How I Learned To Rock My Life: The Peter Dankelson Story

by Peter Dankelson, Dede Dankelson

Overview

Peter Dankelson's story is a reminder that circumstances don't define your life; how you react to them does. You will be inspired by how Peter overcomes adversity with a positive attitude and a loving family. You will be motivated to choose courage over fear, embrace what makes you different, and reflect on what's important in your life. Readers will battle with Peter through his thirty-six surgeries, laugh with him as he searches for an ear store, and share in his excitement when he takes the stage with Buckcherry, Jared James Nichols, and others. Over half a million social media followers have found inspiration from Pete's Diary, a company inspired by Peter's life. This book is both Peter's story and the journey of how Pete's Diary evolved from his birth in 2000 to his career as a guitar player.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578321899
Publisher:	Pete's Diary
Publication date:	01/16/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	204
File size:	22 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Peter Dankelson is twenty-three years old and undergone thirty-seven surgeries to correct birth defects from Goldenhar Syndrome. He is a musician and motivational speaker for Pete's Diary where his humor and music encourage others to embrace what makes them different. Peter was recognized as one of Music Radar's Top Online Guitar Personalities of 2020. He has been honored as a Champion of Hope and a Patient of Courage in the rare disease community. His music is available on all streaming platforms.
Dede Dankelson is the Managing Partner of Pete's Diary, which began as a journal she kept after her oldest son, Peter, was born with Goldenhar Syndrome. Today Pete's Diary amplifies positivity and self-acceptance through music, books, and motivational speaking. Dede serves on the Board of Directors for Children's Craniofacial Association and Harmony 4 Hope. She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Mike Babcock, NHL Head Coach 2002-2019, 2023+

Prologue by Dede Dankelson

Introduction by Peter Dankelson

Chapter 1 - Born to be Different

Chapter 2 - Living a Medically-Complex Life

Chapter 3 - Realizing I Was Different

Chapter 4 - Stepping Into the Spotlight

Chapter 5 - Overcoming Adversity with a Guitar

Chapter 6 - Using Music to Persevere

Chapter 7 - Amplifying Positivity

Chapter 8 - How I Stay Positive

Afterword - Pete's Diary Resources

Acknowledgements

Authors

Editorial Reviews

"This book is a must read for those who want to be the best version of themselves-- no matter the odds or obstacles." Mike Babcock, NHL Head Coach 2002-2019, 2023+

"I have tremendous admiration for Peter as a guitarist. But I have even more respect for him as a human. I have enjoyed getting to know him through his story, and I'm confident you will too." Corey duBrowa, Vice President, Google/Alphabet

"Peter's incredible performance with Buckcherry at Summerfest demonstrates how his positive energy triumphed over his years of struggle. It was an honor for the band to share the stage with him." Larry Mazar, Buckcherry Manager, Entertainment Services Ltd.

Reader's Favorite Honorable Mention Award + 5-Star Review by Astrid Lustulin

"Some people can teach us better than others how to make a difference in our lives, and Peter Dankelson is one of them. Yet, in the beginning, his circumstances would not have allowed him to even imagine this possibility. He was born prematurely and was diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome. He had to undergo surgery on numerous occasions throughout his life and cope with being different, but this has not discouraged him at all. Thanks to music and his guitar, Peter proves you can stay positive and become a source of inspiration for many people. Find out all the details of his incredible life in his book How I Learned to Rock My Life: The Peter Dankelson Story, which he wrote in conjunction with his mother, Dede Dankelson.

How I Learned to Rock My Life is the perfect title for the story of Peter Dankelson. This book tells of a life that could have been very different, but which, thanks to the spirit of our hero, can and will inspire people to self-acceptance. Reading about all the surgery that Peter underwent since he was a baby and seeing the photographs makes us realize everything he had to endure before becoming the person he is now. He also reveals that the secret is to believe that even unfavorable conditions can bring about something good. I think that Peter, his mother Dede, and the rest of his family can be proud of what they have shown to the world. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to discover the life of the extraordinary Peter Dankelson, especially if they are looking for a model of perseverance."

From the Publisher