When Hope Is Your Only Option
Revised edition for 2026
Diagnosed with juvenile type 1 diabetes at age 17, Jim Stavis was told to expect a shortened lifespan filled with medical difficulties along the way. While some might choose to ask, "Why me?" and focus on the potential for a life cut short, Stavis decided to confront his medical issues head on—employing positivity and hope as his allies in the fight against adversity.
As Jim's life progressed, he came to realize that the adversity he faced early on was, in fact, a blessing, teaching him vital lessons on overcoming life's significant challenges. This realization motivated him to forge a successful path both personally and professionally. Throughout events like a devastating business fire, additional health challenges, and ultimately a rare triple organ transplant, it was Jim’s resilient mindset that ensured not just survival but flourishing amidst hardships. He learned that all individuals face tests, and through his own battles and the wisdom gleaned from them, he aims to support others in facing their life challenges.
In this 2026 revised edition, which also received praise from Kirkus Reviews and recognition as a Montaigne Medal Finalist, Jim shares the next chapter of his journey—a narrative deeply marked by love, caregiving, loss, and grief. After accompanying his wife, Renee, through her courageous battle with ovarian cancer until her passing in August 2024, Jim reflects on what finding hope looks like in the face of profound heartbreak. This poignant new chapter provides readers with an honest and compassionate perspective on resilience, faith, and the importance of carrying hope forward, even amid unimaginable loss.
This book encapsulates the essence of overcoming all odds. It intertwines achievement with loss and accomplishment with adversity. It invites readers to have faith that in all aspects of life, even the most challenging and heartbreaking, valuable lessons can be learned. It starts with the hope and belief that you can navigate through anything, making it a Pacific Book Review Notable Book, with the understanding that sometimes, enduring is the only option.
Read an excerpt
"The splintered wood of the telephone pole was hot and rough between my hands. I clung desperately to the pole, buckled into an obstacle course harness, wondering if it would hold me. I held tight, my body tingling with fear and anxiety. Sweat slid like wet sheets, not droplets, down the sides of my cheeks.
What was I doing? How did I get here? What would happen to me now?”
Continue reading in When Hope Is Your Only Option.
Availble on Amazon and Authors Insight
Book Reviews
“I loved this book. Jim is a very strong and inspirational man. Although he faced great adversity, he remained positive throughout and is blessed with a wonderful support group of family and friends. This autobiography details his life journey, and what makes it truly special is that he provides reflective questions for readers to consider in their own lives, which helped me immensely. Thank you, Jim, for a very inspiring book, and a big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this remarkable work, which is also recognized in Kirkus Reviews and has received accolades as a Montaigne Medal Finalist. Additionally, it has been praised as a Notable Book by Pacific Book Review.” —Michelle Murray, NetGalley ★★★★★
“I am glad and feel grateful to this author for sharing his story. It is inspiring to know that as individuals, it is up to us to tap into our strengths during crises to overcome adversity. We will all inevitably face tests in our lives, whether through loss or changes to our circumstances, and it is the choices we make that determine our outcomes. By maintaining a positive attitude, never losing hope, and taking responsible action toward our adversity, the power lies within each one of us. Thank you, Jim Stavis, for your generosity in sharing your story and for inspiring us to realize that with hope, we can overcome what is within our power to change.” —Karen Murphy, Goodreads.com ★★★★★
Available on Amazon and Authors Insight.
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