The Impossible First: Young Readers Edition

by Colin O'Brady

In this Young Readers Edition of Impossible First Colin O’Brady recounts his fifty-four-day, unsupported, record-shattering solo crossing of Antarctica using every ounce of his strength, years of training, and sheer force of will.

Prior to December 2018, no individual had ever crossed the unforgiving ice of Antarctica alone, unaided and unsupported. Only one day into what would be a 932-mile journey, O’Brady judged what he was trying to do was impossible.

Alone with his thoughts, O’Brady traveled back in his memory to the events that led him to this pivotal moment. For a while, it had seemed that nothing would stop him: He’d climbed every high mountain peak, bagged every endurance challenge (the Seven Summits, including Everest…record sprints to both Poles…the highest peaks in all fifty US states)—all after recovering from a freak burning accident that doctors said would end his athletic career. But the prize that had eluded him was success on this moment forbidding continent of all.

Genres: Adventure

300 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jonathan Maillet · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to make it a point to write more book reviews. With that said, I’m having trouble with this one as I’d like to rate it 6/5 for the sheer magnitude of Colin’s accomplishment, yet I’m having trouble doing so because this novel didn’t quite captivate me. It wasn’t attributed to his writing style, or the adventure itself because both were fantastic. Perhaps it’s because I was distracted? This read certainly had me longing for a wild adventure of my own.

This was a tremendous read for explorers and armchair adventurers alike!

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging read about a man's determination to reach his goals—one that is sure to inspire and offer hope to young dreamers.

Colin O'Brady is known for breaking records and reaching beyond the borders of what people have attempted in the past. This book covers his journey across Antarctica as he crossed over 900 miles alone, pulling everything he needed to survive on a sled behind him.

I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of autobiographies and especially not one written by modern day people over their accomplishments, since many of these claim to be written for young readers but completely miss the target. Simply said, I often have the feeling these books aim for money making and completely ignore their target audience. This book, at least, is written in a way which will capture young adults and offers them inspiration to give their everything if they really want to achieve a goal.

The book starts with the landing and an interesting back-and-forth with the man Colin is 'competing' against. It stirred up a little of the competition feeling, added a tiny bit of tension and grabbed. And it did more. It not only lays the starting scene, but also shows that everyone has insecurities and is nervous before starting out. Even weathered adventurers. But this message came across so well-woven into the moment, and that's how this book is. It allows the reader to really dig deep into Colin and see themselves, since he's as human as they are.

While there are tense moments during this journey and situations which have the reader wondering how the author will make it through, traveling that long alone in a fairly barren landscape isn't always 'exciting'. The author, however, uses this to weave in memories of his own past to help drive the situation and his own feelings home. Some of these are easy for young readers to identify with, others not so much. I am torn on these moments. Some had me invested, while others I found myself skipping through to get back to the 'ice'. These flash-backs did take up a nice chunk of the book, making it as much a read about the author's past as his adventure. But then, it also allows the reader to feel more personal to the author and get a better handle on where he's coming from.

I do see young readers (mostly YA) enjoying this one, and despite sliding through some sections, did enjoy reading the rest quite a bit. So, I'm giving this one a big thumbs up. I received an ARC and enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin O'Brady tells about his historic solo and unassisted trek across Antarctica. As he shares his experiences crossing the ice, he reflects back on his life and the people and events that led him to this point.

This guy has had a crazy life. From a horrible accident in Thailand that burned both of his legs after college to recovery and accidentally winning his first triathalon to setting a speed record for climbing the highest mountain on each continent, and then crossing Antarctica unassisted...wow. I am impressed that he is using his platform to encourage kids to get healthy and chase their own "Everest" with grit and passion. I have absolutely zero desire to climb mountains or spend so much time in deadly cold, but I can appreciate others conquering these physical and mental hurdles. I'm glad that given O'Brady's school circuit they decided to release a young readers' edition. I can totally guess where the adult version is a bit grittier, and I am perfectly happy just reading this one. It didn't feel like it was written down at all. The reading level is still pretty high. It feels like O'Brady is talking to a fellow adult. But there's no swearing or edgy content, and I'm guessing the adult version has a bit more of that. Certainly an inspirational read. If you need to psych yourself up for starting a new workout routine or doing something hard, you could read this first and then whatever you are trying to tackle will seem more like a cakewalk (unless you're also planning to climb 7 highest mountains in a row or crossing Antarctica, then it is just inspirational).

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. A horrible burn accident is related in detail. Perilous situations on the ice and mountains are related, and deaths of others mentioned (not described).

[Karen Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just discovered that much of this book was exaggerated and sensationalized for fame and profit. So, I originally wrote :
Just finished this (and it seems I just started it too - because I couldn't put it down), and I highly recommend it for middle and high school students. Even middle readers would be captivated, although they might not get some of the flashback memories and in-his-head stuff.

It's inspirational and exciting, and it teaches the value of dreams and perseverance.

I guess it's still inspirational and exciting if you can get past the fact that it's not exactly true.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book not to be read on a cold, icy day! Being a fellow Portland born & raised native, I enjoyed reading about Colin’s life and layer his journey to cross Antarctica without any reloading of supplies. He paints a bleak image of his struggles and the things we thought about and learned while taking the reader day by by through his journey.
The only negative is that I believe this book to be not geared for young readers, high school, yes, but not younger.
Book 29 of broken ankle recovery.

[Dom Hung · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read on Colin O’Brady’s legendary impossible first to cross Antarctica solo without any help or reloads. Throughout the book Colin deep dives into many other moments in his life where he faced challenges and took them straight on and how he overcame them

A very enjoyable and inspiring read! Definitely recommend

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nonfiction narrative of one person pursuing his dreams and inspiring others to pursue theirs.

[Victoria Niemela · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book- monotonous at times, but seems like would parallel a solo journey across Antarctica

—cried at the end- could have been pms

[Zachary Reimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to do something unreasonably difficult now.