Plan B: One Man's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph [Paperback]

Mike Harcourt (Author), John Lekich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0470838272 | ISBN-13: 978-0470838273 | Edition: 1

On November 30, 2002, former BC premier Mike Harcourt slipped off the rail-less deck of his Pender Island cottage while carrying two buckets of water to top off the hot tub. Pitched forward by the weight of the full buckets, he tumbled down the rocky slope of a six-metre cliff and landed face down in the ocean, deep in shock and barely alive. The series of events that followed permanently altered Mike Harcourt's life, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback.

Plan B is the inspirational story of Harcourt's fight to recover from this near-fatal accident that doctors initially thought could leave him permanently confined to a wheelchair. His personal story shares the intimate details of his accident, and reveals his relentless optimism in the face of enormous physical and emotional challenges. Today, Mike Harcourt walks without the aid of support, has resumed driving a car, and remains fully engaged in the projects that matter to him. His pragmatic gifts for problem solving and goal setting have much to teach all of us about turning our lives around, even in the most awful circumstances.

Mike Harcourt's story has already touched thousands of people and has motivated many to look for ways of being positive without being superficial, to find choices and the courage to make them instead of feeling stuck, and to transform their nightmare into a dream. Full of hope and inspiration, Plan B shows how anyone can rise above life's serious and unexpected challenges, through one man's powerful personal story.

Harcourt's accident and subsequent rehabilitation and recovery have connected him with disability issues, sustainable cities, and the wonder of his natural surroundings in a profound and deeply personal way. Readers will marvel at how this self-confessed "recovering politician" has reshaped his career to become an international figure in such areas as environmental issues, aboriginal rights, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and the preservation of North America's wilderness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mike Harcourt is an exceptional person who has tirelessly dedicated his life to public service and making a difference in the lives of others. His courage, determination and inspiration were evident as he dealt with a potentially devastating spinal cord injury. Plan B is the story of how Mike turned tragedy into triumph to overcome his situation and make the best of it, and in turn inspire many other people with SCI. Mike’s story applies to anyone who is faced with a challenge in life and is looking for encouragement along the way."

—Rick Hansen, C.C., O.B.C., President and CEO, Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation

"Mike Harcourt has a zest for life and its challenges that is truly inspiring. Buy this book, share it with a friend, talk about it. If anyone has learned the lesson of ‘get on with it’ it’s Mike. His courage and sense of humour are quite simply awesome!"

—Bob Rae, Former Premier of Ontario

"As an adolescent, fellow student and journalist, I’ve known Mike Harcourt for more than 45 years. He has been unchanging, nothing less than the best of the values I want for my country—the personification of civility, decency, compassion and a determination to build a better world. Lucky us, that he’s been in Canadian public life. Lucky us, that Becky got to him before the tide came in."

—Michael Valpy, The Globe and Mail

"Mike Harcourt’s energy, experience and vision make this book a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of Canada’s cities and their citizens."

—Larry Campbell, Mayor of Vancouver

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

An inspiring and revealing memoir by one of Canada’s most revered public figures.

On November 30, 2002, former BC premier Mike Harcourt slipped off the rail-less deck of his Pender Island cottage, tumbled down the rocky slope of a six-metre cliff and landed face down in the ocean, deep in shock and barely alive.

Plan B is the inspirational story of Harcourt’s fight back from this near-fatal accident that doctors initially thought could leave him permanently confined to a wheelchair. Today, Mike Harcourt walks without the aid of support, has resumed driving a car, and remains fully engaged in the projects and causes that matter to him.

Readers will marvel at how this self-confessed "recovering politician" has created his Plan B, reshaping his career and creating a new life that is more rewarding than ever. His relentless optimism in the face of enormous physical and emotional challenges, as well as his pragmatic gifts for problem solving and goal setting have much to teach all of us about turning our lives around, even in the most awful circumstances.

Mike Harcourt’s story has touched millions of people and will motivate many to look for ways of being positive without being superficial; to find choices and the courage to make them instead of feeling stuck; and to transform their nightmare into a dream. Full of hope and inspiration, Plan B shows how anyone can rise above life’s serious and unexpected challenges, through one man’s powerful personal story. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470838272
• ISBN-13: 978-0470838273
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,909,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)