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Recommend this book:
Consciousness in a Nutshell
A Psychonautical Odyssey
Jay Nelson, Lindy Nelson
2026 Finalist
446 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Consciousness in a Nutshell by Jay Nelson and Lindy Nelson is a powerful creative nonfiction book in the guise of a memoir. It delves deep into psychonautical explorations that address consciousness and what it means to be alive. It is one of those rare, brilliant books that use the technique and literary elements of poets, playwrights, and fiction writers to present a nonfiction narrative. Two young neuropsychopharmacologists, James and Ava, are on the brink of publishing a major breakthrough to do with understanding the subject of consciousness. But Ava disappears, and James finds himself trapped in a kind of place that no one would wish even upon their worst enemy. The narrative is divided into four parts where everything is constructed with momentum in mind, particularly about the brain, from its characteristics to the hard problem of consciousness.
You don’t have to be an expert in multimodal conversations that span different fields in the arts and sciences to enjoy Consciousness in a Nutshell. While the perspective of the narrative shifts from time to time, James remains as the faithful narrator, who diligently walks you through the story of his research and how he came to understand the subject of consciousness. If Umberto Eco is considered the most important representative of semiotics, Jay Nelson and Lindy Nelson may well become the same for psychonautical studies. Using their creativity and intelligence, their collaboration in this work could be labeled as a kind of modernist enlightenment in the fusion of psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and evolutionary biology. It’s a treasure house of information written in a non-intimidating style that allows any layman to understand the nature and being of consciousness from its physical, neural, cognitive, and representational aspects. Highly recommended.
Consciousness in a Nutshell by Jay Nelson and Lindy Nelson is a powerful creative nonfiction book in the guise of a memoir. It delves deep into psychonautical explorations that address consciousness and what it means to be alive. It is one of those rare, brilliant books that use the technique and literary elements of poets, playwrights, and fiction writers to present a nonfiction narrative. Two young neuropsychopharmacologists, James and Ava, are on the brink of publishing a major breakthrough to do with understanding the subject of consciousness. But Ava disappears, and James finds himself trapped in a kind of place that no one would wish even upon their worst enemy. The narrative is divided into four parts where everything is constructed with momentum in mind, particularly about the brain, from its characteristics to the hard problem of consciousness.
You don’t have to be an expert in multimodal conversations that span different fields in the arts and sciences to enjoy Consciousness in a Nutshell. While the perspective of the narrative shifts from time to time, James remains as the faithful narrator, who diligently walks you through the story of his research and how he came to understand the subject of consciousness. If Umberto Eco is considered the most important representative of semiotics, Jay Nelson and Lindy Nelson may well become the same for psychonautical studies. Using their creativity and intelligence, their collaboration in this work could be labeled as a kind of modernist enlightenment in the fusion of psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and evolutionary biology. It’s a treasure house of information written in a non-intimidating style that allows any layman to understand the nature and being of consciousness from its physical, neural, cognitive, and representational aspects. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
You Never Asked About My Medal
Profiles in Silent Courage
Larry Setren
2026 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Larry Setren’s You Never Asked About My Medal follows the author, a Maryland boy from a Jewish family shaped by migration from Lithuania. The question behind the title begins with Uncle Seymour, a decorated veteran whose life teaches Setren that public silence can hide great bravery. Home gives him one education; leaving home gives him another. Setren studies abroad, then takes jobs far from the country he knew. Adulthood builds his family life. It also brings him into rooms where decisions touch people he will never meet. The memoir widens from childhood memory into a search for the private worth inside other lives. Setren looks back at people who rarely announce what they have endured, then asks what we miss when no one thinks to ask for the story.
Larry Setren’s You Never Asked About My Medal is a beautiful memoir, and the author's gift is the way he turns memory into gratitude for other people. His praise feels personal at every turn. Pop’s raised hammer in the shoe shop gives the book one of its purest portraits of family protection. Père André’s Algerian school gives the memoir a moving portrait of faith shown through hospitality under danger. At Genentech, the Herceptin decision lets Setren praise medicine as a human promise carried through corporate rooms. His mother’s California visit is my favorite slice of life in the whole book, as shared errands and meals become a tender tribute to time returned. I agree with Setren's sentiment, and this is a great book for nostalgia seekers who value memoirs about family memory and everyday bravery.
Larry Setren’s You Never Asked About My Medal follows the author, a Maryland boy from a Jewish family shaped by migration from Lithuania. The question behind the title begins with Uncle Seymour, a decorated veteran whose life teaches Setren that public silence can hide great bravery. Home gives him one education; leaving home gives him another. Setren studies abroad, then takes jobs far from the country he knew. Adulthood builds his family life. It also brings him into rooms where decisions touch people he will never meet. The memoir widens from childhood memory into a search for the private worth inside other lives. Setren looks back at people who rarely announce what they have endured, then asks what we miss when no one thinks to ask for the story.
Larry Setren’s You Never Asked About My Medal is a beautiful memoir, and the author's gift is the way he turns memory into gratitude for other people. His praise feels personal at every turn. Pop’s raised hammer in the shoe shop gives the book one of its purest portraits of family protection. Père André’s Algerian school gives the memoir a moving portrait of faith shown through hospitality under danger. At Genentech, the Herceptin decision lets Setren praise medicine as a human promise carried through corporate rooms. His mother’s California visit is my favorite slice of life in the whole book, as shared errands and meals become a tender tribute to time returned. I agree with Setren's sentiment, and this is a great book for nostalgia seekers who value memoirs about family memory and everyday bravery.
Recommend this book:
Sit, Cinderella, Sit
A Mostly True Memoir
Lisa Cheek
2026 Bronze Medal
288 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Sit, Cinderella, Sit by Lisa Cheek is a memoir that tells the story of a woman who undergoes a journey of self-discovery and resilience during life’s unexpected challenges. With a playful twist on the Cinderella theme, Cheek explores her life, career, and the companionship of her loyal dog, Ron Howard. The memoir captures her experiences working behind the scenes in Hollywood, facing industry pressures, and ultimately finding a path that aligns with her sense of purpose. Cheek’s storytelling is humorous and heartfelt, giving readers an insider’s view of Hollywood's less glamorous aspects. Her relationship with Ron, a spirited little dog, provides comic relief and poignant insights as he becomes her constant companion, helping her connect with herself and others.
Each chapter unfolds with vivid scenes from her day-to-day life, blending memories and reflections with a witty, relatable, and insightful narrative voice. The informal style enhances the narrative’s charm and creates a conversational tone. Through Lisa Cheek’s struggles and triumphs, themes of resilience, friendship, and self-acceptance emerge, making her story both inspiring and thought-provoking. Sit, Cinderella, Sit is ideal for readers who appreciate memoirs filled with wit, honesty, and a touch of whimsy. It will relate to those who have ever felt unmoored and comforted in unexpected places or with unconventional companions. Cheek’s journey is a reminder that finding one’s place in the world often requires courage and a willingness to embrace life’s surprises. This memoir is a heartwarming exploration of self-discovery, perfect for those looking for a light yet reflective read.
Sit, Cinderella, Sit by Lisa Cheek is a memoir that tells the story of a woman who undergoes a journey of self-discovery and resilience during life’s unexpected challenges. With a playful twist on the Cinderella theme, Cheek explores her life, career, and the companionship of her loyal dog, Ron Howard. The memoir captures her experiences working behind the scenes in Hollywood, facing industry pressures, and ultimately finding a path that aligns with her sense of purpose. Cheek’s storytelling is humorous and heartfelt, giving readers an insider’s view of Hollywood's less glamorous aspects. Her relationship with Ron, a spirited little dog, provides comic relief and poignant insights as he becomes her constant companion, helping her connect with herself and others.
Each chapter unfolds with vivid scenes from her day-to-day life, blending memories and reflections with a witty, relatable, and insightful narrative voice. The informal style enhances the narrative’s charm and creates a conversational tone. Through Lisa Cheek’s struggles and triumphs, themes of resilience, friendship, and self-acceptance emerge, making her story both inspiring and thought-provoking. Sit, Cinderella, Sit is ideal for readers who appreciate memoirs filled with wit, honesty, and a touch of whimsy. It will relate to those who have ever felt unmoored and comforted in unexpected places or with unconventional companions. Cheek’s journey is a reminder that finding one’s place in the world often requires courage and a willingness to embrace life’s surprises. This memoir is a heartwarming exploration of self-discovery, perfect for those looking for a light yet reflective read.
Recommend this book:
Belonging to the World
A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth
Barry Hoffner
2026 Silver Medal
343 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In his memoir Belonging to the World, Barry Hoffner expects a temporary goodbye when he and his wife, Jackie, leave for different countries overseas, until he receives the news that destroys the life they had built and planned. After telling his sons of the tragedy, Hoffner commits himself to relentless global travel, partly as a tribute, and partly as an act of survival. He moves through some of the most restricted and unstable places on earth, placing himself in situations that demand physical and emotional exposure far beyond anything he had faced in his settled adult life. Travel becomes the structure that replaces domestic routine, and Hoffner works through his grief, inspired by the wonder, generosity, and human connection he frequently finds. Through extreme travel, Hoffner sees how motion itself can be a viable way forward after extreme loss.
Belonging to the World by Barry Hoffner is a sweeping, beautiful look at a life redirected through loss into the wider human landscape. Hoffner shares some incredibly heartening moments, and I admit to getting choked up when he returns to Botswana to stand at the exact site of his wife's death. What I like most about Hoffner is his willingness to be part of material change, like when he responds to a real need in a Tuareg village outside Timbuktu, committing resources to build a school. What Hoffner describes of the landscapes he witnessed are near cinematic, the standouts being the scorched earth surrounding Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater, aka The Door to Hell, where heat dominates the senses, and Palmyra, Syria, where shattered columns sit beneath the open desert sky. Written in a warm, conversational tone, this memoir is perfect for those looking for a read that embraces an adult reinvention and intentional, inspired travel. Very highly recommended.
In his memoir Belonging to the World, Barry Hoffner expects a temporary goodbye when he and his wife, Jackie, leave for different countries overseas, until he receives the news that destroys the life they had built and planned. After telling his sons of the tragedy, Hoffner commits himself to relentless global travel, partly as a tribute, and partly as an act of survival. He moves through some of the most restricted and unstable places on earth, placing himself in situations that demand physical and emotional exposure far beyond anything he had faced in his settled adult life. Travel becomes the structure that replaces domestic routine, and Hoffner works through his grief, inspired by the wonder, generosity, and human connection he frequently finds. Through extreme travel, Hoffner sees how motion itself can be a viable way forward after extreme loss.
Belonging to the World by Barry Hoffner is a sweeping, beautiful look at a life redirected through loss into the wider human landscape. Hoffner shares some incredibly heartening moments, and I admit to getting choked up when he returns to Botswana to stand at the exact site of his wife's death. What I like most about Hoffner is his willingness to be part of material change, like when he responds to a real need in a Tuareg village outside Timbuktu, committing resources to build a school. What Hoffner describes of the landscapes he witnessed are near cinematic, the standouts being the scorched earth surrounding Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater, aka The Door to Hell, where heat dominates the senses, and Palmyra, Syria, where shattered columns sit beneath the open desert sky. Written in a warm, conversational tone, this memoir is perfect for those looking for a read that embraces an adult reinvention and intentional, inspired travel. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Miscalculated Risks
Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All at Once)
Michael Cooper
2026 Gold Medal
302 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Kristen A. Peters for Readers' Favorite
Michael Cooper’s memoir Miscalculated Risks is a collection of survival stories pulled from forty years of trekking through the North American wilderness. This isn't some slow-burning narrative; it’s a series of high-stakes moments when things went completely wrong during backpacking, climbing, and rafting trips. Cooper walks the reader through several terrifying scenarios, including a black bear encounter, a freak accident that left him paralyzed, and a near-drowning in freezing water. Each chapter focuses on a specific mistake or "miscalculation," detailing the gear involved, the harsh environment, and the sheer physical effort it took to stay alive and get back to civilization. It is a very blunt look at the reality of being alone and injured in the middle of nowhere.
The honesty in Miscalculated Risks is what makes the memoir work so well. Michael Cooper doesn't try to sound like a legendary explorer; he sounds like a guy who is genuinely lucky to be breathing and wants to show you exactly where he tripped up. There is a lot of vulnerability here, especially when he describes the mental toll of being completely helpless in the wild. The pacing is great because the intensity of the accidents is balanced by some really thoughtful reflections on why people take these kinds of risks in the first place. The writing is grounded and real, capturing that frantic "fight or flight" energy without the Hollywood polish. It is a gripping, cautionary book that definitely stays with you after you finish it. I highly recommend this book!
Michael Cooper’s memoir Miscalculated Risks is a collection of survival stories pulled from forty years of trekking through the North American wilderness. This isn't some slow-burning narrative; it’s a series of high-stakes moments when things went completely wrong during backpacking, climbing, and rafting trips. Cooper walks the reader through several terrifying scenarios, including a black bear encounter, a freak accident that left him paralyzed, and a near-drowning in freezing water. Each chapter focuses on a specific mistake or "miscalculation," detailing the gear involved, the harsh environment, and the sheer physical effort it took to stay alive and get back to civilization. It is a very blunt look at the reality of being alone and injured in the middle of nowhere.
The honesty in Miscalculated Risks is what makes the memoir work so well. Michael Cooper doesn't try to sound like a legendary explorer; he sounds like a guy who is genuinely lucky to be breathing and wants to show you exactly where he tripped up. There is a lot of vulnerability here, especially when he describes the mental toll of being completely helpless in the wild. The pacing is great because the intensity of the accidents is balanced by some really thoughtful reflections on why people take these kinds of risks in the first place. The writing is grounded and real, capturing that frantic "fight or flight" energy without the Hollywood polish. It is a gripping, cautionary book that definitely stays with you after you finish it. I highly recommend this book!
Recommend this book:
 to Al Qaeda in Iraq is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, military writing, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to mature readers as it discusses real-life graphic violence. Colonel Burl Randolph Jr. (Retired) provides a personal chronicle of his experiences during ...){kind=link}
The Iraq I Knew
From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)
Colonel Burl Randolph Jr US Army Retired
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Iraq I Knew: From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to Al Qaeda in Iraq is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, military writing, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to mature readers as it discusses real-life graphic violence. Colonel Burl Randolph Jr. (Retired) provides a personal chronicle of his experiences during multiple combat deployments to Iraq. Randolph recounts his journey as a Field Artillery Captain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, detailing the harsh realities of living in the Saudi Arabian desert, the transition to combat operations, and the liberation of Kuwait. Through his firsthand account, Randolph offers insights into the challenges faced by soldiers, the impact of prolonged deployment on morale, and the lasting effects of war on military personnel.
Author Colonel Burl Randolph Jr. offers a compelling insight into the life of a US Army Field Artillery Captain and a truly engaging, raw portrayal of what it’s like to experience extreme hardships in the name of duty. His detailed descriptions of the challenges faced in the desert, from enduring SCUD alerts to dealing with the toxic dangers of ‘burn barrels,’ highlighted the harsh realities of military life in vivid detail. A visceral sense to the narrative makes you feel every sensation in deep detail. The transition from diplomatic efforts to Desert Storm combat operations and the liberation of Kuwait was portrayed with striking clarity, and many more clever juxtapositions help to highlight the complexities and unpredictability of war. Randolph's reflections on the impact of deployment on soldier morale and the long-term effects of the war were particularly poignant, and his narrative tone offers a wise but friendly approach as if we’re gaining sage wisdom from a dear friend or relative. The book not only deepened my understanding of contemporary military history but also fostered a greater appreciation for the personal sacrifices made by military personnel. Overall, The Iraq I Knew is a powerful, firsthand account that underscores the complexity and dedication involved in military service. I’d certainly recommend it for fans of wartime memoirs.
The Iraq I Knew: From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to Al Qaeda in Iraq is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, military writing, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to mature readers as it discusses real-life graphic violence. Colonel Burl Randolph Jr. (Retired) provides a personal chronicle of his experiences during multiple combat deployments to Iraq. Randolph recounts his journey as a Field Artillery Captain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, detailing the harsh realities of living in the Saudi Arabian desert, the transition to combat operations, and the liberation of Kuwait. Through his firsthand account, Randolph offers insights into the challenges faced by soldiers, the impact of prolonged deployment on morale, and the lasting effects of war on military personnel.
Author Colonel Burl Randolph Jr. offers a compelling insight into the life of a US Army Field Artillery Captain and a truly engaging, raw portrayal of what it’s like to experience extreme hardships in the name of duty. His detailed descriptions of the challenges faced in the desert, from enduring SCUD alerts to dealing with the toxic dangers of ‘burn barrels,’ highlighted the harsh realities of military life in vivid detail. A visceral sense to the narrative makes you feel every sensation in deep detail. The transition from diplomatic efforts to Desert Storm combat operations and the liberation of Kuwait was portrayed with striking clarity, and many more clever juxtapositions help to highlight the complexities and unpredictability of war. Randolph's reflections on the impact of deployment on soldier morale and the long-term effects of the war were particularly poignant, and his narrative tone offers a wise but friendly approach as if we’re gaining sage wisdom from a dear friend or relative. The book not only deepened my understanding of contemporary military history but also fostered a greater appreciation for the personal sacrifices made by military personnel. Overall, The Iraq I Knew is a powerful, firsthand account that underscores the complexity and dedication involved in military service. I’d certainly recommend it for fans of wartime memoirs.
Recommend this book:
Home at the Edge
Ronald Schulz
2025 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Home at the Edge by Ronald Schulz is a thought-provoking memoir that chronicles the author's tumultuous journey as a young hippie. By the age of seventeen, Ron had dropped out of school, run away from home, and found himself arrested during the Days of Rage demonstration in October 1969 in Chicago. He had joined a radical group opposing the capitalist system and condemning the war in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, after his release, he was sent to Riveredge, a mental hospital where he encountered suicidal patients and fellow rebels. Despite the anxiety of his upcoming court date, he engaged in meditation and sought connection in a world that felt increasingly alien to him. His conversations with other patients revealed their struggles and provided insight into the broader societal issues of that turbulent era.
Home at the Edge is a captivating story that takes readers on a wild ride. Ronald Schulz effectively conveys his inner struggles during his youth, intertwining personal experiences with wider societal themes. His honest reflections on rebellion, mental health, love, and the quest for identity will resonate deeply with readers, providing insight into the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1960s. The book is set against a backdrop of racial tensions, police brutality, substance use, and a period of enlightenment and transition. The narrative is conversational and flows smoothly, making it engaging and easy to read. The book is well-structured into three parts: Ron's time in prison, his hospitalization at Riveredge, and his reintegration into society. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the author's personality, highlighting his intelligence and awareness of social challenges. I enjoyed reading this book and found it both informative and entertaining, striking a great balance between humor, spiritual growth, personal development, and commentary on societal issues.
Home at the Edge by Ronald Schulz is a thought-provoking memoir that chronicles the author's tumultuous journey as a young hippie. By the age of seventeen, Ron had dropped out of school, run away from home, and found himself arrested during the Days of Rage demonstration in October 1969 in Chicago. He had joined a radical group opposing the capitalist system and condemning the war in Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, after his release, he was sent to Riveredge, a mental hospital where he encountered suicidal patients and fellow rebels. Despite the anxiety of his upcoming court date, he engaged in meditation and sought connection in a world that felt increasingly alien to him. His conversations with other patients revealed their struggles and provided insight into the broader societal issues of that turbulent era.
Home at the Edge is a captivating story that takes readers on a wild ride. Ronald Schulz effectively conveys his inner struggles during his youth, intertwining personal experiences with wider societal themes. His honest reflections on rebellion, mental health, love, and the quest for identity will resonate deeply with readers, providing insight into the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1960s. The book is set against a backdrop of racial tensions, police brutality, substance use, and a period of enlightenment and transition. The narrative is conversational and flows smoothly, making it engaging and easy to read. The book is well-structured into three parts: Ron's time in prison, his hospitalization at Riveredge, and his reintegration into society. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of the author's personality, highlighting his intelligence and awareness of social challenges. I enjoyed reading this book and found it both informative and entertaining, striking a great balance between humor, spiritual growth, personal development, and commentary on societal issues.
Recommend this book:
The Waypoints
From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles
Diane Gansauer
2025 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles by Diane Gansauer is a remarkable read. While in her fifties, Diane decides to hike the Colorado Trail. Then, at sixty-one years old, she hikes the entire length of the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. As a funeral celebrant, Diane has assisted many families with funerals and through their grief journey, helping them honor the lives of those who passed away in a meaningful way. Each chapter contains waypoints, magnificent pictures of cairns that she passed while walking the Continental Divide, the life stories of extraordinary people, and Diane's experiences in nature that give insights into what counts as a worthwhile life. Each life story reveals the principles the person built their life on, what they valued, what kind of person they became, and how they are remembered.
The Waypoints is an inspiring, extraordinary, and transformative work that awakens your soul to the wonder in this world. Diane Gansauer does a fantastic job of depicting her experience as a long-distance hiker and as an officiant at funerals, as well as honoring the essence of individuals and the sacredness of life transitions. This evocative read makes us contemplate what matters over time and reflect on our legacy. Anyone who wants to fall in love with life and nature again should read this book. It contains valuable life lessons about the importance of actively seeking out what is vital, getting rid of what doesn't serve you, cherishing little moments, persevering through challenges rather than moving quickly, and embracing both solitude and companionship, revealing what is good and stands the test of time.
The Waypoints: From 400 Farewells and 3,000 Miles by Diane Gansauer is a remarkable read. While in her fifties, Diane decides to hike the Colorado Trail. Then, at sixty-one years old, she hikes the entire length of the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. As a funeral celebrant, Diane has assisted many families with funerals and through their grief journey, helping them honor the lives of those who passed away in a meaningful way. Each chapter contains waypoints, magnificent pictures of cairns that she passed while walking the Continental Divide, the life stories of extraordinary people, and Diane's experiences in nature that give insights into what counts as a worthwhile life. Each life story reveals the principles the person built their life on, what they valued, what kind of person they became, and how they are remembered.
The Waypoints is an inspiring, extraordinary, and transformative work that awakens your soul to the wonder in this world. Diane Gansauer does a fantastic job of depicting her experience as a long-distance hiker and as an officiant at funerals, as well as honoring the essence of individuals and the sacredness of life transitions. This evocative read makes us contemplate what matters over time and reflect on our legacy. Anyone who wants to fall in love with life and nature again should read this book. It contains valuable life lessons about the importance of actively seeking out what is vital, getting rid of what doesn't serve you, cherishing little moments, persevering through challenges rather than moving quickly, and embracing both solitude and companionship, revealing what is good and stands the test of time.
Recommend this book:
Risk
A Life Saved by the River
Susan Norman
2025 Silver Medal
296 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Risk: A Life Saved by the River by Susan Norman is a gripping memoir of courage, motherhood, and resilience that explores the intersection of extreme sports and parenthood. Susan, a former whitewater world champion, faces her greatest challenge as a first-time mother after menopause while raising a child with unique needs. The memoir weaves together her experiences as an elite athlete with the unexpected turns her life takes, creating a narrative that mirrors the unpredictable nature of both whitewater rapids and life itself. Norman's writing captures the heart-pounding excitement of competitive racing while also delving deep into the quieter, more profound moments of maternal love and personal transformation.
Author Susan Norman offers readers a narrative that flows with the same intensity and grace as the rivers she once conquered professionally. The memoir is filled with sharp insights into her personal strength and vulnerability that readers from all backgrounds will appreciate. The story moves with natural momentum, often mirroring the unpredictable shifts of life's waters. I was completely drawn into both the thrilling moments of competition and the tender scenes of motherhood. Her descriptions bring the adrenaline rush of whitewater racing and the delicate moments of parenting to life with remarkable clarity. Her warmly penned memories let readers connect to her on deeply personal levels. The memoir's emotional honesty shines through as Norman explores her evolving identity, showing how the skills she learned as an athlete helped prepare her for the challenges of her later life in ways she never expected. I loved the way she describes learning to navigate the uncertain waters of parenting a child with special needs. Her treatment of her child is particularly moving, revealing both her struggles and triumphs with a raw authenticity that is sure to touch readers' hearts. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend Risk: A Life Saved by the River for anyone seeking inspiration in their own journey through life's unexpected challenges.
Risk: A Life Saved by the River by Susan Norman is a gripping memoir of courage, motherhood, and resilience that explores the intersection of extreme sports and parenthood. Susan, a former whitewater world champion, faces her greatest challenge as a first-time mother after menopause while raising a child with unique needs. The memoir weaves together her experiences as an elite athlete with the unexpected turns her life takes, creating a narrative that mirrors the unpredictable nature of both whitewater rapids and life itself. Norman's writing captures the heart-pounding excitement of competitive racing while also delving deep into the quieter, more profound moments of maternal love and personal transformation.
Author Susan Norman offers readers a narrative that flows with the same intensity and grace as the rivers she once conquered professionally. The memoir is filled with sharp insights into her personal strength and vulnerability that readers from all backgrounds will appreciate. The story moves with natural momentum, often mirroring the unpredictable shifts of life's waters. I was completely drawn into both the thrilling moments of competition and the tender scenes of motherhood. Her descriptions bring the adrenaline rush of whitewater racing and the delicate moments of parenting to life with remarkable clarity. Her warmly penned memories let readers connect to her on deeply personal levels. The memoir's emotional honesty shines through as Norman explores her evolving identity, showing how the skills she learned as an athlete helped prepare her for the challenges of her later life in ways she never expected. I loved the way she describes learning to navigate the uncertain waters of parenting a child with special needs. Her treatment of her child is particularly moving, revealing both her struggles and triumphs with a raw authenticity that is sure to touch readers' hearts. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend Risk: A Life Saved by the River for anyone seeking inspiration in their own journey through life's unexpected challenges.
Recommend this book:
Becoming Amazed
Discovering the World with Eyes Wide Open
Brenda E Smith
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Becoming Amazed chronicles Brenda E. Smith's transformative journey from a conservative New England upbringing to her adventurous spirit shaped by expeditions in California, Tanzania, and beyond. The narrative captures her evolution as an adventurer, beginning with her childhood infatuation with Pippi Longstocking and leading to bold adventures in wilderness settings, such as whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon and navigating Africa’s untamed rivers. As she transitions from a safe, structured life to an unconfined existence, the book illuminates her breathtaking encounters with nature, indigenous cultures, and her inner Self, culminating in an appreciation for life beyond her previous, mundane constraints. This memoir documents her travels, filled with excitement and terrifying moments. Brenda's adventures traversing Bolivia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka range from awe-inspiring to terrifying, culminating in the brutal murder of a friend by terrorists, which forces her to rethink her reality, her desires, and the cost of adventure.
Set against the backdrop of natural wonders, including the Colorado River and Tanzania’s picturesque landscapes, Brenda E. Smith's memoir explores the themes of change, adventure, humanity, and nature. The author challenges conventional beliefs and family while embracing the thrill of exploration and embracing humanity across diverse cultures. The profound connection she forges with the local African tribes, especially the Bodi and Mursi, exposes her to their simple yet rich lives, exuding a sense of humility and admiration. The narrative melds the perception of wealth and the true riches of experience, revealing how materialism pales compared to the wealth of knowledge and understanding from cultural immersion and genuine human connections. Becoming Amazed delivers Brenda’s candid insights on life, evoking themes of courage and the pursuit of authenticity and adventure in a world marred by conventions.
Becoming Amazed chronicles Brenda E. Smith's transformative journey from a conservative New England upbringing to her adventurous spirit shaped by expeditions in California, Tanzania, and beyond. The narrative captures her evolution as an adventurer, beginning with her childhood infatuation with Pippi Longstocking and leading to bold adventures in wilderness settings, such as whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon and navigating Africa’s untamed rivers. As she transitions from a safe, structured life to an unconfined existence, the book illuminates her breathtaking encounters with nature, indigenous cultures, and her inner Self, culminating in an appreciation for life beyond her previous, mundane constraints. This memoir documents her travels, filled with excitement and terrifying moments. Brenda's adventures traversing Bolivia, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka range from awe-inspiring to terrifying, culminating in the brutal murder of a friend by terrorists, which forces her to rethink her reality, her desires, and the cost of adventure.
Set against the backdrop of natural wonders, including the Colorado River and Tanzania’s picturesque landscapes, Brenda E. Smith's memoir explores the themes of change, adventure, humanity, and nature. The author challenges conventional beliefs and family while embracing the thrill of exploration and embracing humanity across diverse cultures. The profound connection she forges with the local African tribes, especially the Bodi and Mursi, exposes her to their simple yet rich lives, exuding a sense of humility and admiration. The narrative melds the perception of wealth and the true riches of experience, revealing how materialism pales compared to the wealth of knowledge and understanding from cultural immersion and genuine human connections. Becoming Amazed delivers Brenda’s candid insights on life, evoking themes of courage and the pursuit of authenticity and adventure in a world marred by conventions.
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