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Caught Inside : How the ties that bind us can save us on the worst day of our lives - when nothing else can.
From the moment the shark attacked him, Chris was in a race against time. He should have died, but he didn’t. Many divine elements came together that day – friends, surfers, paramedics, doctors and nurses, even the shark itself – an unlikely string of events that somehow led to Chris’s survival from an event that should surely have killed him. This story is about him – and it’s about them. How a little coastal town in South Australia pulled together one terrifying, rainy Anzac Day to bring Chris Blowes back from the brink and give him a second chance. And it’s about how anyone person can open channels of growth and hope for others and the power of collective recovery.
- GenresNonfiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 28, 2020
I read this in one sitting.
The book in its entirety is so well articulated and carefully written that it takes you right in from the moment you start it. Having known many of the characters (aka the Blowes family) my entire life, their true characters and personalities were captured so well through direct quotes and the descriptions. I really enjoyed the mix of the accounts of the event on the day and the time that followed, plus the addition of factual information regarding Sharks and their presence.
The whole book was written in an even tone, no one piece of dialogue argued one side or the other, it offered a considered approach to a number of contentious issues, such as the healthcare system and arguments around ‘blame’ when it comes to shark attacks – anyone and everyone should read it.
The whole book just works.
I’m almost at a loss for words as to how to describe it. The book ties together what was and has been the perfect storm so to speak – I can’t imagine what it is like for someone completely removed from the story to read it but for me, it captured every memory I have of that day and those that followed as well as filled in so many gaps that I’ve wondered about over the years.
The most standout aspect of the book is that is was not so much a story about a shark attack, but rather a clever and concise guide on how to live a good life, how to get through the hard times and come out the other side, how love and connection is the strongest force when it comes to healing and how there truly are larger forces at work that we will never fully understand, but will always have a knowing in our soul of their existence, and for that we should always be forever grateful.
The book in its entirety is so well articulated and carefully written that it takes you right in from the moment you start it. Having known many of the characters (aka the Blowes family) my entire life, their true characters and personalities were captured so well through direct quotes and the descriptions. I really enjoyed the mix of the accounts of the event on the day and the time that followed, plus the addition of factual information regarding Sharks and their presence.
The whole book was written in an even tone, no one piece of dialogue argued one side or the other, it offered a considered approach to a number of contentious issues, such as the healthcare system and arguments around ‘blame’ when it comes to shark attacks – anyone and everyone should read it.
The whole book just works.
I’m almost at a loss for words as to how to describe it. The book ties together what was and has been the perfect storm so to speak – I can’t imagine what it is like for someone completely removed from the story to read it but for me, it captured every memory I have of that day and those that followed as well as filled in so many gaps that I’ve wondered about over the years.
The most standout aspect of the book is that is was not so much a story about a shark attack, but rather a clever and concise guide on how to live a good life, how to get through the hard times and come out the other side, how love and connection is the strongest force when it comes to healing and how there truly are larger forces at work that we will never fully understand, but will always have a knowing in our soul of their existence, and for that we should always be forever grateful.
October 26, 2022
I work in a library and recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed it. Less about a shark attack and more about how a group of people in a remote area worked together to save his life. I have also heard Chris & his wife Chloe speak and they were fabulous. I highly recommend them as speakers.
January 7, 2026
A seamless recount of events thoughtfully written to honour all aspects of the story and the individuals that made Chris’ survival possible. A wonderful story of community, collaboration and humility.
January 15, 2021
It becomes like this book when a doctor becomes a writer I guess. It was good until the author was moved out of ICU. It is more like journal of system and feelings and it was not what I expected.
May 19, 2023
Unbelievable!! Such an amazing story.
March 11, 2024
Captivating and inspiring
May 19, 2025
Couldn’t put it down, many tears were shed. Such a crazy event and so well articulated, it felt like you were there! The warmth from those that were a part of his survival will stay with me!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews