One of my favorite types of books is a nonfiction book where the writer tells their story of redemption; how they have a horrific physical accident of some sort and through rehab and mentally hard work, return to be even stronger.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be an accident; it can be an emotional fall of some sort, a great loss that sets them back so far they don’t know if they can return.
If the narrator/writer is good, then the story is compelling and can be more emotionally charged and exciting than any work of fiction. I love those books, more than most others.
During my convalescence, I finished “Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival Against All Odds” by Hillary Allen.
The Hilligoat, as she’s known as, because she loves and dominates skyraces, those extremely difficult contests that take place mostly above 10,000 feet on mountain peaks.
She shares her epic story of a tragic fall that nearly took her life during the 57k Tromso Skyrace in Norway. She broke multiple ribs, both wrists and her feet, as well as a concussion and had to deal not just with the aftermath of the physical injuries but the harsh reality of life after such a traumatic experience.
What makes the book so compelling is she is a great writer. She draws us in with every sentence. She brings us along on her very difficult journey. We watch her go through not just the physical pain, but the emotional pain, the tears, the life trauma of having every part of her life abruptly change.
It is not a long read, but it is incredible, and you won’t want to put it down. You may cry, as I did, a few times. And you will definitely be impressed!
I highly recommend it! Although it was released in 2021, this has been my favorite book read so far this year.