Stories of Hope and Inspiration

The Climb, by Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt (1997)

Weaving together first hand accounts by the head tour guide of the Mountain Madness expedition and an investigative narrative based on interviews with other expedition members and mountain climbing specialists, the authors explore the conditions that led to the May, 1996 disaster on Everest and counter many of the allegations made in Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air (1997), written on the same subject.

Climbing Higher, by Montel Williams with Lawrence Grobel (2004)

In 1999, after almost twenty years of mysterious symptoms that he tried to ignore, Williams was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and experienced denial, fear, depression, and anger. Next came the emotional trial of informing friends and family and then going public with the news. What followed was a fierce determination not to be beaten down by MS, and to live the most vital and productive life possible while becoming a dedicated spokesperson and fundraiser for the disease.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by Jean-Dominique Bauby (1998)

Bauby, former editor of French Elle magazine, describes the rare stroke to the brain stem that left his mind intact in a nearly totally paralyzed body. In a voice that is by turns wistful and mischievous, angry and sardonic, he gives the reader a celebration of the liberating power of consciousness.

Don't Leave Me This Way, by Julia Fox Garrison (2006)

Garrison, a motivational speaker, recounts how she was sidelined by a massive stroke at the age of thirty-seven, and describes how, with determination and humor, she battled back to live a normal life. Previously published as P.S. Julia: A Missing Piece of Your Mind Can Be Puzzling (Pinhead Press, 2005) .

From Where I Sit, by Shelley Nixon (1999)

Twenty-one year old Shelley Nixon explores how it feels to live with cerebral palsy while struggling to have a full life despite the daily challenges.

Ice Bound, by Jerri Nielsen with Maryanne Vollers (2001)

A physician stranded at a South Pole research station describes how she discovered a lump in her breast, treated herself with a biopsy and chemotherapy, and was rescued by the Air National Guard during a daring mission to Antarctica; she reflects on the meaning of her experience and the dedication and support of her colleagues.

It's Not About the Bike, by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins (2000)

Armstrong recounts his cancer diagnosis, the grueling treatments during which he was given a less than twenty percent chance for survival, his surprising victory in the 1999 Tour de France, and the birth of his son. In Every Second Counts (2003) he discusses his life after cancer, his relationship with the French, disproved accusations of doping, and his work restoring a chapel in Spain. Comeback 2.0 (2009) is a photo-journal of his return to professional cycling in order to promote a global cancer-awareness campaign.

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow (2008)

The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.

Lucky Man, by Michael J. Fox (2002)

The popular actor recounts his childhood in western Canada, his rise in film and television, his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, and how he has worked to raise awareness of the disease and find a cure. In 2009, Fox published Always Looking Up, in which he shares the personal philosophy that has helped him to get through some of the darkest times in his life, discusses the course of his battle with Parkinson's, and reveals how he endeavors to find happiness in everyday gifts.

Miracle in the Andes, by Nando Parrado with Vince Rause (2006)

Parrado, a survivor of the horrific 1972 plane crash that stranded his rugby team in the Andes for seventy-two days (popularized in Alive (1974) by Piers Paul Read), tells his story with remarkable candor and depth of feeling. It is a revealing look at life at the edge of death and a meditation on the limitless redemptive power of love.

Miracle on the Mountain, by Mike and Mary Couillard with William and Marilyn Hoffer (1998)

A U.S. Air Force officer tells how he and his son became lost in the mountains of Turkey while skiing and relied on their faith for survival while rescue teams searched for them.

My Left Foot, by Christy Brown (1955)

Brown's inspirational story of his early life, his battle against the restraints of cerebral palsy, and his struggle to learn to read, write, and paint, all with the aid of his left foot, was the basis for the 1989 motion picture of the same name.

My Stroke of Insight, by Jill Bolte Taylor (2006)

A brain scientist recounts her experiences after suffering a stroke at the age of thirty-seven, describing her discovery of differences in the left and right side of the brain and her long and difficult eight-year journey back to health. She reflects on the complexities of the human brain and how it works, its capacity for recovery, and her insights into the nature of human consciousness and its possibilities.

My Stroke of Luck, by Kirk Douglas (2002)

Douglas shares his moving story of survival after a debilitating stroke in 1995, which forever changed his life and taught him valuable lessons, and provides touching anecdotes from such famous figures as Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Anthony Quinn, Jack Lemmon, Michael J. Fox, and others who have triumphed over adversity.

Still Me, by Christopher Reeve (1998)

Reeve offers a moving and inspirational account of his life, from his early acting career and his rise to stardom as Superman, to the devastating horseback-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed and his struggle to rebuild his life. In Nothing is Impossible (2002), Reeve explains how to overcome seemingly insurmountable problems and challenges and advocates living life fully with gratitude, zeal, and curiosity.

Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson (1989)

The author relates his nearly fatal adventures mountaineering in the Andes, adventures that included a fall into a crevice, broken limbs, and return to safety. Also available as a movie made in 2003.

Una etapa difícil, by Mayte Prida (2002)

Prida, a host and producer of Spanish-language television for children, recounts her struggle against breast cancer, in an inspirational memoir of the healing process. Also available as a documentary film.

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