A catastrophic crash. A hidden ravine. And nearly seven days with no one coming to save him.
In Still The Seven Miracles of Matthew Reum, a real-life car accident transforms into a gripping true survival story that blends raw trauma, emotional depth, and unexpected humor. Trapped beneath a bridge in freezing conditions, with his left leg crushed and no way to call for help, Matthew Reum faces a harrowing fight to survive. However, this is not just a story about physical endurance; it is a journey through depression, ADHD, and Reactive Attachment Disorder, rooted in his early years in a Russian orphanage.
Through shattered glass and mental darkness, Matt discovers a surprising resilience is built one small victory at a time. With a broken body and fading hope, he draws strength from memories, humor, and an unrelenting will to live. Readers witness his transformation from victim to survivor as he confronts his deepest fears, peels back decades of emotional pain, and reclaims his voice.
This book is perfect for fans of survival memoirs, mental health journeys, and adoption stories. It is a heartwarming and suspenseful tale that stands as a testament to the human spirit. If you are searching for a car accident memoir with grit, hope, and healing, this is your next read.
Do not miss this unforgettable journey of resilience, rediscovery, and the will to stand again.
Reading this book being a resident of Portage my whole life and crossing over where Matt's tragic accident occurred gave chills. I cross that bridge so many times and sometimes daily and to think he was trapped below and at such a hidden point you could feel his frustration as he screamed not being able to be heard due to heavy traffic.
The Book was heroic in so many ways. Obvious reasons of the accident itself and Matt's ability to survive those days alone mentally & physically and willing himself not to give up. The means in which he had to struggle to keep warm, try to stay hydrated, or basic hygiene...you are put almost in the truck itself with him as he describes his hurdles and some defeat. Also, giving us a glimpse inside and answering of many questions I know I had when the accident occurred & it hit the news. How could someone not know? Where was his family? Did work miss him? Matt explains everything in the book (with the help of Erika Celeste making it come to life)and it really is heart wrenching to say the least. When he speaks of his childhood (I won't ruin it) it really had me cussing to myself (a particular person(s) but his resilience and honesty on how he handled himself prior and now is commendable. So much heartache but so much resilience, strength, to keep going and accomplishments he was able to reach by having all these in place.
I am so glad I was able to read it and feel his story as if I were right there due to great writing.
God Bless the two men as well who felt the calling to go fishing that day and let the curiosity lead to his rescue
What an inspiring book! If you don't put this one down feeling a bit of hope, read it again. Positive attitudes are so hard to find - he has it in spades... while also being totally realistic.
I live super close to where this terrible accident happened. I also have had time spent at Memorial Hospital, but on the children's side. I have followed this accident and Matt since it hit the news and I am blessed to have read his story. Matt is an incredibly positive man, who continued to show it through his accident, surgeries, and recovery. Thank you so much for sharing your story.