Rowing Against the Wind

by Angela Madsen

In September of 1993, at the age of 33, Angela Madsen underwent back surgery for an injury she sustained while on duty in the military. Her goal was to be walking and surfing within one year but the surgery went wrong, leaving her a diagnosed paraplegic. She lost her job, her home and wound up living on the streets of Orange County, California, just steps away from Disneyland.

Genres: Memoir

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Margaret Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the NYT article after Angela died attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean solo, I knew I wanted to read this book. Angela's memoir was compelling and inspirational - and how could it not be? She was a fierce woman who knew that once she had a goal in mind nothing could stop her. Angela's matter-of-fact writing style was refreshing too. At times I wanted her to go into details about the struggles she's had to endure - being a woman, being a lesbian, being disabled - and she does to a point. But what's so wonderful about Angela is that she has made her peace. She knows that struggle is real for every person and she does not wallow in self-pity. She is truly a heroic woman and an inspiration.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful story. Angela is a military veteran who gets injured playing basketball while in the service. The first part of the book details her ordeal with the VA medical system and a surgery that goes bad. It is heart wrenching to read how difficult her journey was. Very troubling. That she preserved is remarkable and paves the way for the rest of her story.

The second half of the book shares stories of her accomplishments. Thus includes many stories of rowing. I was unaware of how many different events there are. And she does all of this as a paraplegic.

She successfully rows across the Atlantic twice and around Great Britain. An amazing story.

Postscript: The book was written in 2014 I believe. In June of 2020 Angela died while rowing from California to Hawaii. She made it half way. She was 60 years old. Wow.

[Lauren J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Madsen is a pioneer. Her early misfortunes are overcome with her will and determination not to allow life to beat her. Her perseverance with her health, physical ability and her will to make something of her life are remarkable. This is a story that must be told and so glad she wrote this book. Her life is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

[Kama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angela Madsen was a remarkable person, but a mediocre writer. I am glad that she took the time to write her memoir, but it left me with a lot of questions... However, I have not read much by authors with a disability, so it was really instructive [and humbling] to get that perspective.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring lady!

[Patreesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's voice is clearly expressed as she tells of her disability as well as obstacles and successes in her life.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two sittings. Granted, I was on two long flights and had uninterrupted time, but it's rare that I finish a book in a day.