Introduction

2025 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Silver Winner in Nonfiction: Adventure

A compelling narrative about a pioneering woman’s connection to wild rivers as a whitewater world champion, and how the journey heals past and current childhood trauma.

Alternating between two time periods, Risk is about Sue Norman’s journey as a pioneer in international whitewater kayaking and rafting competition. Outdoor adventure helped the author cope with the trauma of her mother’s diagnosis of acute multiple sclerosis when she was five, which rapidly forced her family into poverty and separation.

As an adult, Sue was thrust into becoming a first-time parent after menopause to her four-year-old nephew. Her nephew's early years were spent with biological parents who struggled with addiction and mental illness. Does Sue have what it takes to parent a child considered to be at risk?

Risk explores how pursuing “good risk” through adventure can help one escape, and face, their fears.

Praise:
“Risk is an inspiring and captivating adventure story that beautifully intertwines Sue Norman’s legendary and pioneering career as a whitewater paddler with her deeply personal journey of overcoming immense challenges. Norman's raw and heartfelt narrative, showcases the transformative power of embracing what she calls ‘good risk.' This book is a testament to resilience, courage, and the healing force of outdoor adventure."--Juliet Starrett, NYT best-selling author of Built to Move & 3x World Whitewater Champion

“Sue Norman’s Risk inspires awe. It is a tale of overcoming; of passion; of deep connection to nature; and of a profound commitment to bringing one’s best to a life. As a lifelong kayaker I thrilled to the passages about international river running and whitewater racing--the heart pounding risks and the courage. As a human, I was profoundly moved by the lessons in how to put together a moral, generous, and meaningful life.”--Peter Heller, NYT best-selling author of The Dog Stars, The River, and Burn

“Sue Norman has paddled whitewater rivers around the world, yet without a doubt her biggest act of courage was becoming a mother. In this deeply thoughtful, often funny, resonant memoir, Norman deftly explores not just the landscapes and adventures that made her who she is, but also the terrain of the human heart.”--Caroline Paul, NYT best-selling author of Gutsy Girl and Tough Broad

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. What life ‘hacks’ do you use to manage ‘bad risk’ as described in the book? Has this included outdoor adventure, other passions such as creative pursuits, and/or engagement in strong communities?

2. How do you relate to the author’s struggle with reluctant motherhood, combined with her sense of responsibility to be a good parent to her nephew?

3. How have you experienced sisterhood in community, and how has that empowered you?

Weblinks

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