Describes how a talented rock climber survived a double amputation at seventeen to return to his chosen sport.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
By the time he was 17, rock-climber Herr had soloed on Bugaboo in western Canada and set a new record in Yosemite. In January, 1982, he and a friend set out to climb Mt. Washington. Lost for three days in a vicious storm, they were severely frostbitten when discovered by a search-and-rescue team, one of whose volunteers was killed in the effort by an avalanche. Herr's lower legs were amputated; his companion lost a foot and fingers on one hand. In her inspiring account, Osius, editor of Climbing magazine, follows Herr, now a graduate engineering student at MIT, through agonies of guilt and depression to rehabilitation and reentry into the world of climbing. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- A story that is engrossing and inspiring. Rock climbing was Hugh Herr's sport and passion, and at age 17 he was considered one of the best. In 1982 he and a companion became lost during a blizzard on Mount Washington and assumed they would die. After three bitterly cold days on the mountain, they were rescued, but one rescuer died trying to save them. Herr had massive frostbite that eventually resulted in his legs having to be amputated. Following a period of despondency, he resolved to try climbing again, which he learned to do with the help of prostheses. Now he is involved in making artificial limbs for others. This is an extraordinary story of survival and the growth one experiences when put to the test. Photographs emphasize the amount of strength needed for this sport. One of the best handicapped-awareness books available, and a delight to booktalk. --Dorothy Addison, Woodlawn School, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Tom Jones
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
It seems like a simple story: Boy meets climbing, boy loses legs, boy learns to climb again and rediscovers the joys of life. But nothing about the story is really that simple - its just like real life, complicated, sometimes perplexing. Alison's vivid and intimate depiction of this true-life heroic tale is masterful, and the hero of the tale is Hugh's terrible and terrific struggle back from losing his legs to again being the filled-with-the-joy-of-life person (and incidentally, a pretty darn good climber) at a more mature level than previously possible. A hidden classic.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I don't leave great reviews, but let me say I love this book. It's a thrilling read and Hugh's intelligence, intensity and focus are inspirational. His ability to own his choices that lead to life altering consequences for himself and others is also inspirational. He's had to overcome a lot of controversy as well as his own disability, and I think he's done more than his share for society in his chosen post-accident career (he designs prosthetics and leads disabled people on climbs, etc.) I could not put this book down!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By bob robert
Format:Mass Market Paperback
this was a very good book and i would recommend it to anyone that likes to read about a good struggle and that thinks they have it hard.
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