Product Description
He describes his childhood and adolescence and the emergence of the adrenalin junkie, the first ridiculous stunts on his tricycle, and an increasing and near obsessive attraction to speed and the smell of petrol. He finds an attractive girl, Mindy, who shares his interests and helps him organise his high-speed life. For such a lively and intelligent communicator TV beckons and he becomes one of the daredevil trio, with Jeremy Clarkson and James May, who make such an… More >>
#1 by J. Acheson on July 2, 2010 - 6:28 pm
When my wife picked this up for me for my birthday, we both thought it was an autobiography of Richard Hammond. His life and times, etc. It isn’t. This book is about his jet-car accident and recovery from the resulting brain injury. There is certainly biographical material here. But it exists to establish who Richard is, who his friends are, and how his family came to be prior to his accident. The meat of the book concerns the accident, the near miraculous progression of his recovery, and how it has effected everything and everyone in his life.
The recovery section is really the best part of the book. Both Richard and his wife Mindy take turns telling the story in their own words. Richard describes having brain damage from the inside. Mindy describes his problems from her perspective along with the challenges faced by his family and friends. The initial passages are very Mindy heavy as Richard is largely incapacitated and as his injury has left him unable to recall these events himself. But as his brain heals, Richard tells more and more of his own story. His injury and recovery aren’t just described, they are also demonstrated by the presence (or lack) of his narrative voice within his own story. Even if the narrative structure wasn’t so clever, the story itself is quite touching and worth reading anyway.
I liked this book a lot. I even gave my copy to my wife and suggested that she read it. While she barely knows who Richard Hammond is and doesn’t watch Top Gear, I think she will really relate to Mindy and the kids. Because this is a book about rebuilding a life after a horrible accident and that really could be about anybody, not just a British TV host.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by K. Harrelson on July 2, 2010 - 9:10 pm
It is a rare thing in today’s world that you find a true gentleman adventurer. His story is a great read and yet still very touching. The nice guy you see on Top Gear doesn’t seem to be an act, he really is a genuinely nice guy with a beautiful family.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Mary L. Epstein on July 2, 2010 - 9:31 pm
I listened to the audiobook. It’s an interesting story. If you’re a fan of the Hamster, you’ll love hearing him read this.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Victor Chiang on July 2, 2010 - 10:31 pm
A very fun and addicting read, one that I haven’t had in a long time. Learn more about who Hammond is and about his relationships with the people he is surrounded with most.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Super Grover on July 3, 2010 - 1:26 am
This is a terrific story! I had read a different review stating that the audiobook version was the best and I must certainly agree. Hearing Richard’s wife Mindy tell her part of the story just had me bawling like a baby. You can hear so much love and emotion in her voice, it’s just completely heart wrenching. The story did move very quickly though. I wanted more. So, I guess I’ll just have to find more of his books. Thanks Hamster.
Rating: 5 / 5