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Inspiring,
Informative,
Insightful

5 reviews

Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure, and the Man Who Dared to See
by Robert Kurson

Published: 2007-05-15
Hardcover : 320 pages
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15 clubs reading this now
7 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 5 of 5 members
In his critically acclaimed bestseller Shadow Divers, Robert Kurson explored the depths of history, friendship, and compulsion. Now Kurson returns with another thrilling adventure–the stunning true story of one man’s heroic odyssey from blindness into sight.

Mike May spent his ...
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Introduction

In his critically acclaimed bestseller Shadow Divers, Robert Kurson explored the depths of history, friendship, and compulsion. Now Kurson returns with another thrilling adventure–the stunning true story of one man’s heroic odyssey from blindness into sight.

Mike May spent his life crashing through. Blinded at age three, he defied expectations by breaking world records in downhill speed skiing, joining the CIA, and becoming a successful inventor, entrepreneur, and family man. He had never yearned for vision.

Then, in 1999, a chance encounter brought startling news: a revolutionary stem cell transplant surgery could restore May’s vision. It would allow him to drive, to read, to see his children’s faces. He began to contemplate an astonishing new world: Would music still sound the same? Would sex be different? Would he recognize himself in the mirror? Would his marriage survive? Would he still be Mike May?

The procedure was filled with risks, some of them deadly, others beyond May’s wildest dreams. Even if the surgery worked, history was against him. Fewer than twenty cases were known worldwide in which a person gained vision after a lifetime of blindness. Each of those people suffered desperate consequences we can scarcely imagine.

There were countless reasons for May to pass on vision. He could think of only a single reason to go forward. Whatever his decision, he knew it would change his life.

Beautifully written and thrillingly told, Crashing Through is a journey of suspense, daring, romance, and insight into the mysteries of vision and the brain. Robert Kurson gives us a fascinating account of one man’s choice to explore what it means to see–and to truly live.

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by judith j. (see profile) 04/22/15

 
  "Crashing Through"by Anne C. (see profile) 10/24/14

I learned so much, but it didn't feel like I was reading a textbook. I now see "seeing" very differently!

 
  "Crashing Through: The. extraordinary true story "by Ruth M. (see profile) 10/24/14

Inspiring true story of a person living with blindness and his resolve to live a very normal life.

 
  "Inspiring"by J A. (see profile) 01/28/13

Very inspiring and uplifting! I didn't realize how much I take my eyesight for granted until I read this book! Very worthwhile reaad!

 
  "Crashing Through"by Jetta G. (see profile) 04/16/11

Fascinating true story of Mike May and his approach to life without sight. He does not enable blindness to become a barrier to life but rather enjoys its myriad of activities probably more than the majority... (read more)

 
  ""Crashing Through""by Pam M. (see profile) 07/20/09

I really enjoyed this book. Mike May is amazing!!! What an inspiration to people who think they can do things. "There is always a way."

 
  "Crashing Through"by Margit S. (see profile) 06/06/09

An amazing story that does turn out the way you think it should. As a nurse I thought I would be aware of the adjustments the subject makes but I was so wrong. It make you look at being sighted as even... (read more)

 
  "Blinded in a childhood accident, Mike May never hesitated to try anything—driving a motorcycle, hiking alone in the woods, downhill skiing—until the day, when May was 46, an ophthalmologist told him a"by Susan W. (see profile) 07/27/07

When you read this book you will be amazed. Vision is far more than a functioning eye - It is very complex. I read this book in two days which I can only do if a book is truly compelling. R... (read more)

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