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Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit's Greatest Comeback
On the last night of the 2021 CrossFit Games, ten thousand fans watched in horror as Brooke Wells’ elbow dislocated under the weight of a 190-pound barbell. This is the extraordinary story of what happened next: How Wells pulled off a highly improbable comeback that transformed her mentally and physically into one of the fittest women in the world.
In Resilient, Wells provides a refreshingly honest, authentic account of how she overcame fear, self-doubt, and a slew of unexpected obstacles to return to the CrossFit Games less than a year after undergoing total elbow reconstruction. A story of strength, passion, courage, and grit, Resilient is a celebration of one athlete's extraordinary spirit and her inspiring ability to never say die.
In Resilient, Wells provides a refreshingly honest, authentic account of how she overcame fear, self-doubt, and a slew of unexpected obstacles to return to the CrossFit Games less than a year after undergoing total elbow reconstruction. A story of strength, passion, courage, and grit, Resilient is a celebration of one athlete's extraordinary spirit and her inspiring ability to never say die.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published January 16, 2024
43 people are currently reading
5492 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
October 2, 2023
I’ve watched similar examples of this resiliency unfold her whole life, and she still never ceases to amaze me. I loved getting to read in print the resilient life Brooke truly lives each day. Watching her determination in her daily efforts to recover match up with her internal words of reinforcement fuel her mindset are such a great example to me to always push myself and believe in myself. I’m proud of how she worked to get this in written form and I hope everyone that reads it applies it to their own life and ambitions, that is truly her message here and I love it.
January 22, 2024
This was a quick read, and while I found some phrases that resonated with me, the story felt tone-deaf. I’m glad for Brooke and it was an incredible comeback, but recovering in Malibu and flying to all of the nations top surgeons and physical therapists (while still complaining) just didn’t sit right with me. I do CrossFit but am not nor will ever be an elite athlete and I just don’t feel like the story was relatable even though I dislocated my own elbow in the past.
February 22, 2024
Very difficult to connect with most of the time. Reads more like a rich girl with a perfect life that thinks she made the greatest comeback in history because she broke her arm and came back to elite training in less than a year. It's not that bad but that's kind of what I'll remember from this in a year.
I mean, yes, sure... It's a great accomplishment. Yes. But it's not like she went on to win the CrossFit Games or something. It's a young mid-of-the-pack athlete that has World-Class surgeons at her disposal, managers, a fantastic group of people and family around her who drop everything for her, enough money, sponsorships... Just hard to connect with. Could have been a nice Podcast episode/Long blog post.
This is more of a friends and family book, that will be rated by friends and family, and they will downvote reviews like this one.
I mean, yes, sure... It's a great accomplishment. Yes. But it's not like she went on to win the CrossFit Games or something. It's a young mid-of-the-pack athlete that has World-Class surgeons at her disposal, managers, a fantastic group of people and family around her who drop everything for her, enough money, sponsorships... Just hard to connect with. Could have been a nice Podcast episode/Long blog post.
This is more of a friends and family book, that will be rated by friends and family, and they will downvote reviews like this one.
March 5, 2024
If you need a motivating book that isn’t necessarily “self-help,” I highly recommend reading Resilient. Brooke Wells has always been one of my biggest inspirations as a crossfitter, but anyone can learn so much just by reading her story and crazy comeback. Obviously, this book is written by an athlete so don’t expect crazy good writing or transitions (which is why I gave it 4 stars). However, if you need an easy read pick this one up, you won’t regret it.
January 5, 2024
I have been a casual CrossFit fan for several years now and have watched most of the recent CrossFit Games documentaries every year, so I knew who Brooke Wells was but since she was never really highly featured in the docs I was only vaguely aware of her injury. After reading her story of her epic comeback from that injury I am now officially a Brooke Wells fan.
If you’re in the mood for an sports comeback story I highly recommend this book. It’s both emotional and inspiring and Brooke proves that she is one to watch!
If you’re in the mood for an sports comeback story I highly recommend this book. It’s both emotional and inspiring and Brooke proves that she is one to watch!
January 25, 2024
I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s sustained a season-ending injury, or one that had the power to significantly change the direction of their life. I know I definitely empathized a lot with Brooke Wells.
It’s written by an athlete, not a writer, but it still is a good read/listen. The end is very stoic, in philosophical terms :)
It’s written by an athlete, not a writer, but it still is a good read/listen. The end is very stoic, in philosophical terms :)
January 30, 2024
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy and the chance to review it honestly.
I should preface my review to say that I am far from athletic and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the comeback story of Brooke Wells. You definitely don’t need to be a fan of CrossFit to be able to enjoy and relate (on some level) to her story. I admire Brooke Wells for her strength and ability to mentally and physically overcome adversity in a time of vulnerability. If you take anything away from her story, may it be to feel inspired to listen to your body and give yourself time and grace when facing obstacles in life. Easily devoured in one sitting, Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit’s Greatest Comeback is out now!
Happy reading!
I should preface my review to say that I am far from athletic and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the comeback story of Brooke Wells. You definitely don’t need to be a fan of CrossFit to be able to enjoy and relate (on some level) to her story. I admire Brooke Wells for her strength and ability to mentally and physically overcome adversity in a time of vulnerability. If you take anything away from her story, may it be to feel inspired to listen to your body and give yourself time and grace when facing obstacles in life. Easily devoured in one sitting, Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit’s Greatest Comeback is out now!
Happy reading!
January 12, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up. Pubs 16 Jan
I liked that the author read her own story. Her narration wasn't professional level but I did like it. Brooke's story had me crying in the first couple chapters. Her tenacity to get thru the injury and surgery was inspiring.
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the early copy to read and review.
I liked that the author read her own story. Her narration wasn't professional level but I did like it. Brooke's story had me crying in the first couple chapters. Her tenacity to get thru the injury and surgery was inspiring.
Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the early copy to read and review.
October 5, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
As an athlete who does CrossFit as part of my fitness regimen, I have been intrigued by the CrossFit culture for years. The athletes I work out next to in the gym are some of the toughest people I know. Brooke Wells, a top CrossFit athlete, made a name for herself at age 19 by winning a competition. Resilient is the story of a horrendous injury and her journey back to the top of her sport. Her determination to return to competition after what should have been a career-ending injury was admirable. This is a quick read--I found myself having difficulty putting it down! Although there is a lot of CrossFit terminology, even non-athletes will find plenty of inspiration in her story. I wish her the best of luck going forward!
As an athlete who does CrossFit as part of my fitness regimen, I have been intrigued by the CrossFit culture for years. The athletes I work out next to in the gym are some of the toughest people I know. Brooke Wells, a top CrossFit athlete, made a name for herself at age 19 by winning a competition. Resilient is the story of a horrendous injury and her journey back to the top of her sport. Her determination to return to competition after what should have been a career-ending injury was admirable. This is a quick read--I found myself having difficulty putting it down! Although there is a lot of CrossFit terminology, even non-athletes will find plenty of inspiration in her story. I wish her the best of luck going forward!
February 4, 2024
Let me preface this by saying that I love Brooke Wells and I think she is an incredible athlete. I'm leaving 3 stars because this book was well written. It wasn't amazing but it flowed and was easy to understand.
Now, I think it's incredible she was able to do as well as she did considering the surgery that she had to get within the last year of her competing. However, I found myself dumbfounded by the dumb and risky decision making that she made every step of the way. Starting with her doing CrossFit to begin with.
Brooke discussed the immense amount of pain she feels while training and also discussed her many, many injuries that have hindered her from ever being able to achieve the fittest woman on earth, amongst other reasons. Now, while it's common for any athlete, let alone a CrossFit athlete to endure some type of injury during their career, it seems she's endured an unusual amount and an unusual amount of physical pain.
With any type of workout you will have pain but the way she described it sounded like no one ever taught her the difference between good pain and bad pain.
Then we get to the surgery decisions where she makes her decision based on her insane determination to be able to compete in the games the following year... after a surgery! This only follows a bunch of other really risky and potentially damaging decisions that nearly end her season and maybe even her career.
I mean, man, she did it! And good for her. Her hard work is something to be admired. However, it wasn't at all inspiring to listen to her make a bad decision after another potentially really bad decision while telling herself that she's proud for making so many good decisions. Her really bad attitude also rubbed me the wrong way in a couple sections.
This is just my opinion but there comes a time in life when you may have to take a step back from the things you love for the sake of what's best for you and your body's health. Repeated injury and immense pain sounds to me like a sign to me.
Now, I think it's incredible she was able to do as well as she did considering the surgery that she had to get within the last year of her competing. However, I found myself dumbfounded by the dumb and risky decision making that she made every step of the way. Starting with her doing CrossFit to begin with.
Brooke discussed the immense amount of pain she feels while training and also discussed her many, many injuries that have hindered her from ever being able to achieve the fittest woman on earth, amongst other reasons. Now, while it's common for any athlete, let alone a CrossFit athlete to endure some type of injury during their career, it seems she's endured an unusual amount and an unusual amount of physical pain.
With any type of workout you will have pain but the way she described it sounded like no one ever taught her the difference between good pain and bad pain.
Then we get to the surgery decisions where she makes her decision based on her insane determination to be able to compete in the games the following year... after a surgery! This only follows a bunch of other really risky and potentially damaging decisions that nearly end her season and maybe even her career.
I mean, man, she did it! And good for her. Her hard work is something to be admired. However, it wasn't at all inspiring to listen to her make a bad decision after another potentially really bad decision while telling herself that she's proud for making so many good decisions. Her really bad attitude also rubbed me the wrong way in a couple sections.
This is just my opinion but there comes a time in life when you may have to take a step back from the things you love for the sake of what's best for you and your body's health. Repeated injury and immense pain sounds to me like a sign to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 2, 2024The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word “Resilient: Able to recover readily, as from misfortune.” That is exactly what author Brooke Wells accomplished. She recovered from dislocating her elbow to compete in the 2022 CrossFit Games. I am familiar with CrossFit and have many friends who train in their gyms, but was not familiar with their national competition. I enjoyed this grueling comeback story that Brooke Wells achieved. She is an inspiration to those trying to recover from an injury. Brooke’s story resonated with me because my daughter suffered a sports injury and had to fight through self doubt, fear and anxiety as she recovered and successfully came back to play volleyball.
I received an electronic advanced copy (eARC) from publisher St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
I received an electronic advanced copy (eARC) from publisher St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
February 28, 2024
“Athletes describe this feeling as being in the zone. Psychologists call it a flow state, a kind of heightened consciousness that exists at the intersection of passion, skill, and focus. When athletes are able to tap into this state, magic tends to happen.”
“Mental toughness, in my mind, was about executing to the best of my ability- it certainly did not include failing bar muscle-ups, peeing my pants, coming in last, and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But it does.”
“Anyone can do their best when they're feeling good. Mental toughness is the ability to remain positive and proactive in the most adverse circumstances. It's about focus. It's about refusing to let myself be distracted.”
“The point is, there are no definitively good or bad things that happen in life. Not everything that looks like progress necessarily is. Not everything that looks like tragedy necessarily is. Only time will tell whether something falls into one category or the other.
Time ... and your attitude.
The way I see it, you have two choices when you're in the dirt.
You can roll over and die. Or you can dig in and grow.
The choice is yours.”
“Mental toughness, in my mind, was about executing to the best of my ability- it certainly did not include failing bar muscle-ups, peeing my pants, coming in last, and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But it does.”
“Anyone can do their best when they're feeling good. Mental toughness is the ability to remain positive and proactive in the most adverse circumstances. It's about focus. It's about refusing to let myself be distracted.”
“The point is, there are no definitively good or bad things that happen in life. Not everything that looks like progress necessarily is. Not everything that looks like tragedy necessarily is. Only time will tell whether something falls into one category or the other.
Time ... and your attitude.
The way I see it, you have two choices when you're in the dirt.
You can roll over and die. Or you can dig in and grow.
The choice is yours.”
January 9, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
I am fascinated by CrossFit and get unreasonably into watching the CrossFit games. The level of drive, work and determination it takes to be a top CrossFit athlete blows my mind. It’s extreme. So I love it.
I was thrilled to get the chance to read Brooke’s memoir and it did not disappoint.
Did I feel like I was watching Brooke’s performances and recovery real time? I sure did. And her commitment to physiotherapy and how highly she spoke of the PTs she worked with absolutely warmed my heart. Sure I wished I was her PT, but that’s beside the point.
This is a captivating memoir that shows how hard work can pay off but it takes everything you have.
The only thing I didn’t love was the stylistic choice to not use any quotation marks, which could have only been in the earc, I’m unsure. And that’s a personal preference.
I will continue to cheer Brooke on at future games. If you have any interest in CrossFit or high level athletes I highly recommend this memoir.
I am fascinated by CrossFit and get unreasonably into watching the CrossFit games. The level of drive, work and determination it takes to be a top CrossFit athlete blows my mind. It’s extreme. So I love it.
I was thrilled to get the chance to read Brooke’s memoir and it did not disappoint.
Did I feel like I was watching Brooke’s performances and recovery real time? I sure did. And her commitment to physiotherapy and how highly she spoke of the PTs she worked with absolutely warmed my heart. Sure I wished I was her PT, but that’s beside the point.
This is a captivating memoir that shows how hard work can pay off but it takes everything you have.
The only thing I didn’t love was the stylistic choice to not use any quotation marks, which could have only been in the earc, I’m unsure. And that’s a personal preference.
I will continue to cheer Brooke on at future games. If you have any interest in CrossFit or high level athletes I highly recommend this memoir.
April 24, 2024
Woooooow. 1.5 stars rounded up. I’m giving credit here for her sharing her experience, but, in line with what some other reviewers said, this is really tone deaf, and unrelatable. And not just because she’s a professional athlete. There are so many things she says, and complains about, that are so eye-roll-inducing that I’m surprised my near constant ocular rotation didn’t reverse the spin of the earth.
April 24, 2024
3.5 out of 5
Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit's Greatest Comeback is a story of elite CrossFitter's horrendous elbow injury during the biggest event of the year, The CrossFit Games, and her physical and mental journey back to the top.
What a fighter! Brooke Wells’ hard work, focus, positivity, and dedication are inspiring. This book reached me at the right time and gave me a spark of hope, as I'm currently going through a training rut and having a hard time staying focused and positive. Brooke not only reminded me of the joy of competition, as we GET to instead of HAVE to compete, but also of the fact that it's supposed to be hard, and when it gets hard, that's when it counts. Most importantly, even if you can't control the events, you can always control your perception:
With that being said, Wells also showed me that being mentally tough doesn't mean always staying positive and unshakable. It’s OK to have bad training days and even cry during training - even the best in the world sometimes do. It's OK to stumble and fall, just get back up and keep going.
However, the most impressive part of Resilient for me was Brooke Wells' support system. I'm not sure her comeback would even be possible without her dedicated team and family supporting her every step of the way. Truly blessed.
By the way, it was fun to hear Brooke Wells read her own story in an audio format.
Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit's Greatest Comeback is a story of elite CrossFitter's horrendous elbow injury during the biggest event of the year, The CrossFit Games, and her physical and mental journey back to the top.
What a fighter! Brooke Wells’ hard work, focus, positivity, and dedication are inspiring. This book reached me at the right time and gave me a spark of hope, as I'm currently going through a training rut and having a hard time staying focused and positive. Brooke not only reminded me of the joy of competition, as we GET to instead of HAVE to compete, but also of the fact that it's supposed to be hard, and when it gets hard, that's when it counts. Most importantly, even if you can't control the events, you can always control your perception:
“The point is, there are no definitively good or bad things that happen in life. Not everything that looks like progress necessarily is. Not everything that looks like tragedy necessarily is. Only time will tell whether something falls into one category or the other.
Time ... and your attitude.
The way I see it, you have two choices when you're in the dirt.
You can roll over and die. Or you can dig in and grow.
The choice is yours.”
With that being said, Wells also showed me that being mentally tough doesn't mean always staying positive and unshakable. It’s OK to have bad training days and even cry during training - even the best in the world sometimes do. It's OK to stumble and fall, just get back up and keep going.
However, the most impressive part of Resilient for me was Brooke Wells' support system. I'm not sure her comeback would even be possible without her dedicated team and family supporting her every step of the way. Truly blessed.
By the way, it was fun to hear Brooke Wells read her own story in an audio format.
Read
April 30, 2024i don’t do crossfit and i don’t think i ever will. however, i have always loved keeping up to date on the crossfit world and watching all the documentaries about the crossfit games. this books follows brooke wells as she recovers and tries to come back from a potential career ending injury. i thought this book was incredibly well done; i felt like i could feel all of brooke’s emotions through her triumphs and letdowns. reading brooke’s story was also very motivating. her discipline and commitment to the sport was truly amazing to read about. def recommend if you like niche books about athletics lol!!
January 16, 2024
Thank you to @NetGalley for letting me listen to the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Ive always been a fan of Brooke Wells and the crossfit games and this book didn't disappoint. Ive been watching the games since 2018, and I know professional crossfit athletes are a different breed.
Brooke describes the pain from her surgery and how much time she spends on recovery, to bounce back from this injury. I loved the book, she described not only the physical hurdles, but the emotional and mental hurdles to come back from such an injury. I also enjoyed that it was narrated by the author.
I will recommend this book for people who love a comeback story or love crossfit!
Ive always been a fan of Brooke Wells and the crossfit games and this book didn't disappoint. Ive been watching the games since 2018, and I know professional crossfit athletes are a different breed.
Brooke describes the pain from her surgery and how much time she spends on recovery, to bounce back from this injury. I loved the book, she described not only the physical hurdles, but the emotional and mental hurdles to come back from such an injury. I also enjoyed that it was narrated by the author.
I will recommend this book for people who love a comeback story or love crossfit!
August 4, 2024
As someone who is just over a year out from ACL surgery, this story of reliance resonated with me. It took me back to my struggles. To the physical therapist saying I could do something and me questioning it, to the first time you PR post surgery.
October 30, 2024
Overall a quick and inspiring read. I think Brooke is a solid writer compared to some other athletes who have written books. Honestly her story had me in tears a few times! If you like CrossFit you’ll probably really enjoy this.
March 25, 2024
Not what I would normally pick to read. It’s our next book club book & the author is the daughter of a gym member. Easy read and was engaging. Brooke is an amazing athlete with determination. Inspiring! Can’t wait to hear her talk at our book club meeting.
May 9, 2024
Resilient is an inspiring display of mental toughness, hard work, and perseverance in the face of setback after setback.
March 19, 2025
Resilience is an important aspect to a human being. To be able to fight through adversity and not only win but prove to others that you can still do the impossible in the most one-sided situation is a feat on its own.
May 21, 2025
Listened to this as an audiobook. These CrossFit girls are absolute beasts and really put into perspective what the human body is capable of when pushed. She dislocated her elbow and required surgery and recovered enough to compete again ten months later
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April 30, 2024Not rating cause based on real life. But I LOVE BROOKE WELLS AND SHES SO COOL AND INSPIRING UGH
July 9, 2024
God such a good retelling of her story. So emotional and inspiring.
September 20, 2023
Brooke Wells' "Resilient" is a gripping account of her astounding journey from a devastating injury at the 2021 CrossFit Games to an inspiring comeback less than a year later. In this refreshingly honest memoir, Wells shares her raw emotions, fears, and self-doubt, making her triumph over adversity all the more compelling. This book isn't just for sports enthusiasts; it's a testament to the unbreakable human spirit and a motivating reminder that with unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle life throws their way. A powerful and uplifting read that will leave you inspired.
October 25, 2023
Note: I was provided a free ARC of the book from the publisher for review.
It was refreshing to read an athlete story of injury and recovery that was not faith-based. Quite possibly the first non-Christian one I've read yet. That alone pulled me into the book.
For context: I am a lifelong athlete (runner) and have dabbled in various forms of training, including Crossfit, which I still love although I never competed and always approached as a training technique more than a competition.
This book needs a disclaimer on it that tells you not to attempt what Brooke did at home. She is a top-level athlete, gymnast, and all-around badass. If you are not those things, you should listen to your body when it screams at you to slow down. I found myself regularly thinking that Brooke was making bad decision after bad decision regarding her own health. That is absolutely her right, and it ultimately led her to success and a brilliant comeback. However, it is important when training to listen to your body and take the right precautions to protect yourself from injury. Training through heat exhaustion and lying about feeling fine doesn't make you a hero or tough. It's dangerous. Fortunately for Brooke, she is a top-level athlete with doctors and trainers all around her to protect her from herself.
With all that in mind, Resilient is a great story of a high-level athlete who absolutely refuses to quit. Within that hard exterior, though, we are allowed to witness the deeply emotional struggle that an individual goes through when all of their dreams and plans are derailed and they lose control of their future.
It is a reminder that we all need some control in our lives and when it feels like we have lost it we must cling to that which we can do and recognize those around us who will lift us up no matter what. Find yourself a Tia, a momma Wells, and a NoBull team that will keep you honest and push you harder. Whether it's getting out of bed when you are depressed or training to be the fittest on earth, we all need a team in our corner.
I highly recommend this book for crossfit enthusiasts, but I think there are lessons for everyone.
It was refreshing to read an athlete story of injury and recovery that was not faith-based. Quite possibly the first non-Christian one I've read yet. That alone pulled me into the book.
For context: I am a lifelong athlete (runner) and have dabbled in various forms of training, including Crossfit, which I still love although I never competed and always approached as a training technique more than a competition.
This book needs a disclaimer on it that tells you not to attempt what Brooke did at home. She is a top-level athlete, gymnast, and all-around badass. If you are not those things, you should listen to your body when it screams at you to slow down. I found myself regularly thinking that Brooke was making bad decision after bad decision regarding her own health. That is absolutely her right, and it ultimately led her to success and a brilliant comeback. However, it is important when training to listen to your body and take the right precautions to protect yourself from injury. Training through heat exhaustion and lying about feeling fine doesn't make you a hero or tough. It's dangerous. Fortunately for Brooke, she is a top-level athlete with doctors and trainers all around her to protect her from herself.
With all that in mind, Resilient is a great story of a high-level athlete who absolutely refuses to quit. Within that hard exterior, though, we are allowed to witness the deeply emotional struggle that an individual goes through when all of their dreams and plans are derailed and they lose control of their future.
It is a reminder that we all need some control in our lives and when it feels like we have lost it we must cling to that which we can do and recognize those around us who will lift us up no matter what. Find yourself a Tia, a momma Wells, and a NoBull team that will keep you honest and push you harder. Whether it's getting out of bed when you are depressed or training to be the fittest on earth, we all need a team in our corner.
I highly recommend this book for crossfit enthusiasts, but I think there are lessons for everyone.
January 22, 2024
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an e-ARC of Resilient in exchange for an honest review.
Brooke Wells is a well-known athlete in the CrossFit circuit. She is an athlete that you can’t take your eyes off of. She exudes a calm, incredible power. During the CrossFit Games 2021, her elbow dislocated in front of everyone under a 190lb barbell. This book tells the story of her comeback and how she is still competing today as one of the strongest women in the world.
I follow Brooke on Instagram and find her very inspiring. I love to work out. My workouts are more YouTube videos at home with weights rather than CrossFit, but I can appreciate someone who cares tremendously for their health and fitness. Reading about the athletic pieces of this book was most enjoyable for me. But some other areas were a little flat, in my opinion.
Sometimes, I wish the book included more of Brooke’s backstory. Without these pieces of how Brooke became who she is, some chapters came off as incredibly privileged and a little oblivious to that privilege. It pulled me away from the story, and I did not enjoy reading about it as much. Often, the author complained about things or contradicted herself, which altered my opinions of her.
If you enjoy Crossfit, this book is a great read and was very quick to read. The language is approachable and very immersive, especially for non-fiction!
Brooke Wells is a well-known athlete in the CrossFit circuit. She is an athlete that you can’t take your eyes off of. She exudes a calm, incredible power. During the CrossFit Games 2021, her elbow dislocated in front of everyone under a 190lb barbell. This book tells the story of her comeback and how she is still competing today as one of the strongest women in the world.
I follow Brooke on Instagram and find her very inspiring. I love to work out. My workouts are more YouTube videos at home with weights rather than CrossFit, but I can appreciate someone who cares tremendously for their health and fitness. Reading about the athletic pieces of this book was most enjoyable for me. But some other areas were a little flat, in my opinion.
Sometimes, I wish the book included more of Brooke’s backstory. Without these pieces of how Brooke became who she is, some chapters came off as incredibly privileged and a little oblivious to that privilege. It pulled me away from the story, and I did not enjoy reading about it as much. Often, the author complained about things or contradicted herself, which altered my opinions of her.
If you enjoy Crossfit, this book is a great read and was very quick to read. The language is approachable and very immersive, especially for non-fiction!
March 7, 2025
1.5 stars rounded down
Basically, this book should have been a 30 minute podcast, tops. I don't see how this really slipped through editors in order to be published as a full length book. I get that Wells is a pro athlete, so I wasn't really expecting a great literary work and I haven't taken the pretty poor writing into consideration.
Issues:
Repetition - There are only so many times I can hear Wells talk about the same platitudes involving 'never giving up' over and over again. Once you get through the first few chapters, its just the same thoughts going around in her head.
Contradiction - Wells goes between 'as long as I tried my best' to 'must win at all costs' so fast and so regularly that I got whiplash. She doesn't really address this too much as an inner conflict, so I feel she just may be unaware that her thought processes come across as confused and contradictory.
Privilege - Wells complains a lot through this book. I don't think she fully understands how privileged she was to be able to travel the country for the sole purpose of picking out the surgeon, let alone getting the procedure done within days of injury taking place. On top of that, she is able to stay in Malibu for recovery through her connections. She has teams of people (her 'tribe') doing work for her every step of the way to make sure she recovers as fast as possible. Yes, she has to 'do the work' in terms of rehab...but that was all she had to do...and she complains about it non-stop. Wells also has the arrogance to go against what doctors and professionals are telling her.
I found it very hard to feel sorry for someone who so willingly goes against common sense and injury prevention. By her own admission, Wells states that she had massive elbow pain for a long time prior to the catastrophic dislocation. She ignores advice on recovery times, and even knocks back a surgeon who suggests waiting for the swelling to go down before operating. I get wanting to be able to compete, but there is a difference between resilience and recklessness and Wells hasn't worked it out yet. I'm not sure if it is that common in cross-fit, but Wells appears to be perpetually injured. She mentions early in the book that she has been plagued by injury throughout her career, and since the book came out she has suffered a shoulder labrum tear, and a plantar rupture. If she has no off switch, and cannot imagine taking time to recover even though she is in immense (bad) pain, I would argue that she does not really understand true resilience holistically, and is only truly familiar with compulsion or obsession. I wish Wells the best in her post competitive career because she may well be completely crippled by 35.
All in all, although admittedly physically tough and extremely fit, I just found Wells to be a fairly one-dimensional character, and her story was not that engaging, unique, or interesting. Yes, she had a bad injury during an event, and that sucks...but hundreds, if not thousands of professional athletes across many sporting codes have ankle/knee/shoulder/elbow reconstructions every year and return to top flight competition. There wasn't really anything that made her story any different, other than the cross-fit angle. Perhaps I didn't understand because I don't follow cross-fit, but a good story shouldn't really require the reader being extremely familiar with the subject.
Would not recommend
Basically, this book should have been a 30 minute podcast, tops. I don't see how this really slipped through editors in order to be published as a full length book. I get that Wells is a pro athlete, so I wasn't really expecting a great literary work and I haven't taken the pretty poor writing into consideration.
Issues:
Repetition - There are only so many times I can hear Wells talk about the same platitudes involving 'never giving up' over and over again. Once you get through the first few chapters, its just the same thoughts going around in her head.
Contradiction - Wells goes between 'as long as I tried my best' to 'must win at all costs' so fast and so regularly that I got whiplash. She doesn't really address this too much as an inner conflict, so I feel she just may be unaware that her thought processes come across as confused and contradictory.
Privilege - Wells complains a lot through this book. I don't think she fully understands how privileged she was to be able to travel the country for the sole purpose of picking out the surgeon, let alone getting the procedure done within days of injury taking place. On top of that, she is able to stay in Malibu for recovery through her connections. She has teams of people (her 'tribe') doing work for her every step of the way to make sure she recovers as fast as possible. Yes, she has to 'do the work' in terms of rehab...but that was all she had to do...and she complains about it non-stop. Wells also has the arrogance to go against what doctors and professionals are telling her.
I found it very hard to feel sorry for someone who so willingly goes against common sense and injury prevention. By her own admission, Wells states that she had massive elbow pain for a long time prior to the catastrophic dislocation. She ignores advice on recovery times, and even knocks back a surgeon who suggests waiting for the swelling to go down before operating. I get wanting to be able to compete, but there is a difference between resilience and recklessness and Wells hasn't worked it out yet. I'm not sure if it is that common in cross-fit, but Wells appears to be perpetually injured. She mentions early in the book that she has been plagued by injury throughout her career, and since the book came out she has suffered a shoulder labrum tear, and a plantar rupture. If she has no off switch, and cannot imagine taking time to recover even though she is in immense (bad) pain, I would argue that she does not really understand true resilience holistically, and is only truly familiar with compulsion or obsession. I wish Wells the best in her post competitive career because she may well be completely crippled by 35.
All in all, although admittedly physically tough and extremely fit, I just found Wells to be a fairly one-dimensional character, and her story was not that engaging, unique, or interesting. Yes, she had a bad injury during an event, and that sucks...but hundreds, if not thousands of professional athletes across many sporting codes have ankle/knee/shoulder/elbow reconstructions every year and return to top flight competition. There wasn't really anything that made her story any different, other than the cross-fit angle. Perhaps I didn't understand because I don't follow cross-fit, but a good story shouldn't really require the reader being extremely familiar with the subject.
Would not recommend
May 1, 2025
Book Review: Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit's Greatest Comeback by Brooke Wells
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
💪 Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy! 💪
It’s a fast read, infused with motivational lines and that "never-quit" CrossFit attitude. But… it didn’t always land.
🏋️♀️ What Worked:
• Inspirational Mindset: Brooke’s unwavering determination and focus on mental toughness was definitely motivating. If you need a jolt of “you’ve got this”—she’s got plenty to give.
• Clear Message: The overarching theme is loud and clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about believing you can. That message, for many, will resonate.
• Accessible Writing: Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just someone who loves comeback stories, the tone is approachable and easy to digest.
🤷♀️ Why 3 Stars?
• Lacks Relatability: Despite the message of universal strength, the reality is that Brooke’s recovery journey was… elite. Malibu recovery, top-tier surgeons, brand deals, and an entire team behind her. For everyday folks—especially other injured athletes—this version of “resilience” may feel more sponsored than soulful.
• Could’ve Been a Blog Post: The story itself is pretty narrow in scope, and there were moments where it felt stretched. This might’ve been better served as a detailed podcast interview or long-form article.
• Tone-Deaf Moments: At times, the narrative feels disconnected from the reader. There's a lot of “me,” “my team,” and “my journey”—but not much reflection on privilege or how this kind of comeback isn’t realistic for most.
🧠 TROPES / THEMES:
• Athletic comeback
• Mental resilience
• Injured athlete recovery
• Grit vs. glamour
• Memoir of adversity
Final Thoughts:
While Resilient is undoubtedly a celebration of Brooke Wells’ strength—both physical and emotional—it doesn’t quite break through as a universal story of perseverance. It’s powerful, yes. But it's also polished, curated, and at times, hard to connect with unless you’re already part of the CrossFit world or her inner circle.
That said, fans of Brooke will find inspiration here, and readers looking for a light dose of motivational fuel may still walk away feeling energized. But don’t expect depth or rawness beyond what’s been PR-approved.
💡 Best read with a shaker bottle in hand, gym playlist on standby, and a willingness to cheer from the sidelines—even if you’re not stepping into the box.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
💪 Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy! 💪
It’s a fast read, infused with motivational lines and that "never-quit" CrossFit attitude. But… it didn’t always land.
🏋️♀️ What Worked:
• Inspirational Mindset: Brooke’s unwavering determination and focus on mental toughness was definitely motivating. If you need a jolt of “you’ve got this”—she’s got plenty to give.
• Clear Message: The overarching theme is loud and clear: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about believing you can. That message, for many, will resonate.
• Accessible Writing: Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just someone who loves comeback stories, the tone is approachable and easy to digest.
🤷♀️ Why 3 Stars?
• Lacks Relatability: Despite the message of universal strength, the reality is that Brooke’s recovery journey was… elite. Malibu recovery, top-tier surgeons, brand deals, and an entire team behind her. For everyday folks—especially other injured athletes—this version of “resilience” may feel more sponsored than soulful.
• Could’ve Been a Blog Post: The story itself is pretty narrow in scope, and there were moments where it felt stretched. This might’ve been better served as a detailed podcast interview or long-form article.
• Tone-Deaf Moments: At times, the narrative feels disconnected from the reader. There's a lot of “me,” “my team,” and “my journey”—but not much reflection on privilege or how this kind of comeback isn’t realistic for most.
🧠 TROPES / THEMES:
• Athletic comeback
• Mental resilience
• Injured athlete recovery
• Grit vs. glamour
• Memoir of adversity
Final Thoughts:
While Resilient is undoubtedly a celebration of Brooke Wells’ strength—both physical and emotional—it doesn’t quite break through as a universal story of perseverance. It’s powerful, yes. But it's also polished, curated, and at times, hard to connect with unless you’re already part of the CrossFit world or her inner circle.
That said, fans of Brooke will find inspiration here, and readers looking for a light dose of motivational fuel may still walk away feeling energized. But don’t expect depth or rawness beyond what’s been PR-approved.
💡 Best read with a shaker bottle in hand, gym playlist on standby, and a willingness to cheer from the sidelines—even if you’re not stepping into the box.
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