Paralympic Medalist and “Dancing with the Stars ”Finalist Amy Purdy Announces New Book “Bounce Forward” — See the Cover! (Exclusive)

Amy Purdy is sharing what she’s learned about resilience and confidence after losing her legs at just 19 years old. 

PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the Paralympic snowboarder’s forthcoming book, Bounce Forward, which serves as a guidebook for navigating change rather than “bouncing back” to who you were. 

Purdy’s legs were amputated 10 inches below the knee after she contracted bacterial meningitis as a teenager. Nevertheless, she went on to win three Paralympic medals between 2014 and 2018. She also competed as a finalist on season 18 of Dancing with the Stars alongside partner Derek Hough. 

“After losing my legs below the knees at 19 and later facing another life-altering injury, I realized that resilience isn’t about staying strong, it’s about having tools to lean on when you’re not,” Purdy, 46, tells PEOPLE in a statement. “I’m excited to finally share this book because people always ask me ‘Amy how do you stay strong? How do you keep moving forward?’ This book is my answer.”

In 2019, doctors discovered a massive blood clot from Purdy’s hip down through the arteries of her left leg. But after undergoing seven surgeries in the following two years, she recovered once again and continued to use her story to inspire and motivate others. 

According to the book’s official synopsis, Purdy “tells her inspiring story of facing life-changing obstacles and the tools she used to not only survive her darkest days but thrive to extraordinary heights.”

“This isn’t just a story of overcoming, it’s a masterclass of resilience, as she reveals the mindset, tools, and truths to help you rise, thrive and fully live,” the synopsis continues. 

Actress Jennifer Garner gushed about Purdy’s “authentic, vulnerable, determined and joyful” character that shines through on the page. 

“You can’t help but love her,” the 13 Going on 30 actress, 53, said in a statement. “With Bounce Forward, she offers powerful tools distilled from her own incredible journey to help you hold onto hope and build strength and resilience. What a great book!”

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Bounce Forward hits shelves on April 14, and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.