This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Fast and Hard: From Addictions to Redemption by Matthew Tyner, Sr. is an unflinchingly honest memoir that traces the author’s tumultuous path from a promising baseball career through the depths of substance abuse to eventual spiritual awakening and recovery. It is both a cautionary tale and a story of hope, grounded in vivid personal experience and emotional sincerity. The narrative begins with Tyner’s early years in Decatur, Illinois, where family dysfunction and addiction cast long shadows. Despite early athletic promise and dreams of baseball stardom, his youth is marked by escalating exposure to drugs, alcohol, and emotional trauma. Throughout the book, Tyner doesn’t hesitate to recount his role in the chaos. His tone is raw and direct, driven by the conviction that his honesty might help others avoid similar mistakes.
The narrative centers on Matthew Tyner’s experiences at the University of Miami, where he becomes part of a nationally ranked baseball team. His descriptions of tryouts, team dynamics, and the pressure to perform are infused with grit and humor. However, these achievements are frequently eclipsed by his self-destructive behavior. The memoir details his escalating addiction, a history of shattered relationships, and transformative moments that ultimately led him to change. As the story unfolds, his voice also evolves, transitioning from defensive and impulsive to introspective and, eventually, redemptive. A key element of his recovery is his faith in God and the impact of his chosen family, especially the Melniks, who support him during his darkest times. While grounded in the world of sports and Midwestern culture, its themes of pain, recklessness, loss, and redemption speak to a wide audience. Tyner’s ability to recount painful events without self-pity makes this a moving and ultimately inspiring read. Fast and Hard offers plenty of photographs and an unforgettable journey for anyone seeking insight into addiction, second chances, or the slow climb back to purpose.
