivor

“Pamela helped me get on my feet, and one of the drivers got out to help me into the back of the ambulance. Much to my surprise, there was Nancy Stillwell, fully nude in a hot tub, smoking a cigar and nursing a tumbler of bourbon…we pulled out into the highway as the shop was breached…”

“Those of us in the bed of the monster truck were immediately separated from it and free falling to our imminent demise. As I looked around, the other groups had also been sent out of their planes in the same manner. I saw Josh and his group all wearing ape masks…We all died within seconds of each other. Except me.”

I recall an old Star Trek Next Generation episode where Captain Jean Luc Picard is rendered unconscious. Little did his Enterprise starship crew know, however, was that his mind was on another planet, where he lived nearly an entire lifetime during his 25 minutes of being unconscious. He got married, had kids, was happy, etc. It is funny how many dreams, at least those we are aware of when we awaken, can span long periods of time although we may have only been asleep for an hour or two. more...

"Impressive Book"

"Ten to Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor" by Mike Joyner is a haunting and gripping memoir that offers an unfiltered glimpse into the depths of a Covid-19 battle. Joyner's vivid storytelling takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as he recounts his journey through delirium and hallucinations. The author's ability to convey the horrors of the virus through his descriptions is both chilling and captivating. One cannot help but be moved by the resilience and determination displayed by Joyner, whose courage in the face of overwhelming adversity serves as an inspiration to us all.

This book goes beyond a mere personal account; it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of Covid-19 on the human psyche. Joyner's raw and emotionally charged narrative leaves a lasting impression, evoking empathy and fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by survivors. "Ten to Life" serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to cherish the precious moments of life and appreciate the seemingly mundane aspects we often overlook. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a powerful and eye-opening perspective on the devastating effects of the pandemic, and I unequivocally award it a well-deserved 5-star rating.

"Truly Insightful"

"Ten to Life: The Delirium Tales of a COVID Survivor" is a truly insightful book that provides a raw and powerful account of author Mike Joyner's 18-day struggle with unfettered hallucinations during his battle with COVID-19. Joyner's candid writing style immerses readers in his phantasmagoric experiences and blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, all while highlighting the deeply held fears and internal terror associated with the virus. His personal revelations and reflections offer valuable insights into the psychological effects of the disease, making this a must-read for COVID survivors and their loved ones.

"Dark and disturbing, but ultimately uplifting!"

This book is a powerful, terrifying, and twisted account of one man's Covid-19 journey into the abyss. What sets this book apart from other Covid-19 memoirs is its focus on the author's wild and impossibly vivid hallucinations from Covid delirium, which were induced by a cocktail of harsh medications while he was sedated in a coma.

The book is full of unexpected twists and tense, emotional moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's candid and bare account of his experience is truly inspiring, and his story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

One of my favorite excerpts from the book is when the author speaks about the kindness, prayers, and critical medical and spiritual support he received during his darkest hours. It is clear that he feels a deep sense of gratitude for the second chance he was given and is determined to make the most of it.

The book is a thought-provoking and spiritual journey that will leave readers feeling inspired and deeply moved.

"Gripping and powerful"

This book stands out from other Covid-19 recovery books because of its focus on the author's vivid and wild hallucinations and delirium caused by the illness and harsh medications. The author's candid account of his experiences is both thought-provoking and inspiring, though it is also dark and disturbing at times. The book includes unexpected twists, spiritual elements, and alternate lifetimes, creating a tense and emotional atmosphere.

"Haunting"

"Ten to Life" is a gripping and harrowing account of the author's battle with Covid-19. From the moment the author falls ill, we are taken on a journey through the abyss of delirium, hallucinations, and the far reaches of the mind. The author's vivid descriptions of his experiences, both conscious and subconscious, paint a haunting picture of the horrors of Covid-19. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. The author's courage and determination to survive against all odds are truly inspiring. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the full impact of Covid-19 and its devastating effects on the human psyche. It is a raw and emotionally painful account that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for life and the precious moments we often take for granted. I highly recommend "Ten to Life" and give it a 5-star rating.

"What a Ride!"

This book reads like a sci-fi fantasy book and thriller. I was intrigued by the title and what it had to do with Covid. It was not what I thought it would be. It was better, and I couldn't stop reading it. I don't typically read books like this, but I wanted to know what happened. The story is well told, and I can feel and hear the sensations and fear the author described. I was so engrossed that I forgot it was about someone sick who had to be put into an induced coma due to Covid. This story might never have been told if the author had gotten the monoclonal antibodies.

The author should change the title and cover, do a bit with the story, and put this out as a combo thriller and sci-fi. It has great characters and themes.

I have a friend who had to be intubated once and put in a coma. He was also traumatized by what he saw and experienced, and he said he'd never allow himself to be intubated again. I'm not sure where people go, but it's a strange place. Well done!

" INSPIRING"

This book's story is a powerful and moving one that resonated with me personally. The title and description caught my attention, and I'm glad I gave it a chance. As someone who has a family friend who had covid and had a difficult experience, reading about Mike's story was both enlightening and relatable. It's one of the most compelling and impactful stories I have ever read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read.

"moving"

This book, in my opinion, was a masterfully written depiction of a person's intensely private experience throughout his hospital stay. A nd the fact that he really went through it to to be able to share his tale is something I find to be fairly astounding. People may likely read this book in a variety of ways, but for me, it is a moving story of the incredible, life-altering events that our spirit is capable of having when we are receptive to it. Therefore, I thought it was beneficial to read.

"Well worth your time to read this book"

It’s an understatement to say this is captivating and thought-provoking read. Where else can you be invited into someone’s induced coma while receiving firsthand recollections of their innermost feelings and experiences? Many COVID-19 patients that were as sick as this author did not survive their time in the ICU. I am grateful Mike Joyner survived so he could provide this first-person account of his journey. I cannot just pick one adjective to describe this book, so I will list the various ones that came to mind as I was reading: fascinating, frightening, vivid, bizarre, emotional, disturbing, touching, raw, powerful, inspired, honest, and real.

"Wow. What a story!"

Once the pandemic hit I gave up a majority of my billable projects to work on pandemic efforts. I started a movement of sorts to try to help mitigate the spread and empower people. I've heard many, many stories in the almost three years of having so many close ties to those with people who have been affected by the pandemic. But this is a story I have not heard. This is such an honest, brutal, and vivid account of what the pandemic can do to one's life, and to those around them. Grateful to have found this and read it. A widened perspective and a good does of empathy are needed to solve the problems the global human family faces. Reading this account certainly bolstered my understanding and made me feel more connected to the issues we face as a species, and connected to the author and their loved one.

"Crazy but good"

"Ten to Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor" is a captivating and thought-provoking memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's experience battling COVID-19. This book is not for the faint-hearted as it is filled with terrifying and twisted tales that may leave some feeling disturbed. However, it is this raw and candid approach that makes the book so powerful and inspirational.

The author's honest account of their experience is both emotional and spiritual, with the inclusion of alternate lifetimes, bizarre and impossible events that add an extra layer of depth to the storytelling. The narrative is reminiscent of a blend of Blade, Jack Bauer, and James Bond, with the author recounting the harrowing experiences in a manner that would appeal to fans of these series.

Overall, "Ten to Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor" is a unique and honest memoir that will take readers on a journey they won't soon forget.

A truly insightful book, 'Ten to Life-The delirium tales of a COVID survivor,' presents the stark reality of unfettered and uncontrollable hallucination. Author, Mike Joyner endured 18 days of terrible bizarre and dark fantasies stretching decades as his mind sought to make sense of his trauma and drug-fuelled treatment.

"A gripping and powerful read..."

A truly insightful book, 'Ten to Life-The delirium tales of a COVID survivor,' presents the stark reality of unfettered and uncontrollable hallucination. Author, Mike Joyner endured 18 days of terrible bizarre and dark fantasies stretching decades as his mind sought to make sense of his trauma and drug-fuelled treatment.

As his stories unfold, the lines between fantasy and reality blur as the processing of memories become embroiled in an 'other existence' that reads like a film. With his body frantically hanging on to life, the apparitions echo reality. Threats such as the 'Yellow Queen Loti' plant which clusters, destroys, and replicates and 'Monster Juice' which contains microscopic communication devices reflect deeply held fears surrounding COVID 19. Graphic storylines reflect the internal terror and powerlessness of being suspended in a half-life of phantasmagoria.

Written with candour, Joyner does not shy away from intensely personal revelations, rather sharing these to demonstrate the extreme effect these hallucinations have long after recovery, as he admits to looking up to check 'whether it is possible for a woman to bear over 30 children', in his efforts to unravel the truth from the perceived reality of his delusions.

As Joyner's stories progress, strands of fear concerning the loss of loved ones and an inability to make amends are interweaved with disquieting threads regarding his inability to protect his family, along with common worries with respect to temptation and infidelity.

Furthermore, from a medical perspective, Joyner raises interesting questions about the state of the mind under sedation, such as the recognition of those only present during his sedation, or even afterwards. He writes as a survivor, with the message to other COVID survivors that healing may be lengthy both for the body and the mind, but nevertheless possible, and that he personally sees his survival as the opportunity to complete whatever he is meant to do in this life 'and make good on it'.

An interesting thought provoking and extraordinarily personal read, from the 'other side' of COVID 19 'Ten to Life' is highly recommended.

Powerful and relevant

This book is a powerful and unique memoir about the author's experience with Covid-19. Through vivid descriptions, the author recounts the hallucinations and delirium he experienced while sedated in a coma for 18 days, providing a perspective on the intense emotional toll that the illness can take. The book is a testament to the kindness and support of the medical community and to the resilience of the human spirit. The author's favorite excerpt, “I will long remember the kindness, the prayers, and the critical medical/spiritual support during my darkest hours”, highlights the importance of support during difficult times. This book is a must-read for those looking for a different perspective on the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on individuals and society.

Stories Of Survival

In this book, Ten to Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor, author Mike Joyner contracts COVID-19 and recounts his days in the ICU during the pandemic. Joyner was sedated for 18 days, experiencing multiple delirious dreams; some quite terrifying, some strange, and some fairly light-hearted and fun. Joyner's intention in writing this book is to give comfort and hope to the people infected by this traumatic pandemic, to know that we are not alone in this struggle and will face the future together.

This is a difficult book to review emotionally and in the technical sense. This book is entirely based on the author's experiences and dreams, which does not leave much room for a critique of the book's contents. Was this book captivating and interesting? Absolutely. Were the book's grammar and punctuation impeccable? Undeniably so. Joyner has done an amazing job writing this book. There is not a single flaw I could point out or a comment I could make to suggest improvements.

This book has a sort of Alice in Wonderland kind of feeling. The author takes us down one rabbit hole after another, into dream after dream, and as time becomes unpredictable like most dreams, things slowly stop making sense. A very relatable feeling, however, unlike waking up once or twice from one dream after another, the author experienced this over and over for 18 days. A terrifying thought.

But not only is the author trapped in their own head, but they are being hunted in their dreams. After a misunderstanding with a man named Jesse, the author is relentlessly pursued in his own mind by guns for hire. It's a disturbing thought, especially compared to how many times Joyner "died" in his dreams, but I would hate to think that every time the author "died," this could have possibly meant the author had needed to be resuscitated in the waking world.

I know very little about treating Covid, but from what I understand, patients need to be closely monitored while sedated in case liquid pools in the lungs. In addition, patients are rotated constantly to prevent liquid from pooling and drowning patients in their sleep. Still, with staffing shortages and the multiple people needed to flip a person over, there are higher chances of a code blue.

This would also explain why the doctors in Joyner's dream warned him to be more careful and not "die" again. Resuscitating a person does a lot of damage to the body, and there are only so times a person can be resuscitated, only so much trauma the body can take. This book is a testament to the trauma and pain Covid inflicts on a person. I'm sorry to hear about what Joyner has been through, but I'm glad something beautiful could come out of it. This book was immaculately written and was a captivating read.

Joyner's writing is honest and unflinching, capturing the fear and uncertainty of his journey

"Ten To Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor" by Mike Joyner is a poignant and powerful memoir chronicling the author's battle with COVID-19.

The book is a firsthand account of Joyner's experience with the disease, from his initial diagnosis to his recovery. He details the physical and emotional toll that COVID-19 took on him, as well as the impact it had on his family and friends.

Joyner's writing is honest and unflinching, capturing the fear and uncertainty of his journey. He shares his deepest fears and concerns, as well as the moments of hope and resilience that kept him going.

One of the strengths of the book is Joyner's ability to humanize the disease. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of COVID-19, but he also shows the ways in which it brought people together and highlighted the importance of community and compassion.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Ten To Life: Delirium Tales of a Covid-19 Survivor is a work of non-fiction in the medical subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by Mike Joyner. The book follows the author's experiences with Covid-19 which included four hospitals in forty days, located all over the USA. Despite having no pre-existing health conditions and being in good shape, the author barely survived his infection and spent over two weeks in a medically induced coma. Using the book to share the experience of not just the physical but also the psychological effects of Covid-19, the author relates the terrifying journey.

It’s strange to think that at the time of writing this review, Covid-19 is mostly behind us. For many of us, our worst memories of the pandemic will be the lockdown restrictions and the impact they had, but for numerous people, the consequences of the virus itself will be felt for a long time to come. Such was the experience of Mike Joyner, who shares his traumatic journey of suffering the effects of the virus in this insightful and painfully honest reflection. Depicting the kind of hardship that the author underwent is a challenging prospect, but through outstanding and well-considered prose, I reached the end of the book feeling as if I better understood an event far removed from any I’ve lived through. Ten To Life is an odyssey into a dark and sometimes mind-bending experience that few have suffered and even fewer have the skill to depict so vividly on the page.

Estanzio

Very moving novel

I was really taken into the story by Mike Joyner who tells his personal battle against Covid. It’s well written, very moving in places and you are left with an overwhelming feeling of inspiration from his story. Well done on putting such a good book together.