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Broke, Hungry, and Happy: The Life of Extreme Kayaker, Dave Norell
Feel the adrenalin rush as Dave Norell plunges over huge waterfalls, gets lost in the Philippine jungles, and experiences carnage in Costa Rica. In need of medical attention, Dave and his extreme kayaking friends trudge through waist-high sugar cane fields full of poisonous snakes, in search of a road that hasn't been washed out by recent flood-waters. Dave and fellow kayakers travel throughout Idaho, British Columbia, other parts of Canada and the US in their quest for whitewater adventure. Secrets are revealed, lessons learned, and life-long friendships are formed. This book has something for everyone, outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts, as well as those who can relate to love and loss. Author Rae Ann Norell, shares from the heart how she literally picks herself up off the floor to begin a journey no parent wants to take, after receiving a phone call telling her that her 24-year-old son Dave died while competing in a triathlon. Her journey from grief to eventual recovery and healing offers hope to those who have lost a child. Dave's life inspires and his message shines through: live life to the fullest, pursue your passion and follow your heart.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 26, 2012
"This was the first morning of the rest of my life without David."
I am humbled by the accomplishment of friend and first-time author, Rae Ann Norell. Her newly published book, Broke Hungry & Happy; The Life of Dangerous Dave Norell, stands as a tribute to her son and to her own tenacity. As a member of her writers’ group, Boise Word Spinners, I enjoyed the privilege and thrill of listening to and observing this story come to life during our bi-monthly meetings.
The first two thirds of the book paints the portrait of a boy on his voyage toward manhood. We learn what makes this young man tick—his uncommon drive for excellence in a sport and a lifestyle understood by only a handful of people. In heartbreaking retrospect, it seems that Dangerous Dave Norell operated from some internal life clock that pushed him to explore, entertain, and exceed expectation—a lifetime’s worth of adventure and passion squeezed into a heartbreaking 24-year blip. David’s first-person account in this section of the book utilizes extensive name and creek dropping, meant to honor and acknowledge not just his own accomplishments, but the deep friendships that he nurtured during his brief life. River rats will relate to this section, visualizing the waves, holes, drops, and slides that quicken the blood of whitewater kayakers, rafters, and canoers around the world.
Adults and parents, in particular, will relate to the last third of the book. This section, told through the eyes, voice, and heart of the author—David’s mother—speaks of the indescribable shock and horror of losing your child. The loss of a child transcends all life’s losses. There is no way to prepare for such a loss. Recovery is an infinitely slow process that will never be entirely realized. The best we may hope for is to stitch together the outer wounds, to stave the loss of blood, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, living one day after the last.
Rae Ann’s dedication to the completion of this project was part of her healing process. She has created a tribute to her son that will outlast her own memories and inspire others who are seeking respite from loss or searching for meaning within their own lives.
I am humbled by the accomplishment of friend and first-time author, Rae Ann Norell. Her newly published book, Broke Hungry & Happy; The Life of Dangerous Dave Norell, stands as a tribute to her son and to her own tenacity. As a member of her writers’ group, Boise Word Spinners, I enjoyed the privilege and thrill of listening to and observing this story come to life during our bi-monthly meetings.
The first two thirds of the book paints the portrait of a boy on his voyage toward manhood. We learn what makes this young man tick—his uncommon drive for excellence in a sport and a lifestyle understood by only a handful of people. In heartbreaking retrospect, it seems that Dangerous Dave Norell operated from some internal life clock that pushed him to explore, entertain, and exceed expectation—a lifetime’s worth of adventure and passion squeezed into a heartbreaking 24-year blip. David’s first-person account in this section of the book utilizes extensive name and creek dropping, meant to honor and acknowledge not just his own accomplishments, but the deep friendships that he nurtured during his brief life. River rats will relate to this section, visualizing the waves, holes, drops, and slides that quicken the blood of whitewater kayakers, rafters, and canoers around the world.
Adults and parents, in particular, will relate to the last third of the book. This section, told through the eyes, voice, and heart of the author—David’s mother—speaks of the indescribable shock and horror of losing your child. The loss of a child transcends all life’s losses. There is no way to prepare for such a loss. Recovery is an infinitely slow process that will never be entirely realized. The best we may hope for is to stitch together the outer wounds, to stave the loss of blood, to keep putting one foot in front of the other, living one day after the last.
Rae Ann’s dedication to the completion of this project was part of her healing process. She has created a tribute to her son that will outlast her own memories and inspire others who are seeking respite from loss or searching for meaning within their own lives.
February 17, 2024
I remember watching the news a few years ago, after I had just participated in a Boise Philharmonic dress rehearsal, and learning of the death of a young man in a local race from unknown causes. No names had been announced, but later on, when I returned that evening for the Boise Philharmonic performance, I found out that the victim was the son of one of my colleagues in the first violin section. The mood in the orchestra was sad and subdued as we performed that night, mourning on behalf of our friend, Rae Ann.
Since then, Rae Ann has worked to preserve the memory of her son, especially through the writing of this book. It is a moving tribute to him that tells the story of his life, especially his love of adventure and kayaking.
I realize three stars seems low for a book that I enjoyed, and one written by a friend and colleague. The reason it's not higher is simply because I am not really into kayaking, and I'm not very fond of death. But it's a very good read, even if you're not into those.
Since then, Rae Ann has worked to preserve the memory of her son, especially through the writing of this book. It is a moving tribute to him that tells the story of his life, especially his love of adventure and kayaking.
I realize three stars seems low for a book that I enjoyed, and one written by a friend and colleague. The reason it's not higher is simply because I am not really into kayaking, and I'm not very fond of death. But it's a very good read, even if you're not into those.
May 11, 2013
This is a touching tribute to a son who died too young, and yet lived his short 24 years to the fullest. Dave lived more in 24 years than many do in a lifetime. That's the point. It isn't how long you live (because when it comes down to it, even 60 years goes by pretty quickly) it's how you live. Dave is an inspiration. His mother's love is touching. Good job Rae Ann.
January 1, 2014
This was a touching story that makes you want to go out and live your life, not waste it in front of the tv. Nicely written, there is a lot about kayaking, obviously, but I don't think you needed to be a kayaker to enjoy it. I do need to disclose that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 29, 2016
Beautiful snapshots of a son's beautiful life. Readers will hold their loved ones tighter and be encouraged to live their lives to the fullest each day. It leaves us with a strong message that we should follow our passions in life. I happily received this book as a first reads win.
March 14, 2015
Slow start, but great adventure story with a terribly sad end. If you've lost an adventure buddy to sport you love, will hit home.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews