Everything to Live For: The Inspirational Story of Turia Pitt

by Turia Pitt

Everything to Live For is the story of one young woman’s survival against extraordinary odds, a testament to the human spirit. In September 2011, Turia Pitt, a beautiful 25-year-old mining engineer working her dream job in the far north of Western Australia, entered an ultra-marathon race that would change her life forever. Trapped by a fire in a gorge in the remote Kimberly region, Turia and five other competitors had nowhere to run. Turia escaped with catastrophic burns to 65 per cent of her body. With too little unburned skin left for skin grafts, Turia was put in an induced coma in the Burns Unit at Sydney’s Concord Hospital while her body fought life-threatening infections and her surgeons imported skin from California. She lost the fingers on her right hand and her fingers on her left are partially fused together. She needed a new nose. There have been numerous operation, yet there are many more to come.While the story of Turia’s survival involves many people - other race competitors, her rescuers, medical professionals - at its core is the strong will of Turia herself as she continues the long rehabilitation process with the loving support of her partner, Michael Hoskin, and that of their families in their New South Wales south coast hometown of Ulladulla, where the local community has rallied, raising funds to help with huge medical bills. Everything to Live For is also a love story. Michael, Turia’s handsome teenage crush who became the love of her life, now cares for her as they plan a new life together; he is there to encourage Turia in her determination to move forward in an outwardly different body. The real tragedy of this story is that it should never have happened - because the race should never have happened. Despite facing a future with multiple challenges, Turia is optimistic. She is driving again and studying for her Master’s degree. She is walking in marathons and would one day like to run again. Above all, she wants her story to make a her mission is to make skin a more prominent organ in the repertoire of donated organs.It is a miracle Turia lived when she was expected to die. But Turia was not ready to die - she had too much to live for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Survival, Australia, Autobiography, Book Club

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2013

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a book to put your life into perspective. Turia certainly does that.

[Lonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It goes without saying that Turia is courageous and went through something that, thankfully, not many people will ever experience. I also understand that this book is a little outdated now and that her life has moved on from when this was written.

I think the book is badly paced. The start is very rushed and we hardly get to know Turia before the tragic event. The end drags on for way too long about the event holders' responsibility (or not) for the tragedy.
I would have liked to read more about the emotional and psychological effects of what happened to her and how she coped with that aspect of recovery. She does mention that she was seeing a psychologist but barely mentions anything about how hard coming to terms with what happened was.
I understand that she may have wanted to keep those things private but I was hoping to understand more about how she was feeling and coped mentally as well as the physical pain, operations, and treatments she had to endure.

[Rose Neild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. How could anyone complain about anything after reading this? What an incredible positive warm human being. It is little wonder that such a special soul could compel such love and devotion as turia inspires and receives from her family and her dedicated partner Michael. What more proof do you need that love begets love?
I am proud to be a health professional when I read how positively so many doctors, nurses and allied health professionals have worked with this remarkable young woman to make life special again. These stories are important because they remind us to never give up.

[Vanessa Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational story of a remarkable woman overcoming life's greatest challenges. I couldn't put it down!

[Melissa Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - the story itself of what happened to Turia and her recovery is quite amazing, I just felt like the writing was a little poor and didn’t do it justice at all.

[Stacy Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Live a Meaningful Life

Well, if you think that Turia Pitt become an inspiration for our Australian nation after she got caught up in fire and survived, I will tell you that this girl and now woman lived all her life as an inspiration.

Born to Sydney father and Tahitian mother Turia grew up and have been raised in family which encouraged and challenged her to play sport and being physically active. As a young adult she took initiatives to get in running competitions, do surfing and show passion and involvement in charity work. In my opinion, this made Turia in a strong and confident adult that helped her to survive such a horror which would destroy many of us. As first part of book was interesting and inspiring, I found myself emotionally torn out while reading in the middle of the book about her and her running team who got caught into the fire. Turia Pitt explained how Australian bushfires can be dangerous and unpredictable, as well. Second half of the book deals with her recovery.

I congratulate Turia for continuing living meaningful life and inspiration as she lived before, she got caught up into the fire. I pay her respect for carrying her scars/burns with dignity and proving that each of us woman is and should be more then pretty face. I can easily understand why Michael fall in love with her and keep nourishing their love. Her spirit and passion for life is admiring and shine through whole book. Their love story makes me truly believe in love and I wish them and their family every success in future life.

I recommend Turia’s book to adults’ audience. However, I would encourage young adults to give a go, take a challenge to read Turia’s story to get understanding how to live meaningful, successful and adventures life. How to become confident and mind strong adult.

Turia you are true queen. Keep shinning and living your best life.

You are inspiration for each of us Australian.

[Karleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an intriguing read and I couldn't put it down. I am left dumb-founded by what a giant f***-up the event run by RacingthePlanet was, their extreme lack of preparation, emergency planning, accountability and support to label a few points. What else can you label Turia's story as other than inspirational? - the intrinsic motivation she must have to still keep up extreme endurance events let alone other more simple daily activities like reaching our face and brushing our hair that so many of us take for granted. It certainly puts my problems into perspective. Also I must say thank you Turia for commending your Occupational Therapists on a few occasions, it is fantastic for the profession to have recognition and publicity.
I read in a media report Turia was writing a second book? I would definitely read the follow up. Will have to make do with media coverage for now.
Would recommend this book to everyone, it only took me a day to read and is eye-opening.

[Courtney Soll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Turia’s story when I was going through a life changing trauma of my own. When I was at one of the lowest points of my life, my mom suggested I research Turia Pitt. From that day on, this woman has been an immense source of inspiration and guidance. I have never met Turia but I feel like she is one of the most important figures in my life. As a life long athlete, reading Turia’s story gave me hope and motivation for a long journey ahead to optimal athletic strength and endurance. Her indomitable spirit and zest for life is contagious. I cannot even fathom the amount of courage it took her to write her story of trauma, rehabilitation, and true grit. I am forever thankful for her sharing her obstacles, successes, and triumph. She is a true warrior.

[Jacinta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courageous story about a survivor of horrific burns and how with her family’s support and medical treatment survived and continues to thrive. Found layout of book made story hard to follow. Interesting information on skin donation.

[Paula Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I couldn’t put it down. Devoured it in 36 hours, can’t wait to read Unmasked next.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a positive look on life.

[Sarah Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story, of one strong woman!! Highly recommend!

[S.C. Karakaltsas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a journey that should never have happened. One, that no matter what you might think at the end, has multiple effects on many people. That’s how it was for me when I read this book. I’d heard a bit about it over the years from the media. Turia Pitt was caught in a bushfire while running a marathon in 2011. Her story unfolding on the pages is gut wrenching. I couldn’t help but be caught up in the emotion particularly when I read about her bravery and the steadfast courage and love from her partner, family and friends. No parent wants what happened to Turia for their child. The story unfolds with the help of writer Libby Harkness and the details of what happened and why are clearly explained. It truly is a story of inspiration. For anyone who thinks they can’t do something, just read this book and you’ll soon see that with the right mindset, you probably can.

[Catherine Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

After learning about Turia's incredible story on a current affairs show, I wanted to learn more about her. This book is a fantastic insight into her life before the fire and the tremendous battles she and her family faced afterwards. It isn't written overly well and I found it jumped about a lot - especially between who was telling the story - but it is a very inspirational read. And I can't fathom the lack of responsibility and compassion from the race organisers. Incredible.

[katie cruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirational

What an extraordinary human being Turia Pitt is. An inspiration. Whilst struggling to overcome adversity she has given me hope and strength. Thank you for sharing your story Turia.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book written by a great girl

[Lyndal Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Turia's brave spirit was immensely moving and provoked me to rethink the value of appearance. It also exposed the magnitude of errors in RtP behalf.

[Shirley Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's a survivor. Overall, she tried to remain positive and optimistic about the future!

[Jodi Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but beautiful ♥️

[Andrea Reiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Turia!!

[Amanda Mcclellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK. PERIOD.

[Marg Harm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly am amazing young woman

[Louise M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, Everything to Live For, is one that everyone should read. Every person is much more than their outward appearance and the ghost writer, Libby Harkness, tells that truth clearly. I have learned quite a bit about Turia Pitt over the years yet there were still some surprises. This book ties together the story of the girl, the fire, the injuries, the rehabilitation, and the fierce fight for justice. There are successes and failures. Turia was young, gorgeous, athletic, generous, and competitive. She became a mining engineer. Her life took a turn for the worse, but Turia's indomitable spirit prevailed. Turia's partner, Michael, is shown to be a wonderful person as he stays by her side. He knows what love is. I was impressed by Ian Sanderson as he fought to have the events scrutinized. He was inspiring. Yes, this book ticked all the boxes for me, even though it is more than 10 years old. I found this book motivating, and I trust other people do too.

[Jo Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I located this book at a recent book fair and had viewed Turia’s story on the Australian 60 minutes program.
The story around the rescue of not only Turia but other competitors in the ultra marathon held was horrific, under prepared and irresponsible (from the organisers of the event).
It is frightening to think that people and organisations in WA were inticed to compete, support and assist the event with a lack of respect to the competitions and the land that they were going to travel through.
Turia and her determination with the endless support of her family and friends will determine the success of her life and what ever she aims to achieve.
Shame on the corporations who seek the quick win and the lack of respect for others.

[Julie Delany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good survival story and this one was particularly interesting to me as a fellow runner. It is about an incredible woman's journey through initially having 'it all' and then suddenly a life-threatening burn. She describes her running accident, rehabilitation, justice, lawsuits, and deep personal struggles. She is a proud woman who had a great start in life: fit; active; ultra runner; engineer; and a model. It is this pride in herself that carries her through her amazing struggles.

I went to a book signing and met Turia. Although the fire has disfigured some parts of her, she doesn't notice. She is funny, bright, full of life, a good speaker, a fascinating and beautiful woman.

[Vesna Filipovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title states, it's truly an inspirational and moving story about the tragic fire accident that caught 6 and more ultra marathon competitors in Western Australia in September 2011. That accident drastically changed the life of 24-year-old Turia Pitt in literally every possible way. Beautiful, smart, educated, and determined woman despite all the difficulties and life's injustice shows us how to endure and evolve from a situation where many people probably wouldn't know how to continue. It's a story about love, family, friendship, and beautiful Australian society. Togetherness and unity, towards the bright future.

[Kerryn Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book 5 stars not because it was awesomely written, because at times it was a little random in how it jumped from past to present. I gave it 5 stars because of the survivors, because of the people who helped the trapped athletes, because of Turia and Kate’s families, because I sobbed at what they endured, because now years later Turia is a Mum, because they all have to live with the after effects of that one moment, because I had absolutely no idea what burns patients go through. Take absolutely nothing for granted.

[himmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The remarkable story of Turia Pitt and her effort to survive, and thrive. A heart pounding read. I appreciated the first person narrative chapters switching to third to give us insight into the ripple effect on Turia’s family and friends after she had been admitted to hospital. The medical chapters did made me a little sick to my stomach, and Turia and her family’s struggle to be acknowledged legally was infuriating. However, it was genuinely moving to read about Turia’s determination to life life independently and on her own terms after the fire.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad giving such an inspirational book such a low rating. Turia's story is both horrific and inspiring. Not just her recovery and effort to make progress, but the loving and dedicated support from her family and friends.

my reason for giving this such a low rating is that the writing is very poor. The first-person chapters read like a 15-year-old wrote them and the third person chapters are completely lacking in warmth and personality. I kept reading because I was invested in Turias story and journey but the writing made it a very unpleasant experience.