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True Grit
Bear Grylls knows what it takes to survive. But he's not the first.Take the American bombardier Louis Zamperini, who survived 47 days stranded at sea by catching and killing hungry sharks and drinking the warm blood of albatrosses ? only to be captured by the Japanese and horrifically tortured for years in their most brutal POW camps...Or Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL who single-handedly took on a Taliban regiment before dragging his bleeding, bullet-ridden body for days through the harsh mountains of Afghanistan...Or Nando Parrado, one of the survivors of a horrific air-crash high in the ice-bound Andes, who only lived because he was willing to eat the flesh of his dead companions...In this gripping new book, Bear tells the stories of the adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies whose refusal to quit in the most extreme situations has inspired him throughout his life. Some of them make uncomfortable reading - survival is rarely pretty. But all of them are tales of eye-watering bravery, death-defying resilience and extraordinary mental toughness by men and women who have one thing in true grit.What readers are saying about True ***** 'Exhilarating . . . It kept me gripped throughout.'***** 'Inspirational stories of survival and endurance . . . kept me interested till the end.'***** 'To keep going, to keep hopeful, to never quit these are lessons in life that all of us need to hear.'
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2013
About the author
Bear Grylls
318 books979 followersBear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over £2.5million for children around the world. In recognition of his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including To My Sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 18, 2022
“So, if you’re of a squeamish disposition, stop reading now!”
Well, can’t say the author didn’t warn me.
“He explores the warm wetness inside his arm, feeling for the break and the exact sinews he needs to cut in order to butcher himself as cleanly as possible.”
It’s fitting a book titled True Grit demands an element of grit on behalf of the reader to get through the graphic descriptions that fill the pages. But this is a Bear Grylls book, one which showcases 25 true stories of unbelievable courage and determination, and as Bear says, survival isn’t pretty.
These are the heroes of Bear Grylls, famed British survivalist and adventurer. The list reads like a who’s who of childhood idols, along with Hollywood blockbusters. When these are his heroes, it’s easy to see why Bear doesn’t hesitate to eat crazy things on his TV shows.
The book jumps straight into cannibalism (Nando Parrado, Andes plane crash survivors) and then someone falling out of a plane at 10,000ft into a deadly jungle – and surviving (Juliane Koepcke).
“It was not her bleeding back that horrified them most, nor the maggot-infested wound, nor the broken skin, blistered with angry, suppurating insect bites. It was her eyes. The blood vessels had burst all across her eyeballs from her extreme fall at terminal velocity.”
It was a powerful way to start things, particularly since neither had willingly placed themselves in dangerous situations prior to their ordeal. Unfortunately, Juliane Koepcke’s incredible story was one of just two (out of the 25) that featured women (the other being Nancy Wake). I would’ve liked to see more representation.
True Grit is written in a conversational tone. It’s like sitting around a camp fire with Bear as he shares his favourite survival stories (though they don't all have happy endings). Each story concludes with his own thoughts, and how he drew inspiration from it. The stories are long enough to give you the facts, while also acting as taster if you want to delve deeper into the subject – the ‘further reading’ section reads a bit like my own TBR pile!
As an animal lover, I was traumatised by so many mentions of animals being killed and eaten. It was tough. I know - this is do or die survival, but still, I probably would’ve preferred to just curl up with some huskies and await my fate!
Some of these stories I knew from film adaptations. Among my favourites were the WWII (Zamperini, Jaan Baalsrud) and Antarctic (Mawson, Shackleton) stories, though all categories were gripping and fast-paced, especially the climbing ones. George Mallory will forever be a hero of mine.
“It is all about never giving up, and acting with courage and dignity in the big moments. The only real shame lies in refusing to try. And no one can accuse Mallory of that.”
Occasionally I discovered a new story, only for Bear to spoil the outcome before his narrative reached the conclusion. One of the risks with so many epic stories back-to-back is that the reader can start to become desensitised to the graphic experiences – which makes this perhaps better to dip in and out of, instead of reading in large chunks. I learnt a lot though, not just about historic moments, or heroic qualities, but random survival tips too, such as swallowing fish eyeballs for re-hydration!
These stories have lingered in my mind. I found myself sharing anecdotes with friends. The next time I’m having a bad day, or feel I can’t physically endure much more, I’ll think to the men and women featured in this book, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“Whenever you try something new, or difficult, or heroic, there are going to be setbacks. The trick is to redouble your efforts and throw yourself back into the endeavour with everything you’ve got.”
Well, can’t say the author didn’t warn me.
“He explores the warm wetness inside his arm, feeling for the break and the exact sinews he needs to cut in order to butcher himself as cleanly as possible.”
It’s fitting a book titled True Grit demands an element of grit on behalf of the reader to get through the graphic descriptions that fill the pages. But this is a Bear Grylls book, one which showcases 25 true stories of unbelievable courage and determination, and as Bear says, survival isn’t pretty.
These are the heroes of Bear Grylls, famed British survivalist and adventurer. The list reads like a who’s who of childhood idols, along with Hollywood blockbusters. When these are his heroes, it’s easy to see why Bear doesn’t hesitate to eat crazy things on his TV shows.
The book jumps straight into cannibalism (Nando Parrado, Andes plane crash survivors) and then someone falling out of a plane at 10,000ft into a deadly jungle – and surviving (Juliane Koepcke).
“It was not her bleeding back that horrified them most, nor the maggot-infested wound, nor the broken skin, blistered with angry, suppurating insect bites. It was her eyes. The blood vessels had burst all across her eyeballs from her extreme fall at terminal velocity.”
It was a powerful way to start things, particularly since neither had willingly placed themselves in dangerous situations prior to their ordeal. Unfortunately, Juliane Koepcke’s incredible story was one of just two (out of the 25) that featured women (the other being Nancy Wake). I would’ve liked to see more representation.
True Grit is written in a conversational tone. It’s like sitting around a camp fire with Bear as he shares his favourite survival stories (though they don't all have happy endings). Each story concludes with his own thoughts, and how he drew inspiration from it. The stories are long enough to give you the facts, while also acting as taster if you want to delve deeper into the subject – the ‘further reading’ section reads a bit like my own TBR pile!
As an animal lover, I was traumatised by so many mentions of animals being killed and eaten. It was tough. I know - this is do or die survival, but still, I probably would’ve preferred to just curl up with some huskies and await my fate!
Some of these stories I knew from film adaptations. Among my favourites were the WWII (Zamperini, Jaan Baalsrud) and Antarctic (Mawson, Shackleton) stories, though all categories were gripping and fast-paced, especially the climbing ones. George Mallory will forever be a hero of mine.
“It is all about never giving up, and acting with courage and dignity in the big moments. The only real shame lies in refusing to try. And no one can accuse Mallory of that.”
Occasionally I discovered a new story, only for Bear to spoil the outcome before his narrative reached the conclusion. One of the risks with so many epic stories back-to-back is that the reader can start to become desensitised to the graphic experiences – which makes this perhaps better to dip in and out of, instead of reading in large chunks. I learnt a lot though, not just about historic moments, or heroic qualities, but random survival tips too, such as swallowing fish eyeballs for re-hydration!
These stories have lingered in my mind. I found myself sharing anecdotes with friends. The next time I’m having a bad day, or feel I can’t physically endure much more, I’ll think to the men and women featured in this book, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“Whenever you try something new, or difficult, or heroic, there are going to be setbacks. The trick is to redouble your efforts and throw yourself back into the endeavour with everything you’ve got.”
July 16, 2017
This was such an amazing and inspiring book!
I might be a bit biased since I really like Bear Grylls, but even so most of the stories here make you shiver. It is a light read. I finished it in one sitting.
And as a side note, through it I found out about The Marathon des Sales, which I plan to take part in in the near future. So that is a plus haha.
I might be a bit biased since I really like Bear Grylls, but even so most of the stories here make you shiver. It is a light read. I finished it in one sitting.
And as a side note, through it I found out about The Marathon des Sales, which I plan to take part in in the near future. So that is a plus haha.
May 2, 2015
“We all need examples and inspirations in our lives, to make us better and stronger”
This anthology of heroic tales is certainly not for the faint hearted! Candid, raw and gritty stories of tenacious feats of endurance, provide impacting resonance for all. Bear Grylls’ undeniably enthralling collection of inspiring stories, makes for unforgettable and remarkable reading. Bear re-counts the tales of those adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies who refused to quit in the most extreme situations. Eye-watering bravery, death-defying resilience and extraordinary mental toughness is projected through each page.
“Our lives often seldom follow the exact path we might expect, yet sometimes some this seems almost meant to be…”
So true I think!
Within the heart of any man or woman in possession of True Grit , is steel mental strength and such determination of abounding proportions. Sometimes in life we experience things difficult to understand, and it is only by having courage and that resilience that we get through. The people in this book experienced horrors far worse than many of us will ever see, but their never say die attitude is something we can all learn from. To keep going, to keep hopeful, to never quit - - are lessons in life that all of us need to hear! We all have our own personal mountains to climb, (both metaphorically speaking and literal.. in a physical sense). It helps at times to gain positive empowerment from such stories as these.
This anthology of heroic tales is certainly not for the faint hearted! Candid, raw and gritty stories of tenacious feats of endurance, provide impacting resonance for all. Bear Grylls’ undeniably enthralling collection of inspiring stories, makes for unforgettable and remarkable reading. Bear re-counts the tales of those adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies who refused to quit in the most extreme situations. Eye-watering bravery, death-defying resilience and extraordinary mental toughness is projected through each page.
“Our lives often seldom follow the exact path we might expect, yet sometimes some this seems almost meant to be…”
So true I think!
Within the heart of any man or woman in possession of True Grit , is steel mental strength and such determination of abounding proportions. Sometimes in life we experience things difficult to understand, and it is only by having courage and that resilience that we get through. The people in this book experienced horrors far worse than many of us will ever see, but their never say die attitude is something we can all learn from. To keep going, to keep hopeful, to never quit - - are lessons in life that all of us need to hear! We all have our own personal mountains to climb, (both metaphorically speaking and literal.. in a physical sense). It helps at times to gain positive empowerment from such stories as these.
June 24, 2019
The book is made up of 25 short stories of survival through true grit as Bear Grylls calls it. They are stories that have inspired him and as he says, survival is seldom pretty. Most of the stories are well known and some has their own books and even movies made of them, but there are a few lesser known yet equally "grittish". Good collection of stories, and a great base from which to choose and read the full books of these acts of courage and determination.
July 13, 2016
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."
Now that's how you pick an expedition team with balls - with true grit - at least that's how Earnest Shackleton picked his own team over a hundred years ago!
Read all about the most distinguished explorers and survivors from the perspective of ex-SAS and general survival expert Bear Grylls. If you have an ounce of adventurous blood in you, and most of us do, I promise you that you will not be bored!
But remember before committing to any good adventure where there is always something at stake, to be prepared for the worst and happy with anything short of it. Because at any moment it could all go tits up - like Aron Ralston says 'it was a hundred times worse than any pain I'd felt before. It re-calibrated what I understood pain to be.'
Now that's how you pick an expedition team with balls - with true grit - at least that's how Earnest Shackleton picked his own team over a hundred years ago!
Read all about the most distinguished explorers and survivors from the perspective of ex-SAS and general survival expert Bear Grylls. If you have an ounce of adventurous blood in you, and most of us do, I promise you that you will not be bored!
But remember before committing to any good adventure where there is always something at stake, to be prepared for the worst and happy with anything short of it. Because at any moment it could all go tits up - like Aron Ralston says 'it was a hundred times worse than any pain I'd felt before. It re-calibrated what I understood pain to be.'
October 10, 2017
I was reading this book for english class and before I started to read I already knew who Bear Grylls was and what types of things he does on his show, so I thought this book was about him and his show, but actually the book is about quite a lot of heroes that survived in unknowen Terrains.
This is in my opinion also one of the book's strengths, or just something that I liked about this book because there are lots of small stories about different People with different goals and skills in different time periods that try to survive. For example there is a solider in WW2 who escapes lots of POW camps, also there is a Explorer who wanted to find a rout from south Australia to the North.
Another thing that I like about this book is that it is always full of tension or tricky situations where you wonder, how did the person survive that. A negative Thing about the book is that it is partly very discusting when talking about what people did to survive. But all in all I think this is defnantly a book that I would recomend people who like books that are about survival or the nature.
This is in my opinion also one of the book's strengths, or just something that I liked about this book because there are lots of small stories about different People with different goals and skills in different time periods that try to survive. For example there is a solider in WW2 who escapes lots of POW camps, also there is a Explorer who wanted to find a rout from south Australia to the North.
Another thing that I like about this book is that it is always full of tension or tricky situations where you wonder, how did the person survive that. A negative Thing about the book is that it is partly very discusting when talking about what people did to survive. But all in all I think this is defnantly a book that I would recomend people who like books that are about survival or the nature.
November 19, 2016
Naprosto dech berouci pribehy o nezlomne lidske vuli, odvaze a touze prezit. Kazdy z nich by vydal na samostatnou knihu (coz se mnohdy stalo). Az nekdy budete klesat na mysli, sahnete po jedne z kapitol v knize, protoze vzdycky muze byt hur.
November 10, 2013
Edward Michael "Bear" Grylls is a British adventurer, writer and extreme television presenter. He is best known for his television series Man vs. Wild, known as Born Survivor in the United Kingdom. On 11 July 2009, Grylls was appointed the youngest-ever Chief Scout at the age of 35, and the tenth since the role was created for Robert Baden-Powell in 1920. He knows what it takes to survive. But he's not the first. In a thrilling and gripping new book Bear Grylls shares some of his favorite tales of survival, and the one thing every one of them have in common: true grit!
True Grit: The Epic True Stories of Heroism And Survival That Have Shaped My Life by Bear Grylls is the extraordinary story of real men and women who survived the harshest of situations, their super human strength and will to overcome and survive, and their heroic deeds in the most extreme circumstances, and how they all shaped the life of Bear Grylls.
In the book you’ll get to meet Alistair Urquhart who was a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II. He endured cholera, survived tortured, and was forced to work on the Burma Railway. Displaying a spirit of endurance and will beyond imagination, he keeps fighting even as it rained blows after a failed bid to escape. Swimming through boiling crude oil, floating on a raft for five days, he’s lucky to survive, and today he is living near Dundee.
The book tells the fascinating story of the Italian-American bombardier Louis Zamperini, a World War II officer who was shot down over the Pacific Ocean, but that was just the start of a remarkable ordeal. His life raft was attacked by sharks and shot at by Japanese aircraft during 47 days adrift at sea. When the boat reached land after a 2,000 mile journey – he was captured by the Japanese and tortured in a brutal prisoner of war camp. It also narrates the survival instinct of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL who single-handedly took on a Taliban regiment before dragging his bleeding, bullet-ridden body for days through the harsh mountains of Afghanistan.
Another equally fascinating but shocking story is that of Nando Parrado, one of the Uruguayan rugby players who were immortalized in the movie Alive, which told the story of the desperate decision to resort to cannibalism when a plane carrying the team crashed high in the Andes. Parrado was one of the men who set out without any mountaineering equipment to find help and save the other survivors. He only lived to tell the tale because he was willing to eat the flesh of his dead companions.
In the book True Grit you’ll come across men and women of all hues - adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies – but all with a common denominator: refusal to quit. Some of the situation described in the book will make you uncomfortable but you’ll be awed by their audacity, heroism, resilience and fortitude.
This is a book that will really shock and amaze you, but it is a book not to be missed!
True Grit: The Epic True Stories of Heroism And Survival That Have Shaped My Life by Bear Grylls is the extraordinary story of real men and women who survived the harshest of situations, their super human strength and will to overcome and survive, and their heroic deeds in the most extreme circumstances, and how they all shaped the life of Bear Grylls.
In the book you’ll get to meet Alistair Urquhart who was a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II. He endured cholera, survived tortured, and was forced to work on the Burma Railway. Displaying a spirit of endurance and will beyond imagination, he keeps fighting even as it rained blows after a failed bid to escape. Swimming through boiling crude oil, floating on a raft for five days, he’s lucky to survive, and today he is living near Dundee.
The book tells the fascinating story of the Italian-American bombardier Louis Zamperini, a World War II officer who was shot down over the Pacific Ocean, but that was just the start of a remarkable ordeal. His life raft was attacked by sharks and shot at by Japanese aircraft during 47 days adrift at sea. When the boat reached land after a 2,000 mile journey – he was captured by the Japanese and tortured in a brutal prisoner of war camp. It also narrates the survival instinct of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL who single-handedly took on a Taliban regiment before dragging his bleeding, bullet-ridden body for days through the harsh mountains of Afghanistan.
Another equally fascinating but shocking story is that of Nando Parrado, one of the Uruguayan rugby players who were immortalized in the movie Alive, which told the story of the desperate decision to resort to cannibalism when a plane carrying the team crashed high in the Andes. Parrado was one of the men who set out without any mountaineering equipment to find help and save the other survivors. He only lived to tell the tale because he was willing to eat the flesh of his dead companions.
In the book True Grit you’ll come across men and women of all hues - adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies – but all with a common denominator: refusal to quit. Some of the situation described in the book will make you uncomfortable but you’ll be awed by their audacity, heroism, resilience and fortitude.
This is a book that will really shock and amaze you, but it is a book not to be missed!
June 12, 2024
Love you Bear, but stick to what you know I think :)
April 3, 2016
The selection of stories was fascinating but I didn't really enjoy the style of writing. Also the amount of detail on each story is limited by the nature of the book and that's not ideal for me.
June 15, 2021
Well written and truly inspiring. Makes me want to go on adventures😛
August 29, 2017
Čtyři hvězdičky namísto pěti za přílišnou dávku patosu a občasný sek ve vyprávění, které mohlo být rozpracovanější, takovéto a co dál;-) Ale i tak knihu hltáte! Známé příběhy (z knih a filmů) dobrodruhů velikánů od Thora Heyerdahla přes kapitána Scotta s Roaldem Amundsenem až po George Malloryho, který možná zdolal Mount Everest o 30 let dříve před Hillarym... Stejně tak příběhy "obyčejných smrtelníků" z kterých náhoda i kapka štěstí při nehodě či ve válečném konfliktu udělala hrdiny.
Bear Grylls coby sám velký dobrodruh má smysl pro vyprávění o svých hrdinech, takže i ten piedestal berete jako povinnost. Hodí se ke knihám "Když Hitler" a "Když Lenin..." Gilese Mitona i když Gryllsovy příběhy nejsou takovými pikanteriemi. Nehodí se pro čtenáře slabší povahy, některé detaily přežití jsou velmi, opravdu velmi naturalistické...
Bear Grylls coby sám velký dobrodruh má smysl pro vyprávění o svých hrdinech, takže i ten piedestal berete jako povinnost. Hodí se ke knihám "Když Hitler" a "Když Lenin..." Gilese Mitona i když Gryllsovy příběhy nejsou takovými pikanteriemi. Nehodí se pro čtenáře slabší povahy, některé detaily přežití jsou velmi, opravdu velmi naturalistické...
May 12, 2020
O carte despre curaj adevărat și supraoameni. Au ales viața, chiar dacă moartea era cea mai potrivită opțiune în acele condiții extreme. M-am convins, încă o dată, că natura este necruţătoare. Supraviețuitorii au făcut imposibilul - posibil prin ingeniozitate, spirit de inițiativă și abilități specifice.
November 3, 2017
Čtivé shrnutí, co všechno je schopný člověk podstoupit a přežít, takové peklo na 100 + 1 způsob. Hodně příběhů bylo zfilmovaných. Namátkou:
- Přežít - let 571
- Nordwand
- Pád do ticha - nejlepší horolezecký film, jaký jsem kdy viděl
- Most přes řeku Kwai
- 127 hodin, zatím jsem neměl odvahu vidět
Měl bych několik námitek. Předně jde o moji oblíbenou báseň Roberta Frosta Nezvolená cesta, mám raději překlad Hany Žantovské. To, že nejde mořská voda pít, vyvrátil Alain Bombard v knize Trosečníkem z vlastní vůle. Příběhy jsou krátké, což se dobře čte, ale na druhou stranu nemůže jít do hloubky. Osud Whympera je mnohem silnější a temnější, doporučuji Messnerovo podání v knize Pád nebes, rozhodně to není nevinný hrdina.
Knihu lze doporučit jako rozcestník příběhů, které můžete studovat podrobněji. Asi mě to přiměje konečně k přečtení knihy Leading at the Edge : Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition.
Bear Grylls nepíše z pohodlí domova, ale je skutečným dobrodruhem
- Přežít - let 571
- Nordwand
- Pád do ticha - nejlepší horolezecký film, jaký jsem kdy viděl
- Most přes řeku Kwai
- 127 hodin, zatím jsem neměl odvahu vidět
Měl bych několik námitek. Předně jde o moji oblíbenou báseň Roberta Frosta Nezvolená cesta, mám raději překlad Hany Žantovské. To, že nejde mořská voda pít, vyvrátil Alain Bombard v knize Trosečníkem z vlastní vůle. Příběhy jsou krátké, což se dobře čte, ale na druhou stranu nemůže jít do hloubky. Osud Whympera je mnohem silnější a temnější, doporučuji Messnerovo podání v knize Pád nebes, rozhodně to není nevinný hrdina.
Knihu lze doporučit jako rozcestník příběhů, které můžete studovat podrobněji. Asi mě to přiměje konečně k přečtení knihy Leading at the Edge : Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition.
Bear Grylls nepíše z pohodlí domova, ale je skutečným dobrodruhem
Mallory těšil postavení celebrity. Když se ho jeden reportér New York Times zeptal, proč chce zdolat Everest, George odpověděl třemi slavnými slovy, jež znají snad všichni horolezci. Tato slova jsou tlukoucím srdcem, mottem pohánějícím mnoho odvážných průzkumníků a dobrodruhů. „Protože tam je.“
December 17, 2017
Не понравилось, очень сжато, местами страдает перевод. Сами истории хороши, каждая заслуживает отдельно книги.
April 15, 2020
The stories presented here are beyond the normal scope. If we were to chart a normal distribution with the majority of us living in decent conditions, the people depicted in the book are somewhere at the end of the distribution curve. Far far at the end. That is because they endured some stories that can truly be considered inhumane by any standard today.
I only gave it 3/5 stars since it is not really the work of Bear Grylls, if we do not consider the fact that he put together what those people lived.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. Not an easy read and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
I only gave it 3/5 stars since it is not really the work of Bear Grylls, if we do not consider the fact that he put together what those people lived.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. Not an easy read and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
May 13, 2020
I bought this book purely on the basis of decent ratings on Goodreads and had no expectations or whatsoever that it would be a good read; well, I am happy to be proven wrong!!
It's like reading crisp summaries of autobiographies of Heroes. This book is full of real life stories that not only inspire you but also make your daily difficulties look so negligible and insignificant that they cannot even qualify to be 100th part of what the stated Heroes faced in their lives.
It's like reading crisp summaries of autobiographies of Heroes. This book is full of real life stories that not only inspire you but also make your daily difficulties look so negligible and insignificant that they cannot even qualify to be 100th part of what the stated Heroes faced in their lives.
June 11, 2019
This book describes some of the most incredible feats of human survival. I never knew such things were possible. Truely inspiring. I thought I knew what pain was, but I didn’t.
Would recommend, 4.5/5. Not for the faint-hearted!
Would recommend, 4.5/5. Not for the faint-hearted!
July 31, 2018
I’ve read most of these stories before and this wasn’t even a good account of them.
November 24, 2020
Jestli máte pocit, že jste na tom blbě, možná vám takhle knížka pomůže - je tam pár příběhů lidí, co na tom byli mnohem hůř (tipuju) a taky to dali ... teda většinou :D
December 15, 2025
Tahle kniha mi sedla přesně tím, čím je – sbírkou silných lidských příběhů, které nestaví na senzaci, ale na odvaze, vytrvalosti a schopnosti obstát v mezních situacích. Některé příběhy jsem už znala, jiné pro mě byly nové, ale všechny mě dokázaly zaujmout. Čte se to velmi dobře, jednotlivé kapitoly jsou stručné, přehledné a ideální i na postupné čtení po částech.
Velmi oceňuji autorův přístup. Bear Grylls zde nepůsobí jako mentor, který by čtenáři podsouval hotové soudy nebo morální lekce. Naopak dává prostor samotným příběhům, aby promlouvaly samy za sebe, a nechává na čtenáři, jaký dojem si z nich odnese. Právě tahle zdrženlivost a respekt k prožitkům druhých na mě působily sympaticky a autenticky.
Celkově na mě kniha působila inspirativně, ale zároveň klidně a civilně. Nejde o patetické vyprávění ani o heroizaci za každou cenu, spíš o připomenutí, čeho všeho jsou lidé schopni, když jde opravdu do tuhého. Pokud máte rádi skutečné příběhy o lidské síle a odvaze, je to velmi zajímavé a smysluplné čtení.
Velmi oceňuji autorův přístup. Bear Grylls zde nepůsobí jako mentor, který by čtenáři podsouval hotové soudy nebo morální lekce. Naopak dává prostor samotným příběhům, aby promlouvaly samy za sebe, a nechává na čtenáři, jaký dojem si z nich odnese. Právě tahle zdrženlivost a respekt k prožitkům druhých na mě působily sympaticky a autenticky.
Celkově na mě kniha působila inspirativně, ale zároveň klidně a civilně. Nejde o patetické vyprávění ani o heroizaci za každou cenu, spíš o připomenutí, čeho všeho jsou lidé schopni, když jde opravdu do tuhého. Pokud máte rádi skutečné příběhy o lidské síle a odvaze, je to velmi zajímavé a smysluplné čtení.
Read
October 12, 2017I read the book True Grits by Bear Grylls because of my english class. I came to this book because i love watching Bear Grylls on youtube where he uploads episodes of him jumping into the middle of nature and trying to survive. I was very skeptical when hearing that there is a book of him because in his TV show he does nasty things like eating worms and this kind of disgusts me. This book is a very good and teaching book that shows us what a good life we actually got.
I loved this book because it had many different little stories inside of the book. This is a strength because you learn more about how people are involved in very bad situations and how they try to get out, for example in one of the stories there is a plane crash and it talks about how the people involved get out of this situation.
This book has only up's except the fact that this book can be very nasty and disgusting when explaining the methods of survival. This book is a very Thriller like book that will keep you tense while reading this. I would recommend this book to all people who don't have a loose stomach.
January 6, 2021
4.5/5
This book was an amazing recollection of exceptional people, who surpassed the limit of impossible. Some of the stories were gruesome, some heartbreaking, some eye-opening (I have to admit, I never knew of the horrors of Japanese prison camps or the Cambodian khmer rouge when they killed a million people and shot citizens who were educated) and there was one I just had to skip over (self-amputation is not something I can stomach).
Mention: I do wish the book had more amazing women though.
This book was an amazing recollection of exceptional people, who surpassed the limit of impossible. Some of the stories were gruesome, some heartbreaking, some eye-opening (I have to admit, I never knew of the horrors of Japanese prison camps or the Cambodian khmer rouge when they killed a million people and shot citizens who were educated) and there was one I just had to skip over (self-amputation is not something I can stomach).
Mention: I do wish the book had more amazing women though.
July 30, 2018
What an amazing book...
Epic and, most important, real stories about men and women who are ready to die but never give up.
You are shivering while reading some of the brutal stories.
I strongly recommend it!
We "normal" people could learn a lot from all this heroes and their will to fight and live.
Epic and, most important, real stories about men and women who are ready to die but never give up.
You are shivering while reading some of the brutal stories.
I strongly recommend it!
We "normal" people could learn a lot from all this heroes and their will to fight and live.
December 20, 2017
“True Grit” by Bear Grylls is I find a really good book. I find it good because the book has little stories inside and most of them are about surviving. I find the book good because the stories are about surviving and most of the books I read are about surviving or something to do with the nature or outside. “True Grit” has small stories in it and I find it good because its like a book but it has eleven little stories in it and also I find that the stories were very realistic even if they are fake or not. In the book Bear Grylls tells stories of adventurers, explorers, soldiers and spies. The stories are very realistic like for example in one of the stories a woman falls out of a plane while still sitting in her seat and she falls from that distance she survives with couple of broken bones.
I read this book because Mrs. O’Leary gave me some books to read and I chose this one because I loved it after I read the back side of the book where it says “bear Grylls knows what it takes to survive. But he is not the first”. I read that part then I knew it was the right book for me to read.
I read this book because Mrs. O’Leary gave me some books to read and I chose this one because I loved it after I read the back side of the book where it says “bear Grylls knows what it takes to survive. But he is not the first”. I read that part then I knew it was the right book for me to read.
August 28, 2024
Somehow meandered finishing this! Possibly due to it lapsing at the library each time
Starred 14/7/21; Finished 28/8/24
A compendium of some of the greatest explorers and survivalists of the modern era, this reads more like a series of inspirational biographies of survival (with the term grit being used often in the life of death instance in explorational or expedition sense, rather than in a business culture sense that it has often been popularly useful) against all odds. While the biographies selected are clearly those with survival bias, there is care by Grylls to show that some of the people involved may have indeed died or been maimed, but that it is the mindset, grit-based leadership and either pre planned or at the moment skill that is required for even a chance to brave the situations these people would have faced.
Particularly interesting for those interested in Survivalism/Exploration Medicine/history of great exploration ventures. May be a summary to others who already may be explored these topics (eg that of the great feats of Shackleton). One could argue that many of these tails of survival are those of self selection (eg self selecting to go on dangerous expeditions and facing the wrath of nature), however the limits of human potential and survival ability is still appreciated. As with many such histories, there is definitely a low amount of female representation here, but that is somewhat to be expected given the historical context of many of these expeditions, and the learnings from these eras can still be used for modern day explorers.
People explored:
- Nando Parrado - survivor of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes, 1972
- Juliane Koepcke - sole survivor of the 1971 LANSA Flight 508 plane crash following a fall of 3000m and 11 days in the Amazon
- John McDouall Stuart - controversial as involves exploration of Australia by Scottish explorer; first successful expedition to traverse Australian mainland from south to north and return, through centre of continent; did not lose a man despite the harshness of the environment. Numerous expeditions, scurvey ettc rendered him blind and poor health.
- Captain James Riley - US captain of merchent ship in 1700s-1800s and remarkable survival following shipwrecking off the coast of Western Sahara
- Steven Callahan - after a solo voyage in a self designed sloop in 1981 failed after sinking, he survived 76 days adrift on a life raft through ingenuity, routine, and incredible survival
- Thor Heyerdahl - famous for the Kon Tiki expedition where he sailed 8000km across the Pacific Ocean in a hand built raft to prove the ancients could also do this
- Jan Baalsrud - WWII commando in the Norwegian resistance and his incredible survival in Arctic waters and areas to avoid German enemies suffering frostbite and snow blindness
- Louis Zamperini - US WWII veteran and ex-Olympian whose plane experienced mechanical difficulties on a search and rescue mission, leading to it crashing into the Pacific - survived 47 days with 2 crewmates, was then captured by Japanese after landing on the Japanese Marshall Islands, survived 5x POW camps of torture and beatings and finally a coal plant; following the war suffered PTSD and alcoholism until he found evangelical christianity and began a life of devotion to helping at risk youths
- Alistair Urquhart - another WWII veteran, conscripted to the British army at 19 and taken as a Japanese POW after the Japanese invaded at the Battle of Singapore. Sent to work on the Burma Railway (“death railway”), suffered cholera, torture, malnutrition etc. Then placed on a “hell ship” bound to Japan; the ship was torpedoed by a US sub not aware it houses hundreds of prisoners - he was burned, covered in oil, swallowed oil and so had permanent vocal cord damage!!! Survived floating on a raft for 5 days before being picked up by a Japanese whaling ship, then taken to work at a coal mine and then labor camp near Nagasaki….and was in the city as it got nuked by USA. Talk about out of the frying pan into the fire!!Insane story. Need to remember to read his autobiography “The Forgotten Highlander”
- Nancy Wake - New Zealander who grew up in Australia, moved to France and joined the French Resistance, helping allied airmen shot or stranded to evade Nazi Germany and escape back to Britain; and later the British Special Operations Executive after she had to escape once Germans became aware of her activity - parachuting back into France. Need to remember to read her autobiography “the White Mouse”
- Tommy Macpherson - WWII officer - had a bounty of 300,000 francs on his head due to his efficacy of damaging enemy infrastructure, and daring actions and missions during the war - including a story of how be was unarmed and bluffed his way into a German surrender one time!
- Bill Ash - Canadian WWII vet taken as a POW in Paris before a daring escape and recapture and again attempting to escape, being sentenced to death twice but narrowly escaping after the Luftwafe argued he should be under them and not the Gestapo
- Edward Whymper - explorer who made an incredible first assent of Mont Blanc massif and the Matterhorn where 4 people of his party died on the descent after one member slipped and fell into another and dragging 2 others to their deaths. Really interesting read - thinking about maybe doing this climb one day if I do the training!
- George Mallory - famous English mountaineer who partook in the first 3 British Everest expeditions before dying near Everest’s summit in 1924 (controversial as to whether they actually summited!)
- Toni Kurz - famous German climber who died trying to climb and then descend the north face of the Eiger, caught in an accident where a boulder struck his climbing mate, and he was suspended on a single rope out of reach from rescuers.
- Pete Schoening - famous mountainaineer who first successfully climbed Gasherbrum I, Mount Vinson in Antarctica and heroically rescued his team during the US K2 expedition in 1953 after being trapped by a storm, a crew member with DVT/PE leading to a descent to try to save his life, a near fatal fall of all crew members saved by Schoening’s ice axe and belay, and later the sick Gilkey being allegedly lost in an avalanche (but later thought to have been him cutting himself off the rope to save the others)
- Joe Simpson - mountaineer who broke his leg in a fall after the first ascent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes; in attempting to rescue Simpson, his climbing partner Yates unknowingly lowered Simpson over a cliff edge and had to cut the rope to avoid them both falling over the edge. Simpson somehow rescued himself and survived. Note to read “Touching the Void”
- Chris Moon - former British army officer who had survived as a POW in Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge, and negotiated his and two other’s release, blown up in a supposed safe area by a mine and lost his arm and a leg in East Africa, and then somehow survived post self treating and then hospitalisation to become the first amputee ultra distance runner
- Marcus Luttrell - US Navy SEAL who was one of four men to survive a violent clash with Taliban fighters, after attempted rescue all rescuees died leading him to be the lone survivor; was later rescued by Afghan Pashtun villagers and protected from the Taliban
- Aron Ralston - famed for his depiction in the 127 Hours film, mountaineer who was doing a solo descent of Bluejohn Canyon in Utah, dislodged a boulder, pinned his right wrist and had to break his forearm and amputate it with a dull pocket knife to survive.
- Sir John Franklin - British Navy Officer having served in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 against USA, his Canadian Arctic expeditions, controversially his serving as Lieutenant Gov General of the then Van Diemens Land (Tasmania), then an ill fated attempt at traversing the Northwest Passage
- Captain Scott - British navy officer and then explorer, led the Discovery mission and then the ill fated Terra Nova Antarctica expedition in an attempt to be first to reach the South Pole, being beaten to the punch by Amundsen, and dying in the hellscape back home
- Douglas Mawson - born in England, growing up and educated in Sydney, Australia, he took part in Shackleton’s Nimrod expedition to Antarctica, and then the principal of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition where he was ultimately the sole survivor of a three man team and survived solo for a month before being able to return to the main base. Later part of the team in the British Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Team that led to the territorial claim of the Australian Antarctic Territory
- Ernsest Shackleton - the famous Shackleton who is most famous for his Endurance expedition where he was attempting to cross Antarctica from sea to sea via the pole, whereby the ship was trapped in pack ice and sunk, the crew launched lifeboats to the uninhabited Elephant Island, took 5 others on a small ship’s boat to South Georgia again nearly dying to the oceans and storms, finally finding rescue and arranging rescue for those remaining trapped on Elephant Island. 3 vessels unsuccessfully due to ice and finally with the fourth to rescue all 22 members of the crew who had remained on the island, 128 days after their separation. Notable for his stoic leadership during hardship and knowing how to keep his crew together as an incredible leader. His story is expanded further in more depth in Robert Greene’s Laws of Human Nature book which I read earlier this year.
Starred 14/7/21; Finished 28/8/24
A compendium of some of the greatest explorers and survivalists of the modern era, this reads more like a series of inspirational biographies of survival (with the term grit being used often in the life of death instance in explorational or expedition sense, rather than in a business culture sense that it has often been popularly useful) against all odds. While the biographies selected are clearly those with survival bias, there is care by Grylls to show that some of the people involved may have indeed died or been maimed, but that it is the mindset, grit-based leadership and either pre planned or at the moment skill that is required for even a chance to brave the situations these people would have faced.
Particularly interesting for those interested in Survivalism/Exploration Medicine/history of great exploration ventures. May be a summary to others who already may be explored these topics (eg that of the great feats of Shackleton). One could argue that many of these tails of survival are those of self selection (eg self selecting to go on dangerous expeditions and facing the wrath of nature), however the limits of human potential and survival ability is still appreciated. As with many such histories, there is definitely a low amount of female representation here, but that is somewhat to be expected given the historical context of many of these expeditions, and the learnings from these eras can still be used for modern day explorers.
People explored:
- Nando Parrado - survivor of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes, 1972
- Juliane Koepcke - sole survivor of the 1971 LANSA Flight 508 plane crash following a fall of 3000m and 11 days in the Amazon
- John McDouall Stuart - controversial as involves exploration of Australia by Scottish explorer; first successful expedition to traverse Australian mainland from south to north and return, through centre of continent; did not lose a man despite the harshness of the environment. Numerous expeditions, scurvey ettc rendered him blind and poor health.
- Captain James Riley - US captain of merchent ship in 1700s-1800s and remarkable survival following shipwrecking off the coast of Western Sahara
- Steven Callahan - after a solo voyage in a self designed sloop in 1981 failed after sinking, he survived 76 days adrift on a life raft through ingenuity, routine, and incredible survival
- Thor Heyerdahl - famous for the Kon Tiki expedition where he sailed 8000km across the Pacific Ocean in a hand built raft to prove the ancients could also do this
- Jan Baalsrud - WWII commando in the Norwegian resistance and his incredible survival in Arctic waters and areas to avoid German enemies suffering frostbite and snow blindness
- Louis Zamperini - US WWII veteran and ex-Olympian whose plane experienced mechanical difficulties on a search and rescue mission, leading to it crashing into the Pacific - survived 47 days with 2 crewmates, was then captured by Japanese after landing on the Japanese Marshall Islands, survived 5x POW camps of torture and beatings and finally a coal plant; following the war suffered PTSD and alcoholism until he found evangelical christianity and began a life of devotion to helping at risk youths
- Alistair Urquhart - another WWII veteran, conscripted to the British army at 19 and taken as a Japanese POW after the Japanese invaded at the Battle of Singapore. Sent to work on the Burma Railway (“death railway”), suffered cholera, torture, malnutrition etc. Then placed on a “hell ship” bound to Japan; the ship was torpedoed by a US sub not aware it houses hundreds of prisoners - he was burned, covered in oil, swallowed oil and so had permanent vocal cord damage!!! Survived floating on a raft for 5 days before being picked up by a Japanese whaling ship, then taken to work at a coal mine and then labor camp near Nagasaki….and was in the city as it got nuked by USA. Talk about out of the frying pan into the fire!!Insane story. Need to remember to read his autobiography “The Forgotten Highlander”
- Nancy Wake - New Zealander who grew up in Australia, moved to France and joined the French Resistance, helping allied airmen shot or stranded to evade Nazi Germany and escape back to Britain; and later the British Special Operations Executive after she had to escape once Germans became aware of her activity - parachuting back into France. Need to remember to read her autobiography “the White Mouse”
- Tommy Macpherson - WWII officer - had a bounty of 300,000 francs on his head due to his efficacy of damaging enemy infrastructure, and daring actions and missions during the war - including a story of how be was unarmed and bluffed his way into a German surrender one time!
- Bill Ash - Canadian WWII vet taken as a POW in Paris before a daring escape and recapture and again attempting to escape, being sentenced to death twice but narrowly escaping after the Luftwafe argued he should be under them and not the Gestapo
- Edward Whymper - explorer who made an incredible first assent of Mont Blanc massif and the Matterhorn where 4 people of his party died on the descent after one member slipped and fell into another and dragging 2 others to their deaths. Really interesting read - thinking about maybe doing this climb one day if I do the training!
- George Mallory - famous English mountaineer who partook in the first 3 British Everest expeditions before dying near Everest’s summit in 1924 (controversial as to whether they actually summited!)
- Toni Kurz - famous German climber who died trying to climb and then descend the north face of the Eiger, caught in an accident where a boulder struck his climbing mate, and he was suspended on a single rope out of reach from rescuers.
- Pete Schoening - famous mountainaineer who first successfully climbed Gasherbrum I, Mount Vinson in Antarctica and heroically rescued his team during the US K2 expedition in 1953 after being trapped by a storm, a crew member with DVT/PE leading to a descent to try to save his life, a near fatal fall of all crew members saved by Schoening’s ice axe and belay, and later the sick Gilkey being allegedly lost in an avalanche (but later thought to have been him cutting himself off the rope to save the others)
- Joe Simpson - mountaineer who broke his leg in a fall after the first ascent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes; in attempting to rescue Simpson, his climbing partner Yates unknowingly lowered Simpson over a cliff edge and had to cut the rope to avoid them both falling over the edge. Simpson somehow rescued himself and survived. Note to read “Touching the Void”
- Chris Moon - former British army officer who had survived as a POW in Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge, and negotiated his and two other’s release, blown up in a supposed safe area by a mine and lost his arm and a leg in East Africa, and then somehow survived post self treating and then hospitalisation to become the first amputee ultra distance runner
- Marcus Luttrell - US Navy SEAL who was one of four men to survive a violent clash with Taliban fighters, after attempted rescue all rescuees died leading him to be the lone survivor; was later rescued by Afghan Pashtun villagers and protected from the Taliban
- Aron Ralston - famed for his depiction in the 127 Hours film, mountaineer who was doing a solo descent of Bluejohn Canyon in Utah, dislodged a boulder, pinned his right wrist and had to break his forearm and amputate it with a dull pocket knife to survive.
- Sir John Franklin - British Navy Officer having served in the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 against USA, his Canadian Arctic expeditions, controversially his serving as Lieutenant Gov General of the then Van Diemens Land (Tasmania), then an ill fated attempt at traversing the Northwest Passage
- Captain Scott - British navy officer and then explorer, led the Discovery mission and then the ill fated Terra Nova Antarctica expedition in an attempt to be first to reach the South Pole, being beaten to the punch by Amundsen, and dying in the hellscape back home
- Douglas Mawson - born in England, growing up and educated in Sydney, Australia, he took part in Shackleton’s Nimrod expedition to Antarctica, and then the principal of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition where he was ultimately the sole survivor of a three man team and survived solo for a month before being able to return to the main base. Later part of the team in the British Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Team that led to the territorial claim of the Australian Antarctic Territory
- Ernsest Shackleton - the famous Shackleton who is most famous for his Endurance expedition where he was attempting to cross Antarctica from sea to sea via the pole, whereby the ship was trapped in pack ice and sunk, the crew launched lifeboats to the uninhabited Elephant Island, took 5 others on a small ship’s boat to South Georgia again nearly dying to the oceans and storms, finally finding rescue and arranging rescue for those remaining trapped on Elephant Island. 3 vessels unsuccessfully due to ice and finally with the fourth to rescue all 22 members of the crew who had remained on the island, 128 days after their separation. Notable for his stoic leadership during hardship and knowing how to keep his crew together as an incredible leader. His story is expanded further in more depth in Robert Greene’s Laws of Human Nature book which I read earlier this year.
January 30, 2014
‘True Grit’ is not the kind of book I would normally pick up off the shelves and say ‘ooh adventure and survival’ well that is just the thing for me. I am a thirty something English teacher who is far more likely to be found in a library than in the great outdoors let alone in some kind of survival scenario. In fact, I have about as much chance of surviving in the Sahara as a fart in a thunderstorm. However, despite this, ‘True Grit’ absolutely gripped me. Bear Grylls, famed for his Man Vs Wild series and survival exploits, has, much to my surprise, written a really compelling series of survival stories here (many of which I have never heard of before).
Of course, several of these stories will be well known by everyone: Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjA3_6... George Mallory. However, others are much less well known: Juliane Kopecke, the 17 year who fell two miles from an aircraft and landed in the Amazon; Nancy Wake – the female spy who outwitted and killed multiple Nazis; Steven Callahan who survived 11 gruelling weeks at sea entirely alone in a tiny vessel. The stories Grylls has selected range from the modern day and the likes of Joe Simpson [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtnqVZ...] and Aron Ralston (of the film ‘127 hours’ which I have never been able to watch with my eyes open) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlhLOW...] to John Mcdouall Stuart in the 1850s who trekked across Australia successfully and unsuccessfully on multiple occasions. They also cover a range of locations geographically taking us from pole to pole from South America to Australia. They offer diverse and engaging stories of near impossible human survival against the odds.
However, each of these stories is connected by the heroism, endurance and perseverance evidenced by the protagonist and established by the text’s title. It is thus the message that each of these often gruelling tales provide us with about the human spirit and human capacity for survival that makes these short narratives so memorable. Moreover, what is also impressive is the way in which Grylls narrates the tales. Framed by comments about what makes the experiences of these heroic figures so astounding, the narratives are engaging due to the vivid detail in which they are described as well as the subtle way in which Grylls creates tension leading up to the often shocking and climactic events with which they conclude. Each story is only a matter of pages and yet they offer us a unique insight into what must have been truly harrowing experiences.
Personally, I read ‘True Grit’ as a source of information for a new travel and survival scheme of work that I have been designing for my lower ability Year 9 (aged 13-14) predominantly boy group. It has proved to be an amazingly fruitful resource and they have loved several of the stories (especially the more gruesome ones, of course). Moreover, Grylls has also written a series of children’s books (his ‘Mission Survival’ series) which I am also hoping will prove to be a great text to recommend to reluctant readers and is definitely on my to read list for 2014 (although this seems to be getting longer by the minute so no promises).
I am not proclaiming that this is a brilliant piece of literature: the style can be rather repetitive and perhaps by necessity tends towards the hyperbolic. Nonetheless, this is a great non-fiction text that teenagers and boys in particular, will absolutely relish and will prove a rich source of reading material and great alternative to the usual footballers’ biographies that they seem predominantly attracted to.
Overall, this is a dramatic, engaging work of non-fiction and anyone interested in survival, a fan of Bear Grylls or simply looking to encourage teenage boys to pick up a book, would be well advised to give this a go. They will not be disappointed.
Of course, several of these stories will be well known by everyone: Shackleton, Scott of the Antarctic [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjA3_6... George Mallory. However, others are much less well known: Juliane Kopecke, the 17 year who fell two miles from an aircraft and landed in the Amazon; Nancy Wake – the female spy who outwitted and killed multiple Nazis; Steven Callahan who survived 11 gruelling weeks at sea entirely alone in a tiny vessel. The stories Grylls has selected range from the modern day and the likes of Joe Simpson [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtnqVZ...] and Aron Ralston (of the film ‘127 hours’ which I have never been able to watch with my eyes open) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlhLOW...] to John Mcdouall Stuart in the 1850s who trekked across Australia successfully and unsuccessfully on multiple occasions. They also cover a range of locations geographically taking us from pole to pole from South America to Australia. They offer diverse and engaging stories of near impossible human survival against the odds.
However, each of these stories is connected by the heroism, endurance and perseverance evidenced by the protagonist and established by the text’s title. It is thus the message that each of these often gruelling tales provide us with about the human spirit and human capacity for survival that makes these short narratives so memorable. Moreover, what is also impressive is the way in which Grylls narrates the tales. Framed by comments about what makes the experiences of these heroic figures so astounding, the narratives are engaging due to the vivid detail in which they are described as well as the subtle way in which Grylls creates tension leading up to the often shocking and climactic events with which they conclude. Each story is only a matter of pages and yet they offer us a unique insight into what must have been truly harrowing experiences.
Personally, I read ‘True Grit’ as a source of information for a new travel and survival scheme of work that I have been designing for my lower ability Year 9 (aged 13-14) predominantly boy group. It has proved to be an amazingly fruitful resource and they have loved several of the stories (especially the more gruesome ones, of course). Moreover, Grylls has also written a series of children’s books (his ‘Mission Survival’ series) which I am also hoping will prove to be a great text to recommend to reluctant readers and is definitely on my to read list for 2014 (although this seems to be getting longer by the minute so no promises).
I am not proclaiming that this is a brilliant piece of literature: the style can be rather repetitive and perhaps by necessity tends towards the hyperbolic. Nonetheless, this is a great non-fiction text that teenagers and boys in particular, will absolutely relish and will prove a rich source of reading material and great alternative to the usual footballers’ biographies that they seem predominantly attracted to.
Overall, this is a dramatic, engaging work of non-fiction and anyone interested in survival, a fan of Bear Grylls or simply looking to encourage teenage boys to pick up a book, would be well advised to give this a go. They will not be disappointed.
April 14, 2016
Bear Grylls is someone I'd never really thought about much prior to 2014, but after having to look at him for work, I have a sort of strange respect for the man. He's very genuine and honestly seems to believe that his proselytising about adventure will help people in their real lives. This book is a great example of that; as Chief Scout, Scouts would seem to be an ideal demographic for True Grit -- lots of short, bite-sized narratives about explorers and survivors. Grylls provides basic context for the stories; it isn't assumed that the reader has a broad education. It reminds me a lot of the books I read as a young Guide, where girls were full of pluck and courage and always managed to save the day.
Each story works on the same basis -- a singular focus on one person to the exclusion of all other POVs, which can lead to some stories reading as a bit lacking. There's a breathless hero-worship and enthusiasm for the subject of each, the pace is extremely quick, and the narrative voice is simple -- a reluctant reader would find this an easy starting point. Grylls has a number of errors at the sentence level throughout this book; however, he can certainly tell a cracking story, and this talent buoys and pulls the book along, until you realise you've read 200+ pages in an hour or so. Almost all of the stories have a gruesome or gory element, and Grylls doesn't stint on pointing out the disgusting details. Although not all of the stories are "happy" -- a number end in tragedy -- there is a statement underpinning each as to why the subject should be admired, and why they demonstrated 'grit'. It's clear that the reader is expected to emulate or venerate this quality of 'grit' where appropriate in their own lives, and honestly? There are worse messages out there. It is fairly notable that the vast majority of the stories are about well-off white men, but that reflects the genre as much as the author, I would hazard. The inclusion of an index and further reading list are a nice touch.
It didn't actually take me six months to read this -- I read the first 200 pages, loaned it to someone, and then read the rest when they returned it. They enjoyed it more than I did, being in the book's primary YA demographic, and told me that I should be giving it 5 stars rather than my stingy 3.5.
Each story works on the same basis -- a singular focus on one person to the exclusion of all other POVs, which can lead to some stories reading as a bit lacking. There's a breathless hero-worship and enthusiasm for the subject of each, the pace is extremely quick, and the narrative voice is simple -- a reluctant reader would find this an easy starting point. Grylls has a number of errors at the sentence level throughout this book; however, he can certainly tell a cracking story, and this talent buoys and pulls the book along, until you realise you've read 200+ pages in an hour or so. Almost all of the stories have a gruesome or gory element, and Grylls doesn't stint on pointing out the disgusting details. Although not all of the stories are "happy" -- a number end in tragedy -- there is a statement underpinning each as to why the subject should be admired, and why they demonstrated 'grit'. It's clear that the reader is expected to emulate or venerate this quality of 'grit' where appropriate in their own lives, and honestly? There are worse messages out there. It is fairly notable that the vast majority of the stories are about well-off white men, but that reflects the genre as much as the author, I would hazard. The inclusion of an index and further reading list are a nice touch.
It didn't actually take me six months to read this -- I read the first 200 pages, loaned it to someone, and then read the rest when they returned it. They enjoyed it more than I did, being in the book's primary YA demographic, and told me that I should be giving it 5 stars rather than my stingy 3.5.
July 14, 2016
I have never read anything by Bear Grylls before but having recently waded through a couple of heavy novels this book appealed for its bite-sized chapter-long stories of grit and courage. Not every subject in this compilation triumphs over their own, particular adversity but Bear takes care to build each story around the qualities that make such people focussed and totally and selflessly dedicated to their cause.
Though simply written these chapters are not an 'easy' read. I found myself drawing in a breath at the suffering described by battles with the elements, polar exploration, the conquest of Everest etc. Sadly and more excruciating are the accounts of human beings inflicting unimaginable horror on fellow human beings and I find myself shaking my head even as I write this.
The stories are all of adventure and heroism, in war, in exploration and in the aftermath of disaster but there are many parallels in everyday life that come to mind when tough times inspire ordinary people to give their energy and enthusiasm and sometimes what remains of their lives to help others and for the greater good.
A very thought-provoking and, at times, humbling read.
Though simply written these chapters are not an 'easy' read. I found myself drawing in a breath at the suffering described by battles with the elements, polar exploration, the conquest of Everest etc. Sadly and more excruciating are the accounts of human beings inflicting unimaginable horror on fellow human beings and I find myself shaking my head even as I write this.
The stories are all of adventure and heroism, in war, in exploration and in the aftermath of disaster but there are many parallels in everyday life that come to mind when tough times inspire ordinary people to give their energy and enthusiasm and sometimes what remains of their lives to help others and for the greater good.
A very thought-provoking and, at times, humbling read.
June 7, 2014
Reading Log For a Non Fiction Book.
1. I decided to read this book because I had a copy at home and it looked really interesting. I went ahead with reading it and enjoyed the stories of peoples survival.
2. A person I found interesting was Nando Parrado whose story was told in the first chapter. He was a member of the football team whose plane crashes in the Andes and the only way they manage to get out alive was by eating the flesh of their fallen comrades.
3. A Quote I found interesting was when Bear Grylls who was narrating said, "It takes guts to survive but it takes more to rip off your own arm to get out." This was said when he was telling the story of Aron Ralston whose arm was under a heavy boulder in the Canyonlands national park USA. This shows the things that people can go through to get out alive.
4. After reading this book I learnt that there are people out there who refuse to give up no matter what nature throws towards them.Through plain luck or sheer determination these people manage to beat the odds and survive seemingly unsurvivable situations.
1. I decided to read this book because I had a copy at home and it looked really interesting. I went ahead with reading it and enjoyed the stories of peoples survival.
2. A person I found interesting was Nando Parrado whose story was told in the first chapter. He was a member of the football team whose plane crashes in the Andes and the only way they manage to get out alive was by eating the flesh of their fallen comrades.
3. A Quote I found interesting was when Bear Grylls who was narrating said, "It takes guts to survive but it takes more to rip off your own arm to get out." This was said when he was telling the story of Aron Ralston whose arm was under a heavy boulder in the Canyonlands national park USA. This shows the things that people can go through to get out alive.
4. After reading this book I learnt that there are people out there who refuse to give up no matter what nature throws towards them.Through plain luck or sheer determination these people manage to beat the odds and survive seemingly unsurvivable situations.
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