Rick Hansen : Man in Motion

by Rick Hansen

The true story of Rick Hansen's journey around the world in a wheelchair powered by nothing but the strength in his arms and the determination in his heart. He was an athlete facing a challenge and hoping that along the way he could raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, and raise money to fund spinal cord research, rehabilitation and awareness. If someone had told him that, two years later, he'd be a national hero and a symbol of hope for people everywhere, he'd have laughed. As it turned out, they underestimated... A motivational account of the success of Rick's Man in Motion World Tour, the value of leadership, teamwork, and the strength of human spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Canada, Canadian Literature

202 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1987

About the author

Rick Hansen is President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, which has generated more than $200 million for spinal cord injury-related programs and initiatives. He lives with his family in Richmond, BC.

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!