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The Cost of Bravery
The Cost of Bravery
Author: Allan Sparkes
Price: $29.99
'I was Humpty Dumpty at the bottom of the wall, my heart and the very soul of me shattered into a thousand pieces. I knew that my life was never going to be the same again. I also knew that if I did not get professional help, I'd soon be dead.'
Allan Sparkes didn't think twice about rescuing an 11-year-old boy from a flooded storm water drain – the courageous policeman put his life on the line and saved the kid. He became one of only five people to be awarded Australia's highest decoration for bravery, the Cross of Valour, but the rescue would signal a downward spiral into post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Here was a man with many professional accolades, who had thrived on never knowing what his next call would involve – murder, bombings, junkies and robberies were often part of a day's work for this detective, yet he suddenly lost his 20-year career and all sense of self-worth.
Allan's recovery from debilitating mental illness was a rollercoaster ride of personal challenges that tested his courage and resolve over more than a decade. With the unwavering support of his wife, he faced his demons and rebuilt his mind, body and soul. Today, Allan is back to being his adventurous self, prepared to face whatever comes his way. This is his inspiring story.
Author: Allan Sparkes
Price: $29.99
'I was Humpty Dumpty at the bottom of the wall, my heart and the very soul of me shattered into a thousand pieces. I knew that my life was never going to be the same again. I also knew that if I did not get professional help, I'd soon be dead.'
Allan Sparkes didn't think twice about rescuing an 11-year-old boy from a flooded storm water drain – the courageous policeman put his life on the line and saved the kid. He became one of only five people to be awarded Australia's highest decoration for bravery, the Cross of Valour, but the rescue would signal a downward spiral into post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Here was a man with many professional accolades, who had thrived on never knowing what his next call would involve – murder, bombings, junkies and robberies were often part of a day's work for this detective, yet he suddenly lost his 20-year career and all sense of self-worth.
Allan's recovery from debilitating mental illness was a rollercoaster ride of personal challenges that tested his courage and resolve over more than a decade. With the unwavering support of his wife, he faced his demons and rebuilt his mind, body and soul. Today, Allan is back to being his adventurous self, prepared to face whatever comes his way. This is his inspiring story.
258 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2013
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Like Exit Wounds by John Cantwell, The Cost of Bravery is a vivid and disturbing insight into the life of an incredibly courageous individual. It seems to me that bravery isn't so much about risking your life, but living it when every part of you wants to end it. I am very grateful to Allan for sharing his story with us. My opinion of men and women in uniform has been radically revised as a result. It should be compulsory reading in schools.
As for the writing itself, it is more than adequate. Allan writes from the heart; what he lacks in finesse, he makes up for in honesty and sincerity. The only complaint I would make is that he (or most likely the Penguin editor) used M-dashes to write f—k. This is completely unnecessary and distracting. For example, "you are a useless f—king idiot. Just get it over with and f—king kill yourself." I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks the f-bombs are the least disturbing parts of these sentences. Apart from this and his over use of the term "mate", I couldn't fault Allan's writing. And let's face it, when reading such a powerful and honest story, these things are super trivial.
The Cost of Bravery is high indeed. A must read.
As for the writing itself, it is more than adequate. Allan writes from the heart; what he lacks in finesse, he makes up for in honesty and sincerity. The only complaint I would make is that he (or most likely the Penguin editor) used M-dashes to write f—k. This is completely unnecessary and distracting. For example, "you are a useless f—king idiot. Just get it over with and f—king kill yourself." I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks the f-bombs are the least disturbing parts of these sentences. Apart from this and his over use of the term "mate", I couldn't fault Allan's writing. And let's face it, when reading such a powerful and honest story, these things are super trivial.
The Cost of Bravery is high indeed. A must read.
wish-list
April 28, 2015Listening to a radio interview with the author, he sounds like a brave and courageous man. Looking forward to reading it.
February 1, 2025
One of those books you'll remember and make you respect the work police and first responders do in the community.
February 22, 2014
The Cost of Bravery
Allan Sparkes
Everyone should read this book; it’s an amazing story!
It’s gripping from the beginning, and once you start you can’t put it down. And once you’ve finished,…..you’ll never be the same again.
It made me laugh, and cry, and at times although I felt paralysed with fear, I was driven to keep turning the pages and read on. There were times throughout the journey I was painfully aware at how humbling and brutally honest Allan Sparkes was in retelling this part of his life, and grateful that he shared it. I feel enriched and enlightened for having read it.
It’s a truly powerful and inspirational read, and I’d love to see the Education Department take this on for all High School students as a must read.
Allan Sparkes
Everyone should read this book; it’s an amazing story!
It’s gripping from the beginning, and once you start you can’t put it down. And once you’ve finished,…..you’ll never be the same again.
It made me laugh, and cry, and at times although I felt paralysed with fear, I was driven to keep turning the pages and read on. There were times throughout the journey I was painfully aware at how humbling and brutally honest Allan Sparkes was in retelling this part of his life, and grateful that he shared it. I feel enriched and enlightened for having read it.
It’s a truly powerful and inspirational read, and I’d love to see the Education Department take this on for all High School students as a must read.
July 29, 2013
This memoir grew on me. Written in the distinctive, colloquial voice of ex-cop Sparkes, it explores his journey back from PTSD and depression. Initially, I felt it was too much a series of events rather than a coherent narrative, but Sparkes managed to tie his recollections together into a moving portrait of a man fighting for his life.
February 28, 2014
This book is an amazing read and an open and honest account from a person who clearly struggled with accumulated trauma's in life. It does take you on a roller coaster of emotions and you actually feel this through out the book. As a partner of a person affected with this I related both ways. Al's recount of what he has gone through really does show how well he has come along in his recovery and to be able to share his life story and in turn I believe this will help more people understand people who also suffer with brain injuries. He is now a great ambassador for those suffering similar issues, well done. For Deb, I can only say how amazingly strong she must have been and I also admire that. You love them, you need to support them no matter what. I have learned this a lot lately and if you struggle in this area, seek help also. Thank you so much Al for giving us this part of your life and the good it will be not only for your self but for others as well. Agree on Karin's comment above, get it on the read list for teenagers!
December 14, 2013
"A true story that inspires hope."
Highly recommended!
My husband and I read The cost of bravery to each other in bed at night...and it was quality time together.
We felt as if we were on a journey with Allan and his family, as the account unfolded to us its pages.
It was both heart wrenching and heart-warming to learn of Allan's traumatic journey into emotional decline and see his immense courage and ability to draw his family around him despite tremendous obstacles.
The cost of bravery is a touching story of a family's great love and endurance, with a happy ending!
Cherina Gray
Author
Highly recommended!
My husband and I read The cost of bravery to each other in bed at night...and it was quality time together.
We felt as if we were on a journey with Allan and his family, as the account unfolded to us its pages.
It was both heart wrenching and heart-warming to learn of Allan's traumatic journey into emotional decline and see his immense courage and ability to draw his family around him despite tremendous obstacles.
The cost of bravery is a touching story of a family's great love and endurance, with a happy ending!
Cherina Gray
Author
December 5, 2013
A great book that should be read by everyone, what Allan went through and came out of is northing short of amazing. I am sure his story will be an inspiration and help to a lot of people. Well done.
March 5, 2014
I am in awe of this man's courage: Not just for what he accomplished in his work, but for his courage to reveal his mental illness and just what that was like. An amazing story.
September 10, 2013
I found this book very interesting, a real insight into PTSD and resultant depression. I'm so glad he got help and got himself back together again, shame that his superiors weren't there for him.
August 21, 2014
The Cost of Bravery by Allan Sparkes is a must read for Law Enforcement, their families and anyone interested in policing. It is honest, powerful and has brought me tears of sadness and joy. PTSD, as with other psychological conditions, are understated battles people face made even worse if you are a police officer. His courage throughout his ordeal should be commended. His resilience and strength to overcome it should be celebrated. It gives you hope and even though I’m a civilian, it was the first time I truly did not feel alone as I battle my own demons. He has inspired me to keep fighting and to strive to achieve my goals and dreams. I cannot recommend his book enough.
July 1, 2015
where do I begin? A story of a man and his family taking tragedy and turning it into a beautiful opportunity to travel the world upon their trusty yacht, Sunboy. giving a rare insight into the ins and outs of the Australian police force as well as the frustrations of a society that still has a limited understanding of mental illness, Allan's story is one that as you read it you are in shock and awe of what he has gone through both physically and mentally. Truly an inspirational and moving story. Well done Allen, another amazing accomplishment in your life. :-)
June 15, 2015
Bravery Indeed
This is an insight into the daily lives of police everywhere. Not all will share the gamut of such extreme circumstances and demands for courage, but none know what will confront them each day. The social avoidance of mental illness and the reluctance to deal with it is evident, as is its cost. We need to do better in this regard especially to those in the varied professions which experience this level of trauma in their jobs.
This is an insight into the daily lives of police everywhere. Not all will share the gamut of such extreme circumstances and demands for courage, but none know what will confront them each day. The social avoidance of mental illness and the reluctance to deal with it is evident, as is its cost. We need to do better in this regard especially to those in the varied professions which experience this level of trauma in their jobs.
July 31, 2014
I liked this book, a good read. Good to see that Allan was able to get through all the dark days that threatened him. What a lovely strong wife he has.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews