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Beyond the Bear: How I Learned to Live and Love Again after Being Blinded by a Bear
The unbelievable true story of a man who narrowly survived one of the most brutal grizzly bear attacks, and the love that separated his blindness from the dark.
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A 25-year-old backcountry wanderer, a man happiest exploring wild places with his dog, Dan Bigley woke up one midsummer morning to a day full of promise. Before it was over, after a stellar day of salmon fishing along Alaska’s Kenai and Russian rivers, a grizzly came tearing around a corner in the trail. Dan barely had time for “bear charging” to register before it had him on the ground, altering his life forever.
“Upper nose, eyes, forehead anatomy unrecognizable,” as the medevac report put it.
Until then, one thing after another had fallen into place in Dan’s life. He had a job he loved taking troubled kids on outdoor excursions. He had just bought a cabin high in the Chugach Mountains with a view that went on forever. He was newly in love. After a year of being intrigued by a woman named Amber, they had just spent their first night together. All of this was shattered by the mauling that nearly killed him, that left him blind and disfigured.
Facing paralyzing pain and inconceivable loss, Dan was in no shape to be in a relationship. He and Amber let each other go. Five surgeries later, partway into his long healing journey, they found their way back to each other. The couple’s unforgettable story is one of courage, tenacious will, and the power of love to lead the way out of darkness. Dan Bigley’s triumph over tragedy is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to overcome physical and emotional devastation, to choose not just to live, but to live fully.
Official Beyond The Bear Website
--
A 25-year-old backcountry wanderer, a man happiest exploring wild places with his dog, Dan Bigley woke up one midsummer morning to a day full of promise. Before it was over, after a stellar day of salmon fishing along Alaska’s Kenai and Russian rivers, a grizzly came tearing around a corner in the trail. Dan barely had time for “bear charging” to register before it had him on the ground, altering his life forever.
“Upper nose, eyes, forehead anatomy unrecognizable,” as the medevac report put it.
Until then, one thing after another had fallen into place in Dan’s life. He had a job he loved taking troubled kids on outdoor excursions. He had just bought a cabin high in the Chugach Mountains with a view that went on forever. He was newly in love. After a year of being intrigued by a woman named Amber, they had just spent their first night together. All of this was shattered by the mauling that nearly killed him, that left him blind and disfigured.
Facing paralyzing pain and inconceivable loss, Dan was in no shape to be in a relationship. He and Amber let each other go. Five surgeries later, partway into his long healing journey, they found their way back to each other. The couple’s unforgettable story is one of courage, tenacious will, and the power of love to lead the way out of darkness. Dan Bigley’s triumph over tragedy is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to overcome physical and emotional devastation, to choose not just to live, but to live fully.
Official Beyond The Bear Website
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
35 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Dan Bigley
4 books18 followersBefore the bear, with a degree in natural history from Arizona‚’s Prescott College, I’d landed the most challenging and rewarding job I’d ever had, taking severely emotionally disturbed children on recreational outings for Alaska Children’s Services. After the bear, I got a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. I’m now director of therapeutic foster care for Denali Family Services, the largest therapeutic foster-care provider in the state. My wife, Amber Takavitz Bigley, and our two young children, Alden and Acacia, live in Anchorage, Alaska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
July 27, 2022
This is Nonfiction/Autobiography. I liked this one. Living in Alaska, a young man and his friend go salmon fishing and on their way back to their car they happen to bump into an angry mama bear. This encounter turned out to be a life changing event for the author.
I liked the title/subtitle. It wasn't just about the attack but how Dan recovered from multiple surgeries and how he managed to live without sight and without any sense of smell. He had many hurdles to navigate in his new life. I liked the positive attitude he channeled into all aspects of his life, including relationships. So 4 stars.
I liked the title/subtitle. It wasn't just about the attack but how Dan recovered from multiple surgeries and how he managed to live without sight and without any sense of smell. He had many hurdles to navigate in his new life. I liked the positive attitude he channeled into all aspects of his life, including relationships. So 4 stars.
March 17, 2014
Honesty compells me to admit that I probably would never have read this book if it had not been for a challenge to find and read a book by an author that was born in my home town.
I might have seen the book at my home town library, but I am not sure if I would have picked it up to read it although I do admit, the title would have caught my eye. If it had, I can say that I probably would have picked it up and taken it home to read.
I don't have to worry about it now. I read it! Wow, what a story! I could not have imagined how someone could have overcome the trama that the man in this story went through. His name is Dan. A bear attacked him. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong bear. Those are not my words. They are his. He will tell you that he did nothing to provoke the attack. He was simply un-lucky. He will tell you that too.
Now that I have told that, I will tell you that it is an amazing story. It was beautifully written. It is straight forward, not grizzly - no pun intended. It tells the facts of what happended. It tells Dan's story. It tells the story of those who were with him that day and of those that were not with him that day. It tells of his family and of his support group and doctors and nurses and emergency responders and people he did not even know then.
It is written in plain, beautiful, easy to read language that was so well put together that it just flowed out onto the page and right into my heart. It was like Dan was sitting right in the room with me telling me his story. There is nothing to do but admire Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney and how they put this story together. There are awful moments in the beginning, but there is also so much humor and love. It is so human and so uplifting.
I might have seen the book at my home town library, but I am not sure if I would have picked it up to read it although I do admit, the title would have caught my eye. If it had, I can say that I probably would have picked it up and taken it home to read.
I don't have to worry about it now. I read it! Wow, what a story! I could not have imagined how someone could have overcome the trama that the man in this story went through. His name is Dan. A bear attacked him. He was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong bear. Those are not my words. They are his. He will tell you that he did nothing to provoke the attack. He was simply un-lucky. He will tell you that too.
Now that I have told that, I will tell you that it is an amazing story. It was beautifully written. It is straight forward, not grizzly - no pun intended. It tells the facts of what happended. It tells Dan's story. It tells the story of those who were with him that day and of those that were not with him that day. It tells of his family and of his support group and doctors and nurses and emergency responders and people he did not even know then.
It is written in plain, beautiful, easy to read language that was so well put together that it just flowed out onto the page and right into my heart. It was like Dan was sitting right in the room with me telling me his story. There is nothing to do but admire Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney and how they put this story together. There are awful moments in the beginning, but there is also so much humor and love. It is so human and so uplifting.
June 22, 2013
I have a soft spot in my heart for bears: my name means “Little Bear” in Latin and is what my deceased father coined as a nickname. I had a dog growing up named Bear and live in California – a state with a bear on its flag. However, that love begs to be replaced by fear after reading “Beyond the Bear: How I Learned to Love and Live Again after Being Blinded by a Bear” by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney.
With a rather self-explanatory title, “Beyond the Bear” is a true-story of Dan Bigley, a man who was mauled and left blinded by a bear while fishing in Alaska. Although one may naturally assume that “Beyond the Bear” would depict a “woe is me!” pity party memoir; this expectation would be gravely wrong. “Beyond the Bear” is instead an amazingly well-written, intelligent, narrative which flows like the best fiction book you have read or film you have ever watched.
I can’t stress enough how well-written “Beyond the Bear” is. Even though I am unsure whether it was mostly penned by co-author McKinney or not; what I do know is that it is masterful in the memoir world. “Beyond the Bear” has the perfect ratio of personal background information, inspiration, facts (such as bear behavior in the area leading up to the attack), dialogue, research, etc which results in one of the best (if not, the best) memoir I have read in some time. “Beyond the Bear” is gripping from the first page and then never lets go (no pun intended).
The buildup to the bear mauling is edge-of-your-seat tense with timing devices that encourage page turning and yet leave the reader nervously cringing, awaiting the inevitable. The immediate aftermath of the bear mauling follows the view points of various first-responders to give their side of the story and eyes because Bigley was blind was at this point. “Beyond the Bear” reads like films which replay the storyline through various characters to show what was going on at the same exact times leading to a massive event. This adds depth and strong insight (plus credentials) to “Beyond the Bear” and helps demonstrate how one person or event can truly affect so many lives.
Strikingly rich, is a portion which explains the process of obtaining and training a “seeing-eye dog”. This information is thorough and insightful, teaching a wealth of knowledge to readers who are generally not well-versed on the topic.
The conclusion of “Beyond the Bear” is powerful and introspective without being too mushy and “soft”. The writing is memorable and with the perfect level of maturity. Never is the book condescending nor does Bigley moan and groan about his ordeal. Basically, he doesn’t complain but he also doesn’t make himself out to be a hero.
“Beyond the Bear” features periodic photos throughout supplementing the text. This adds realism to the work and helps to see the people who Bigley describes.
“Beyond the Bear” is an absolutely terrific work: inspirational, entertaining, and flowing with depth. I have already been recommending it to everyone in my everyday life: enough said.
With a rather self-explanatory title, “Beyond the Bear” is a true-story of Dan Bigley, a man who was mauled and left blinded by a bear while fishing in Alaska. Although one may naturally assume that “Beyond the Bear” would depict a “woe is me!” pity party memoir; this expectation would be gravely wrong. “Beyond the Bear” is instead an amazingly well-written, intelligent, narrative which flows like the best fiction book you have read or film you have ever watched.
I can’t stress enough how well-written “Beyond the Bear” is. Even though I am unsure whether it was mostly penned by co-author McKinney or not; what I do know is that it is masterful in the memoir world. “Beyond the Bear” has the perfect ratio of personal background information, inspiration, facts (such as bear behavior in the area leading up to the attack), dialogue, research, etc which results in one of the best (if not, the best) memoir I have read in some time. “Beyond the Bear” is gripping from the first page and then never lets go (no pun intended).
The buildup to the bear mauling is edge-of-your-seat tense with timing devices that encourage page turning and yet leave the reader nervously cringing, awaiting the inevitable. The immediate aftermath of the bear mauling follows the view points of various first-responders to give their side of the story and eyes because Bigley was blind was at this point. “Beyond the Bear” reads like films which replay the storyline through various characters to show what was going on at the same exact times leading to a massive event. This adds depth and strong insight (plus credentials) to “Beyond the Bear” and helps demonstrate how one person or event can truly affect so many lives.
Strikingly rich, is a portion which explains the process of obtaining and training a “seeing-eye dog”. This information is thorough and insightful, teaching a wealth of knowledge to readers who are generally not well-versed on the topic.
The conclusion of “Beyond the Bear” is powerful and introspective without being too mushy and “soft”. The writing is memorable and with the perfect level of maturity. Never is the book condescending nor does Bigley moan and groan about his ordeal. Basically, he doesn’t complain but he also doesn’t make himself out to be a hero.
“Beyond the Bear” features periodic photos throughout supplementing the text. This adds realism to the work and helps to see the people who Bigley describes.
“Beyond the Bear” is an absolutely terrific work: inspirational, entertaining, and flowing with depth. I have already been recommending it to everyone in my everyday life: enough said.
October 13, 2015
Too often, real-life, inspirational books just aren't very well written. This book is an exception. It's a great read not only for the amazing story but for the way it's crafted. I especially loved the descriptions of Alaska and his love of nature, as well as the powerful story of how he learned how to navigate the world blind (and disfigured).
Damn, if a guy who got his face mauled by a bear--and as a result went blind--can life a full life, there's no excuses for the rest of us.
Favorite quotes:
"Life isn't too short to live in a straitjacket of misery, it's too long. ... The bear took my face and eyes, not my dignity, and not my ability to dream, and dream large."
"Bitterness...illuminated exactly the kind of man I did not want to be. Being angry at the world, or wallowing about in the quicksand of 'why me,' had the potential to ruin my life far more than being blinded by a bear."
"I'd be sunk without the ability to laugh at myself."
"The bear that blinded me gave me a new way to see."
"Despite what life throws at us...we have the power to rise above it....The bigger my life, the smaller my disability."
Damn, if a guy who got his face mauled by a bear--and as a result went blind--can life a full life, there's no excuses for the rest of us.
Favorite quotes:
"Life isn't too short to live in a straitjacket of misery, it's too long. ... The bear took my face and eyes, not my dignity, and not my ability to dream, and dream large."
"Bitterness...illuminated exactly the kind of man I did not want to be. Being angry at the world, or wallowing about in the quicksand of 'why me,' had the potential to ruin my life far more than being blinded by a bear."
"I'd be sunk without the ability to laugh at myself."
"The bear that blinded me gave me a new way to see."
"Despite what life throws at us...we have the power to rise above it....The bigger my life, the smaller my disability."
May 4, 2013
I could not put this book down! The beautiful descriptions of Alaska were so good that they reminded me how it FEELS to be there. So the setting made me feel like I was breathing clean, cool, thin summer air on a bright sunny day... I was smiling to be a part of it. Then the tragic events took place and my heart went up into my throat. Unsuccessfully trying to hold back tears, I FELT the fear... the agony... the uncertainty... in a way I've never felt reading a book about someone else's experience. I just wanted to be there for Dan, his friends, his family, and the community that supported him. I could have been mired in sadness, but throughout the book, there were amazing and witty pearls of insight, hope, wisdom, and truth that inspired me to read more while containing my laughter!
I highly recommend this book. For me, it was a quick read because it was so well written, it has a great flow, and it definitely draws you in. It's inspiring and positive despite the ups and downs. I FELT involved while reading this book... Like it was being read to me in a small, intimate group of people who had all been there. I haven't read a book like that in years! Well done!!
I highly recommend this book. For me, it was a quick read because it was so well written, it has a great flow, and it definitely draws you in. It's inspiring and positive despite the ups and downs. I FELT involved while reading this book... Like it was being read to me in a small, intimate group of people who had all been there. I haven't read a book like that in years! Well done!!
October 1, 2014
This is a harrowing story and Dan Bigley seems like a great guy who truly made the best of a terrible stroke of bad fortune. Towards the end of the book I got a little weary of hearing about his advantages, reporting of straight As, exceptional evaluations and extraordinariness. I also wasn't that interested in hearing every detail of every surgery. This may seem harsh after what he went through, but I kept thinking about how lucky he was to have a wealthy family and a lot of opportunity that a regular Joe wouldn't have. How lucky that he happened to find a partner who stuck with him moments before his face was crushed (how many young guys would stay with a woman like that?). The times that he talked directly about real problems and issues in his recovery rang true, and his description of blind parenting was sweet and funny.
January 7, 2019
As far as memoirs go this one is pretty amazing. I normally don't really enjoy them so much, because they feel false or too extreme. This felt more real, Dan is a real guy who got slammed with some incredibly terrible luck and eventually came out ok. I loved that Dan talked about how difficult it was to heal and that even with the best attitude you don't have a happy ending over night. I like when people are honest about their pain and challenges, but not too woe is me.
I liked that the book took on several perspectives of what happened during and after the mauling. I love that Dan gave so much credit to all the awesome people that impacted his life and helped him recover.
I really connected with this book and read it in one day. Fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
I liked that the book took on several perspectives of what happened during and after the mauling. I love that Dan gave so much credit to all the awesome people that impacted his life and helped him recover.
I really connected with this book and read it in one day. Fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
April 17, 2013
Dan Bigley's story is incredible and Debra McKinney's writing is amazing--the two together create one phenomenal memoir. I was glued to the book the moment I got it, finishing it in two sittings and only putting it down to sleep. I was breathless to know what happened, and both laughed and cried countless times as I whipped through the pages. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys love stories, survival stories, natures stories, inspirational stories... basically, anybody. There is so much of value "beyond the bear"--it's a book worth pondering, rereading and passing around to friends and family.
September 25, 2017
There were many things that irritated me about this book. First and foremost, I'm not super huge on inspirational books that being said, the first thing that annoyed me ws the fact that I didn't feel that Dan was all that hapy of an individual. It omly seemed like he was happy when things were good with him and Amber. I felt like a lot of the book was showing his emotions, as far as "Does she like me"?
The book didn't focus all that much on what Dan did in the school, after being blind. And who says "caning?" Sorry, but being blind myself, I'd never think to say "I caned down the hall." I'd say "I walked down the hall."
The book didn't focus all that much on what Dan did in the school, after being blind. And who says "caning?" Sorry, but being blind myself, I'd never think to say "I caned down the hall." I'd say "I walked down the hall."
June 18, 2021
Wow! Dan's story is quite amazing! Being attacked and blinded by a bear is terrifying. But how he chose to move forward in his life is a reminder to us all the value of life comes from relationships and shared experience. This is not beautiful prose. But it is excellent story telling.
June 21, 2021
The bear took abilities from Dan and he responded by pressing on. He showed Resilience, strength, and a lot of humor.
January 24, 2022
Met this author at a bear mauling seminar for healthcare providers in Alaska. His story is incredible and I was worried the book wouldn’t do justice to his oration…boy am I grateful I bought this book!
I fell in love with Alaska all over again. This story beautifully captures the experience of wild youth and finding love in both your surroundings & someone special.
His harrowing survival, recovery, and life “Beyond the Bear” offers insight on many important topics. He discusses the environmental regulations that impact bear encounters, the experience of trauma recovery, human strength (physical and mental), and the daily challenges that those without sight have to navigate.
Hands down - when asked, “What book should I read next?” - this is my first recommendation.
I fell in love with Alaska all over again. This story beautifully captures the experience of wild youth and finding love in both your surroundings & someone special.
His harrowing survival, recovery, and life “Beyond the Bear” offers insight on many important topics. He discusses the environmental regulations that impact bear encounters, the experience of trauma recovery, human strength (physical and mental), and the daily challenges that those without sight have to navigate.
Hands down - when asked, “What book should I read next?” - this is my first recommendation.
November 22, 2013
Beyond the Bear is a bit... shocking. Or at least the first hundred pages left me wishing that I hadn't decided to read it right before bed, or during my lunch break. (In fact, one day I determined my lunch break was over because I had reached a point in the book where I could not have continued reading and eating at the same time.)
I shouldn't have been surprised. The book's subject matter is right in the title, and a more detailed description is available in the summary on the book jacket. I knew the beginning of the book would be about how the author, Dan Bigley, was mauled by a bear, but I somehow wasn't expecting the gory details , even though I knew Bigley had been blinded by the bear. I also knew that Bigley's reconstructive surgery wouldn't be easy, but I also wasn't expecting how near-nauseous I would become while reading about it. (Not enough to put down the book, of course, but enough to question why I was reading the book at inappropriate times.)
But oddly enough, this is still the pieces of the book that I found most interesting (Bigley's experiences in the hospital and immediately after being released). I'm nothing like Bigley, who grew up all over the world (including a long period of his life spent in Malaysia) and more affluent than he would like. I'm not the outdoors-y type -- sure, I like nature, and I occasionally enjoy participating in outdoor activities in nature, but I would never imagine living in Alaska on a mountain where it's dangerous in your own driveway, and I wouldn't drive an hour after work to go fishing at midnight in the Alaskan summer. I'm also not spiritual like Bigley.
All that being said, I admire Bigley. He's an extraordinary man who has accomplished so much in his life, both before and after the bear. His resolve to do things and heal was amazing to read about, but unlike almost everyone else who left a review for this book, I unfortunately didn't find myself "inspired" by his story. While Beyond the Bear is a book that will be staying with me, it's not because I've been inspired by Bigley to commune with nature -- it's because of that first section where Bigley describes his encounter with the bear. I'm actually looking forward to our book discussion next week -- we'll see how the group feels!
I shouldn't have been surprised. The book's subject matter is right in the title, and a more detailed description is available in the summary on the book jacket. I knew the beginning of the book would be about how the author, Dan Bigley, was mauled by a bear, but I somehow wasn't expecting the gory details , even though I knew Bigley had been blinded by the bear. I also knew that Bigley's reconstructive surgery wouldn't be easy, but I also wasn't expecting how near-nauseous I would become while reading about it. (Not enough to put down the book, of course, but enough to question why I was reading the book at inappropriate times.)
But oddly enough, this is still the pieces of the book that I found most interesting (Bigley's experiences in the hospital and immediately after being released). I'm nothing like Bigley, who grew up all over the world (including a long period of his life spent in Malaysia) and more affluent than he would like. I'm not the outdoors-y type -- sure, I like nature, and I occasionally enjoy participating in outdoor activities in nature, but I would never imagine living in Alaska on a mountain where it's dangerous in your own driveway, and I wouldn't drive an hour after work to go fishing at midnight in the Alaskan summer. I'm also not spiritual like Bigley.
All that being said, I admire Bigley. He's an extraordinary man who has accomplished so much in his life, both before and after the bear. His resolve to do things and heal was amazing to read about, but unlike almost everyone else who left a review for this book, I unfortunately didn't find myself "inspired" by his story. While Beyond the Bear is a book that will be staying with me, it's not because I've been inspired by Bigley to commune with nature -- it's because of that first section where Bigley describes his encounter with the bear. I'm actually looking forward to our book discussion next week -- we'll see how the group feels!
December 23, 2013
I went to Alaska fairly recently and before I went I had a ton of people tease me about getting eaten by a bear. One of my co-workers lent me this book after I had gone to Alaska and I have to say that I was very happy that I read this book after I went on my trip. I would have been absolutely terrified! This book is the memoir of Dan Bigley, a gentleman who was attacked by a bear and was lucky to be alive afterwards. I love memoirs that show courage in the face of adversity and this book definitely fits that bill.
This is a story of strength and resilience. Bigley was an avid outdoorsman and fisher so to have his life changed so much was difficult. He was blinded by the bear and basically had to relearn a lot of different skills in order to be able to still be independent. This book explores his entire journey from just before he was attacked to his life afterward. I loved following his journey.
This book also has a really beautiful love story in it. Just before he is attacked by a bear, he begins dating Amber, a woman who seems to be perfectly cut out for living in the beautiful but harsh Alaskan wilderness. They hadn't been dating all that long and when Bigley gets attacked, I'm sure there's a lot of women who wouldn't want to have to deal with all of the fallout but Amber steps up to the plate and is there 100% for Dan. I really liked this love story a lot.
The writing of the book was pretty good. While the book sometimes takes some jogs away from the action of the story, overall this book moves pretty fast. I recommend this book if you're looking for an exciting memoir and a true survivor story.
This is a story of strength and resilience. Bigley was an avid outdoorsman and fisher so to have his life changed so much was difficult. He was blinded by the bear and basically had to relearn a lot of different skills in order to be able to still be independent. This book explores his entire journey from just before he was attacked to his life afterward. I loved following his journey.
This book also has a really beautiful love story in it. Just before he is attacked by a bear, he begins dating Amber, a woman who seems to be perfectly cut out for living in the beautiful but harsh Alaskan wilderness. They hadn't been dating all that long and when Bigley gets attacked, I'm sure there's a lot of women who wouldn't want to have to deal with all of the fallout but Amber steps up to the plate and is there 100% for Dan. I really liked this love story a lot.
The writing of the book was pretty good. While the book sometimes takes some jogs away from the action of the story, overall this book moves pretty fast. I recommend this book if you're looking for an exciting memoir and a true survivor story.
April 4, 2013
I have been impatiently waiting for this book since I heard about it last summer. Once I opened the book I couldn't put it down until I finished. I feel as if a tornado has picked me up, twirled me around and plastered me along side of a barn spread eagle, with my mouth hanging open. Although the book was initiated by a bear mauling in Alaska, this story should by no means be meant only for Alaskans, outdoor enthusiasts, or folks who have experienced horrific accidents - it is for all of mankind. The depth of this story has blown me away and, as of yet, I cannot come up with the words to describe it. Congratulations Dan, in addition to so many other successes, you have accomplished something that no one has ever been able to do in the past - leave ME speechless. There is so much more to this story than meets the eye. So, I'm going to try to peel myself off of the side of the barn, wipe the drool from my mouth (figuratively speaking of course), and start reading "Beyond the Bear" again right now. I envision this book as a resource for innumerable college and high school classes, churches, organizations and families. I am your (and Amber's) biggest fan and you are in my prayers. I sure hope that I will have the honor to meet you and your beautiful family in person someday. Food for thought - I would love to read a book authored by Amber.
April 20, 2013
I just finished this great book! I'd give it 10 stars if that was an option! What a great story, and told so well by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney. I bothered my husband who was reading something else,so much I think he got irritated by my reading so many great passages to him. There came a time when I couldn't read him passages out loud because I couldn't speak without crying. The times that touched me most weren't when Dan was injured, nor was it when he was in the hospital and told he was blind. No it was when Amber saw him--after Dan had asked for her. Oh and I loved the scene at the Michael Franti concert. I could just see them up there! His interactions with his two small children trying to figure out why he was blind was very touching. I already had a sample of this book downloaded to my Kindle when it became available at a bargain price. I started reading it just after it downloaded and could hardly get anything done until I finished it. I should have bookmarked some of the wonderful quotes, but just take my word for it. This is a MUST read. A triumph of the human spirit. Dan Bigley, you're quite the guy and I am honored to have met you if only through the pages of this book.
October 20, 2014
This was really well done -- it focused on the bear attack and the recovery process, including learning how to live blind; no unnecessary or irrelevant tangents. There's a lot of little things to laugh at, too. Dan is a very normal person. I'm not sure "inspiration" is the right word, but it's reassuring to see someone who is not extra talented or extra special (I don't mean that as an insult) overcome a lot of obstacles through hard work, determination, and a great support network. His story makes you feel that if he could do something so hard, than you can, too. I finished this feeling proud of Dan.
(The description of his injuries might make you squeamish. There are a few swear words. The editing was okay but could be better, especially with commas. There are a couple spelling issues and some missing quote marks.)
(The description of his injuries might make you squeamish. There are a few swear words. The editing was okay but could be better, especially with commas. There are a couple spelling issues and some missing quote marks.)
June 5, 2023
I want to love this story because it is true and wholesome. I want to love the main character because he survived something that I couldn't even image....but its hard to connect with Dan's story. He was a rich kid, who grew up with privilege. He survive mentally, physically, and financially from the attack because he had MONEY or at least family money.
He is so privileged in fact he doesn't even seem to be aware of it. It's there in his story, in his arrogance, and nonchalant attitute but he doesn't see it or acknowledge it and that makes me dislike him a little.
Still a great read. He has a good life and good humor. Friends, family, and love to help pull him though something that should have killed him. God bless man!
He is so privileged in fact he doesn't even seem to be aware of it. It's there in his story, in his arrogance, and nonchalant attitute but he doesn't see it or acknowledge it and that makes me dislike him a little.
Still a great read. He has a good life and good humor. Friends, family, and love to help pull him though something that should have killed him. God bless man!
March 25, 2013
A fantastic story--at once heart-rending and heartening. Dan's dedication to life and his rise out of darkness carries triumph, love, and inspiration, and Amber's story is just as poignant and heroic. I knew McKinney was a great writer from her features at the Anchorage Daily News, but here she proves herself a masterful storyteller in book-length. Once I started it, I could not put it down. It is a great read and a page-turner through to the end. Inspiring story, masterfully told.
Jeff Fair, author of The Great American Bear
Jeff Fair, author of The Great American Bear
January 9, 2013
There are some lines that stick with you and for me, the introduction to this book which tells the story of Dan Bigley, who survived a horrific bear attack after fishing in Alaska, has some of those moments and lines.
This book, while starting with moments one hopes never to experience, leads to an amazing story of the human spirit and its ability to triumph over what at times appear to be insurmountable odds and obstacles.
This book, while starting with moments one hopes never to experience, leads to an amazing story of the human spirit and its ability to triumph over what at times appear to be insurmountable odds and obstacles.
February 18, 2013
From the Prologue to the final chapter I could not put this book down. The book is an insight into the human spirit and the strength of one man to continue living a full life despite having his face torn apart by a huge grizzly bear. The romance between Dan and Amber kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping that it would all work out for the best.
I just love this book and carry it inside me to remind me to act with grace and perseverance no matter what life throws at me. A fantastic book.
I just love this book and carry it inside me to remind me to act with grace and perseverance no matter what life throws at me. A fantastic book.
February 21, 2013
Beyond the Bear was a heart felt recount displaying the courage, friendship, and love that a person needs to survive a catastrophic bear attack. Dan Bigley, had all of those in his favor.
So many of these tales are filled with the sensationalism of the particulars of the attack itself. This book certainly lends some time to the attack, but devotes itself to the rescue and recovery. This gives the reader a more intimate view into how difficult this must have been to overcome.
So many of these tales are filled with the sensationalism of the particulars of the attack itself. This book certainly lends some time to the attack, but devotes itself to the rescue and recovery. This gives the reader a more intimate view into how difficult this must have been to overcome.
July 31, 2014
Gripping and inspiring!
"Because I have made a full, rich life for myself, people respond to me like I’m something special. I just do what I have to do. The alternative would be to live in a straitjacket of misery. Life isn’t too short to live that way, life is too long. The same spirit and will that kept me going at the Russian River keeps me going today. The bear took my face and eyes, not my dignity, and not my ability to dream, and dream large."
"Because I have made a full, rich life for myself, people respond to me like I’m something special. I just do what I have to do. The alternative would be to live in a straitjacket of misery. Life isn’t too short to live that way, life is too long. The same spirit and will that kept me going at the Russian River keeps me going today. The bear took my face and eyes, not my dignity, and not my ability to dream, and dream large."
January 26, 2013
I won this book in a Goodreads givieaway and had someone read it to me. This is a book filled with a great human spirit of ablilty to deal with a tragic experience. Sometimes the human heart and will is amazing in what it can push through. Definitly a book to read.
January 16, 2014
This is a beautiful love story. It shows the best of love of family, love of friends, love of nature and most of all, love of life. It is an amazing story of survival, even thriving in response to tragedy. Loved, loved, loved this story and this book.
October 24, 2014
Loved this book, couldn't put it down! Very uplifting story. Living in Alaska and hiking in the woods, I've had my fair share of running into bears. Fortunately, they always walk away. What happened to Dan is my worst nightmare. But, he survived and thrived. Glad I read this book.
June 20, 2019
An amazing story of survival and recovery. I can't begin to imagine this level of trauma Bigley and his family went through...
However, the (first person) writing felt a little self-invollved.
And thank goodness for Bigley's obvious access to white priveledge. #Trustafarian
However, the (first person) writing felt a little self-invollved.
And thank goodness for Bigley's obvious access to white priveledge. #Trustafarian
January 31, 2013
Perfect combo of the fly fishing and surgery :)
May 12, 2014
He tells an inspiring story. The description of the bear attack made me feel like I was right there with Dan. The book is an easy read.
February 15, 2016
Very interesting story. I am liking the Homer library 15 in '16 reading list.
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