Rick Hansen Man in Motion

by Jim Taylor

The inspiring story -- with over 65,000 copies sold -- of one of Canada's best-loved heroes now with a new introduction and updated design. In 1973, Rick Hansen was a carefree teenager hitchhiking home from a fishing trip, a kid who lived and breathed sports. But after the truck he was riding in went out of control and crashed, Hansen was left a paraplegic. For some people that could have been the end. For Rick Hansen it was the beginning of a story that is at once sad and funny, heartbreaking and inspirational. Hansen takes you from the first painful days and frightening nights in hospital, through the gritty process of rehabilitation, to his return to competition as a world champion of wheelchair sports. It is the story of the Man in Motion Tour -- Rick Hansen 's incredible 24,901.55-mile wheelchair journey through 34 countries around the world. It is also the love story of Hansen and his wife, Amanda, a physiotherapist whom Hansen calls his "lifeline." And it is a success story -- Rick Hansen has raised millions of dollars for spinal cord research, rehabilitation and wheelchair sports as well as raised awareness about the disabled.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Canada, Canadian Literature

344 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Westcoast_girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, this book could have been a measly 25 page, moldy, misspelled piece of trash and it still would have been a masterpiece. Because it is written by Rick Hansen about one of the most inspiring tours in history, it could never fail.
Because it was a hardcover, 200 page, sincerely written treasure, it was even better.
The story follows Rick from the time he is paralyzed, to the time the book is published (1999). Thus, the entire tour is depicted in Rick's man-to-man style of writing. What do I mean by this? I mean, the book could of been a verbatim recording of a 'round the dinner table conversation. Some people will love this style, others won't. There were times when the pace of the novel could have been quicker, but by the end it was worth it. Because you got a very intimate look at exactly who Rick is, what his tour was, and how it went. Silly stories, heart breaking instances, and inspiring moments were all recorded. And it created a memoir as real as could get.
Any Canadian must read this book. Anyone who is paralyzed, disabled, or knows someone who is must read this book. Anyone who wants to be inspired by a regular Joe who became an extraordinary hero must read this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seemed like a pretty honest account. Of course, I don't know any of the characters but the book doesn't always show Rick, or anyone else for that matter, in a positive light. It shines that light on the real pain, frustration and mind numbing tedium of rolling across the world in a wheelchair. I often felt sorry for the whole team. There was so little enjoyment, so little time to take in what they were seeing, because they had to be so focused on the mission. What an amazing accomplishment. The seed money they raised is still doing good work today. We are so blessed in Canada to have so many role models to look up to. So glad I have this book!

[Crystal Sissons · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of an incredible journey told in a frank and honest way. I like that there was no sugar-coating of the challenges, frustrations and mistakes. I also like that the voices of others were included throughout.

[Brenda]

Great read. An inspiration to all of us.

[Greg Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been years but I read this book as a teenager and it really moved me. And it's tough to move a teenagers emotions.

[Debi Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and informative.

[Daya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgot I read this for a presentation in November. Interesting but as always white men are a bit sexist.

[Alex Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, contemplative and eminently readable, Rick Hansen's self-titled book is a very worthwhile read.

The book goes behind-the-scenes into Rick's life, the formation of his signature Man in Motion tour, and his thoughts and feelings at various stages of the tour. You really get a sense of being there with him every step of the way, and the clarity with which he relates certain situations and milestones along the way are amazing.

As someone who can personally attest to having met the man in person and learning more about his work, this book is a very useful primer for anyone who wants to understand Hansen's life work. The material hasn't even aged all that badly, either.

Definitely recommended.

[Ron Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most motivating book I have ever read. Rick Hansen and Terry Fox are 2 of Canada's most inspirational people. Motivated by their disabilities both Rick and Terry did not make excuses for themselves but went on to have a substantial impact on the world. When I bicycled across North America I used Rich Hansen's book as a tool to overcome the many adversities that I faced. I always said to myself, if Rick can go all around the world (25,000 miles) in a wheelchair, then I can do 4,600 miles on a bicycle.

The stories that are told are both hilarious and inspiring. For anyone who wants to make a difference in the world this is at the top of the list to read.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick is someone I have a great dealof respect for. He is a phenomenol motivational speaker.

[Sigh. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Inspiring!