Amazing, June 9, 2013by primelegend
Beautifully written..If I could actually speak to Mr. Marc Schiller, I would like to say, yes you did help change my life for the better by reading your story…at times it has made me laugh, made me angry, and made me happy …I have learned a valuable lesson and that is not to focus on the past of what might have happened to me but learn from those events to make me a better person..I believe everything happens for a reason and Mr. Schilller survived for a great reason. Just by you writing this book I believe has saved countless lives …even if the recent kidnap victims of Cleveland read this book, I believe it would help them in the same very positive way…thank you Mr. Schiller for sharing your story..you sure have placed a lot of things in my life into perspective. God Bless you and everyone else.
Amazon UK
Fantastic, 20 Feb. 2015
What this guy went through is unreal and to be able to live to tell the tale leaves me speechless.
I read this book in 3 days as I couldn’t put it down.
You really feel like you know Marc and at times reading this it almost had me in tears. He really is a legend.
Amazon US
Excellent, March 9, 2014
By Pen Name – See all my reviews
Awesome book takes you through EVERYTHING. The sensory detail is great and you can almost visualize everything going on. A lot of great quotes at the end of the book as well. Schiller did a terrific job! Took me only a week and half to finish because it was so intriguing. If your a fan of the movie and want to know the TRUE story behind all of this don’t hesitate it is a great read! Or if you ARE reader this is a wonderful non fiction novel filled with the historic survival of this man. Well worth the money!
Amazon – Germany
You are an amazing individual!, 22. September 2014
Though I did watch the movie I knew Hollywood would have to tailor it for the audience. I wanted to know the truth. There was absolutely nothing comical about this situation. I could only imagine. I lived in WPB Florida at the time and heard about this story through the media. I am glad to have heard the real story.The sad thing is if the circumstances did not pan out, these guy would have continued this spree of psychotic behavior indefinitely! Mr. Schiller , you are also a great writer and I am surprised how you have been strong through all this. I suggest anyone who has seen the movie; to read this and get the real story and not a fabrication of the pain and suffering this man endured. May you live a peaceful and prosperous life Mr. Schiller.
Keenly Kristin – Pain and Gain {Book Review}
There’s one word that I really don’t want to use to describe this book: Unbelievable. Trust me. You’re going to hear that word a lot when it comes to this book (and, ultimately, this movie). OK, I’m going to use it once (OK, technically twice): Every single aspect of Marc Schiller’s experience, from his abduction to his entire horrific captivity to the grueling aftermath is without a doubt, completely unbelievable.
I read Pain and Gain: The Untold True Story in two sittings (roughly 200 pages at a stretch) — well, two late-night readings in bed — because it is nearly impossible to put down. I’m still somewhat in shock after reading this traumatic tale, to be honest. I highly recommend this book for several reasons…it’s hard to fathom the depths of human depravity, for starters. Then there’s the monumental stupidity and lack of planning on behalf of the criminals that borderlines (borderlines? hmmm…that might be a bit of an understatement) on the absurd and would be laughable if it didn’t involve the tremendous suffering of a human being.
I also think that Marc Schiller has done a remarkable job in telling his story; a first-time writer who is recounting a trauma that most individuals couldn’t even imagine — and he’s produced a book that is compelling, captivating, and moving. Not to mention inspirational. Schiller didn’t turn into a monster bent on revenge; he remained a man with dignity and character, in spite of everything he endured. This is a true story that has, without a solitary doubt, earned the label “remarkable.” Trust me when I tell you: Read. This. Book.
By the way…Pain and Gain the movie is scheduled to hit theaters April 26, 2013, and features Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson (yes, The Rock). While I’m sure this will be a great thriller/black comedy/action flick…I again must implore you. Read. The. Book. No matter how good this movie is, I can all but guarantee that it will not “move” you and affect you as Schiller’s words will. If I’m wrong, then you can come back here and tell me so. (But, you obviously have to have read the book and seen the movie, so…)
My Reading Addiction Review
My Review:
This one really puts things in perspective with the events of the last week. I think that sometimes events such as these really don’t get the same attention and after reading about the horrific events he was put through, its really sad that they dont.
I think it’s very brave and really nice (while heartbreaking) to get the actual inside perspective on this story. Especially since the movie is coming out and seems to focus more on the criminals than the victim.
The fact that he could separate himself enough from the event to write such a detailed account of the incident is mind-blowing. I’m not sure how he managed to do it, but kudos to him.
Author Ever Leigh Review
This really goes to show there are two sides to every story. You see the trailer for the movie and the last thing you think about is the victim. To be able to read this memoir of his experience really does put things in perspective.
I the trailer for the movie it seems like it is a comedy of sorts with the stupidity of the criminals, and from Marc Schiller’s own experience, I can see where that came from. These guys really had to have been the most inept criminals out there, but the suffering they were able to bring out was no laughing matter.
The fact that Marc Schiller was able to recount his experiences during this horrific time is commendable. The execution with which he has done it is spot on. He really manages to connect the reader to his trauma.
Amazon – Reviews
wow! Riveting!!, November 14, 2013This book holds your interest from page one. I couldn’t put it down. Written so well you can vividly picture every scene.
You will be a better person, October 2, 2013This book has given me a new outlook on life. I want everyone to read this. If he can survive such an ordeal I feel the need to never complain about anything again.
Unbelievably great!, September 30, 2013I saw the movie and had to read the book because I know it is always better.
I feel everything he did was the right thing for him in this situation. It saved his life and his family which is the most important thing. I can only image how it has changed you and the way you live your life. We can only say God was not ready for you and has something more in store for you.
a gripping tale, February 11, 2013even though you know the victim survives(obviously) you still sweat out each day of horror and each new threat with him; you still cringe along with him every time he suffers at the hands of his captors.
There are many heroes of adventure, battle stories and the like who faced death and survived through their exceptional courage and will. In this story Marc Schiller faced not only death but consummate evil, humiliation and cruelty and survived it all with dignity. He also managed by his actions to keep his family from harm, as well; yet, he tells his story with humility, gratitude and humor. He considers himself fortunate, as opposed to heroic, which is one of the reasons the story is so compelling and readable. In situation after situation that would have beat the will out of most of us, Schiller simply hangs on until it’s over. “I survived” is the remarkable terse line he sums up his experience with.
What I really like about this book is that while Schiller is telling his side- “the real untold story”- to set the record straight before the film and all it’s misconceptions comes out, he is also a good story-teller; he writes in a speaking voice and the reader feels like a listener. There’s nothing laborious about this 300 page book. It’ll be finished in a flash. i heartily recommend.
unbelievable, remarkable, and eye-opening, February 27,2013
Pain & Gain the Untold True Story by Marc Schiller is truly a must read. This is such an eye opening true story of one man’s torture. I am truly inspired by Mr. Schiller’s strength to make it through this unbelievable experience. No man should be put in such a heart-breaking and torturous condition. It is sick how money, and greed can completely take over a human beings mind, and completely wipe out any morals and values.I am truly inspired by the strength Marc had during this time, and it shows how selfless love can strengthen a human being.
This book is a wonderful and easy read, and you can really get a sense of Marc’s humor in the text, which is refreshing considering the intensity of the living conditions he faced and the agonizing pain he went through.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us. This is a story I will be sharing for the rest of my life!!!
Fantastic!, March 4, 2013
This book was fantastic; I enjoyed it immensely. It is a must read. I actually started reading it for a second time. Marc Schiller is an example of what having a strong mind can do. Not too many people, if any, could have survived that, let alone walked away from it still feeling positive about life. This is a rare person; an inspiration to those of us who complain about everyday little things. Thank you, Marc!
Fantastic, best non-fiction autobiography I’ve read in a long time!, February 27, 2013
This is one autobiography that should grab your attention from the beginning to the end. What I appreciated most was how Marc was clear and concise to his surroundings despite his situation. I appreciated how he developed his beginnings, where he came from, and then lead me right up to the main scenerio right away. It’s terrible to think no one came to his aid, nor did anyone realize that his absence from his own “general public” didn’t raise any red-flags. Anyone who reads this fine piece of work should take heart and learn from the lack of communications. Perhaps this situation happens more often than we all know about, and at the same time perhaps this situation can be avoided by the rest of us! My best wishes to Marc Schiller and his family, and may their lives continue to yield better days to come.
Pain & Gain | The True Story | Gripping, February 5, 2013
This first-hand account of the pain that Marc Schiller endured for the personal gain of the grisly Sun Gym gang is riveting. Through his frank narrative, Schiller takes the reader on a grim and unbelievable ride through “hotel hell” and beyond. A great read and one that you won’t forget!
P.S. Though the film, Pain & Gain, will certainly be entertaining, there is no doubt that the true story behind Hollywood’s fictionalized version will be the most compelling for fans.
Congratulations on your memoir, Mr. Schiller!
One man’s amazing journey, February 11, 2013
“Pain and Gain” is one man’s life story. From humble beginnings in a third world country, the author has worked nonstop to make a better life for himself only to become trapped in hideous danger and things he never could have predicted.
I really enjoyed reading this book and plan on sending a few copies to friends. The dedication and tenacity of the author is inspiring and motivating.
If you enjoy stories that challenge the human spirit, buy this book.
Speechless, February 8, 2013
This book left me speechless. Marc Schiller is an amazing man and when you read the book you will know how and why he survived. In the book he states that if this book helps just one individual, then his mission is accomplished. He has succeeded, after everything he has been thru he continues to help and forgive. For sure a must read.
Pain and Gain is amazing, February 2, 2013
I read the book pain and gain by Marc Schiller and I was amazed at his unbelievable experience . this book kept me on the edge and it was hard to put down. The details Of this unimaginable Crime was sometimes Hard to swallow that There could possibly be criminals so Inhumane.
In the and the last chapter I actually broke down and cried . I will share this book with others.
Marc Did an exceptional job with this book.
