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Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life
Christopher Reeve has mastered the art of turning the impossible into the inevitable. In these candid reflections, Reeve shows that we are all capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable hardships. He teaches us that for able-bodied people, paralysis is a choice—a choice to live with self-doubt and a fear of taking risks—and that it is not an acceptable one. Reeve knows from experience that the work of conquering inner space is hard and that it requires some suffering—after all, nothing worth having is easy to attain. He asks challenging questions about why it seems so difficult—if not impossible—for us to work together as a society. Nothing Is Impossible reminds us that life is not to be taken for granted but to be lived fully with zeal, curiosity, and gratitude.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Christopher Reeve
40 books60 followersChristopher D'Olier Reeve was an American actor, director, producer, and writer. He established himself early as a Juilliard-trained stage actor before portraying Superman/Kal-El/Clark Kent in four films, from 1978 to 1987. In the 1980s, he starred in several films, including Somewhere In Time (1980), Deathtrap (1982), The Bostonians (1984), and Street Smart (1987). He also starred in many plays, including the Broadway plays Fifth Of July (1980 - 1982) and The Marriage Of Figaro (1985). In 1987, he led a public rally in support of 77 Chilean actors, directors, and playwrights who had been sentenced to death by the dictator Augusto Pinochet for criticizing his regime in their works. Pinochet canceled the sentence after the ensuing media coverage, and Christopher was awarded with three national distinctions from Chile for his actions. In the 1990s, Christopher acted in such films as Noises Off (1992), The Remains Of The Day (1993), and Village of the Damned (1995).
In May 1995, Christopher was paralyzed in an accident during the cross country portion of an Eventing competition. He was in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He lobbied on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries, and for human embryonic stem cell research after this accident. He founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation and co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center. Reeve died at age 52 on October 10, 2004 from cardiac arrest caused by a systemic infection.
Christopher married Dana Morosini in April 1992, and they have a son, Will. Christopher also had two children, Matthew and Alexandra, from a previous relationship with Gae Exton. Dana Reeve died of lung cancer in March 2006.
In May 1995, Christopher was paralyzed in an accident during the cross country portion of an Eventing competition. He was in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He lobbied on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries, and for human embryonic stem cell research after this accident. He founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation and co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center. Reeve died at age 52 on October 10, 2004 from cardiac arrest caused by a systemic infection.
Christopher married Dana Morosini in April 1992, and they have a son, Will. Christopher also had two children, Matthew and Alexandra, from a previous relationship with Gae Exton. Dana Reeve died of lung cancer in March 2006.
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October 4, 2025
I’m often surprised by my own enthusiasm to write a book review, particularly when readership and interactions have become as diminished as they are, lately, on this site.
Regardless, here I am, raring to go, anxious to discuss this complex little memoir, by actor Christopher Reeve.
I’m so revved up, in fact, I’m just about biting off my nails. Ugh! I have so much that I want to share.
First off, if you know me a little, you might know that my only uncle was rendered a quadriplegic one icy night, as he was thrown from his vehicle, when I was 9 years old. I share the story in a little more detail in my review of Margaret Laurence’s The Stone Angel.
To quickly summarize: my 30-year-old uncle died of pneumonia after living in a hospital for a year with a broken neck and no ability to move any other part of his body. You can imagine the impact this might have had on us as kids.
To this day, I become agitated when I see anyone in a wheelchair who needs assistance and is being ignored. Just a week ago, I reached out to a staff member at Whole Foods to point out to her that a paying customer in a wheelchair was clearly unable to reach a bottle of honey on a high shelf and why had THREE employees walked right past her, ignoring her obvious need? If you can acknowledge a customer when it’s time to take their method of payment, you sure as shit can help them as they’re shopping in your store.
I spent the last trimester of my first pregnancy in a wheelchair, with an IV in my leg, and I can tell you: that is the extent of my patience with inconvenience and immobility.
Can you even IMAGINE what it must have felt like, to be my uncle?
Well, Christoper Reeve found out exactly what it must have felt like, 15 years later, when he fell off of his horse in an equestrian competition, and broke his neck.
In case you’re really young or simply unaware, Christopher Reeve was an American actor whose most famous role was his portrayal of Superman.
This isn’t his first memoir; STILL ME was published first, and, although I haven’t read it yet, it’s apparently more about his life, leading up to the accident.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, published in 2002, is focused on Mr. Reeve’s struggle to survive, the incredible advancements he made in physical therapy, his family’s insurance battles, and his relentless work with Congress, trying to encourage the advancement of stem cell research to benefit people who are suffering from spinal injuries and degenerative conditions.
Here’s the thing: Christopher Reeve was wealthy, and I don’t just mean from his acting career. He was born into a highly affluent family and grew up on yachts. I didn’t know, before reading this, how privileged his background was. He admits freely that if this had happened to someone else, they’d have had nowhere near the resources that he was afforded. Truth! If the average person lived 9 years after a spinal injury accident like this one, they would (a) drive their family into bankruptcy (b) end up in a God awful nursing home and (c) never live that long, anyway, because their care would be so inferior.
I would never hold it against someone for being born with a silver spoon; that’s just a twist of fate. The truth is, overall, I felt like I wouldn't have "liked" him very much, in real life. Isn’t that crazy? I found him surprisingly arrogant. Even after being paralyzed, he often mentions in the book that when he is hoisted up, he still towers over people. He mentions his height (6’4) often, lets us know how much he once bench-pressed, taunts people for being “short,” or “slight,” (makes fun of a member of his medical team for being 5’9, which I found particularly odd, as it’s the average height for a man in the U.S.), and often comments on the “attractiveness” or “unattractiveness” of others. He chuckles over one of his doctors saying that “if somebody with an IQ above double digits holds on” to his ventilator, he’ll be able to go into a pool. His attitude was unappealing to me, and I frequently found it hard to relate to him.
But, here’s what’s the most interesting part of this memoir to me: Mr. Reeves may come across, sometimes, as arrogant, and he may be a little tedious in describing his failed attempts to “find God,”, but I doubt you’d be able to read this memoir without seeing the IMMENSELY spiritual aspects of WHAT his accident provoked: medical advancements and new research, a newfound understanding of disabilities, and social and political change, on a national and international level.
WOW. I have rarely felt this way before.
You may have a different perspective on this, but I found Christopher Reeves’s accident, and subsequent journey, incredibly spiritual. He, himself, didn’t necessarily equate it to anything spiritual, but, my God, I did.
He was a tall, handsome, affluent, successful person who, through a terrible accident, provoked meaningful conversation, vital research and used his celebrity to exact change.
I don’t know how anyone in power can turn a blind eye to people with spinal injuries or degenerative disease. They must have lost their souls on their climb to the top.
This one sentence beautifully sums up what became his work, after his accident: My intention was to create a commotion, to provoke a reaction from scientists, politicians, and the media by proposing a difficult but not necessarily impossible challenge.
Rest in peace, Christopher Reeves. Thank you for teaching me that sometimes it is our job to create a commotion.
Regardless, here I am, raring to go, anxious to discuss this complex little memoir, by actor Christopher Reeve.
I’m so revved up, in fact, I’m just about biting off my nails. Ugh! I have so much that I want to share.
First off, if you know me a little, you might know that my only uncle was rendered a quadriplegic one icy night, as he was thrown from his vehicle, when I was 9 years old. I share the story in a little more detail in my review of Margaret Laurence’s The Stone Angel.
To quickly summarize: my 30-year-old uncle died of pneumonia after living in a hospital for a year with a broken neck and no ability to move any other part of his body. You can imagine the impact this might have had on us as kids.
To this day, I become agitated when I see anyone in a wheelchair who needs assistance and is being ignored. Just a week ago, I reached out to a staff member at Whole Foods to point out to her that a paying customer in a wheelchair was clearly unable to reach a bottle of honey on a high shelf and why had THREE employees walked right past her, ignoring her obvious need? If you can acknowledge a customer when it’s time to take their method of payment, you sure as shit can help them as they’re shopping in your store.
I spent the last trimester of my first pregnancy in a wheelchair, with an IV in my leg, and I can tell you: that is the extent of my patience with inconvenience and immobility.
Can you even IMAGINE what it must have felt like, to be my uncle?
Well, Christoper Reeve found out exactly what it must have felt like, 15 years later, when he fell off of his horse in an equestrian competition, and broke his neck.
In case you’re really young or simply unaware, Christopher Reeve was an American actor whose most famous role was his portrayal of Superman.
This isn’t his first memoir; STILL ME was published first, and, although I haven’t read it yet, it’s apparently more about his life, leading up to the accident.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, published in 2002, is focused on Mr. Reeve’s struggle to survive, the incredible advancements he made in physical therapy, his family’s insurance battles, and his relentless work with Congress, trying to encourage the advancement of stem cell research to benefit people who are suffering from spinal injuries and degenerative conditions.
Here’s the thing: Christopher Reeve was wealthy, and I don’t just mean from his acting career. He was born into a highly affluent family and grew up on yachts. I didn’t know, before reading this, how privileged his background was. He admits freely that if this had happened to someone else, they’d have had nowhere near the resources that he was afforded. Truth! If the average person lived 9 years after a spinal injury accident like this one, they would (a) drive their family into bankruptcy (b) end up in a God awful nursing home and (c) never live that long, anyway, because their care would be so inferior.
I would never hold it against someone for being born with a silver spoon; that’s just a twist of fate. The truth is, overall, I felt like I wouldn't have "liked" him very much, in real life. Isn’t that crazy? I found him surprisingly arrogant. Even after being paralyzed, he often mentions in the book that when he is hoisted up, he still towers over people. He mentions his height (6’4) often, lets us know how much he once bench-pressed, taunts people for being “short,” or “slight,” (makes fun of a member of his medical team for being 5’9, which I found particularly odd, as it’s the average height for a man in the U.S.), and often comments on the “attractiveness” or “unattractiveness” of others. He chuckles over one of his doctors saying that “if somebody with an IQ above double digits holds on” to his ventilator, he’ll be able to go into a pool. His attitude was unappealing to me, and I frequently found it hard to relate to him.
But, here’s what’s the most interesting part of this memoir to me: Mr. Reeves may come across, sometimes, as arrogant, and he may be a little tedious in describing his failed attempts to “find God,”, but I doubt you’d be able to read this memoir without seeing the IMMENSELY spiritual aspects of WHAT his accident provoked: medical advancements and new research, a newfound understanding of disabilities, and social and political change, on a national and international level.
WOW. I have rarely felt this way before.
You may have a different perspective on this, but I found Christopher Reeves’s accident, and subsequent journey, incredibly spiritual. He, himself, didn’t necessarily equate it to anything spiritual, but, my God, I did.
He was a tall, handsome, affluent, successful person who, through a terrible accident, provoked meaningful conversation, vital research and used his celebrity to exact change.
I don’t know how anyone in power can turn a blind eye to people with spinal injuries or degenerative disease. They must have lost their souls on their climb to the top.
This one sentence beautifully sums up what became his work, after his accident: My intention was to create a commotion, to provoke a reaction from scientists, politicians, and the media by proposing a difficult but not necessarily impossible challenge.
Rest in peace, Christopher Reeves. Thank you for teaching me that sometimes it is our job to create a commotion.
May 25, 2023
Probably more than a decade ago now I read Christopher Reeve's first book, Still Me, and it ended up being a book I have thought about often since. I had already been a fan of Christopher Reeve after an afternoon spent watching the first Superman film. I remain partial to a superhero movie (although have fallen behind in recent years, overwhelmed by the relentless output of Marvel in particular) but nothing has ever topped that viewing of Superman. I was completely enthralled by it, and it remains my favourite superhero movie.
As I've gotten older I have started noticing Reeve in other films, most notably The Remains of the Day. He chose some interesting projects, I have always enjoyed watching him.
This book is briefer than the first, not so much a memoir or autobiography, but a mix of anecdotes and speeches, arranged by theme. Some details were familiar, such as Robin Williams being the person who first made him laugh after his accident by arriving in the ICU 'dressed in full scrubs, impersonating a manic Russian proctologist.'
There are insights into parenting, his various early forays into religion, including the early stages of Scientology, and something called "Loving Relationships Training", which built towards rebirthing, something they were urged to do at least twice a month, at $200 each time!
"My first act of faith was not a religious one; it happened when Dana and I were married." - - I found that statement very romantic!
He later became a Unitarian, and I enjoyed reading about why this particular religion worked for him and his family, and what especially resonated with him.
Equally inspiring and upsetting was the chapter describing the progress he began to make about five years after his injury, when he discovered he was able to move a finger. This became, fingers, then hand. Intensive tests, the details of which I almost grasped(!), involving brain scans revealed the signals from his brain were getting through and coming from the correct part of the brain. His body began to make progress, including being able to lift his legs and walk when in a swimming pool. Although far from walking unaided outside of the water, that his body was starting to respond to commands from his brain was a potentially the beginning of... Something... maybe. It was difficult at times to read about these hopeful signs knowing he died only a couple of years after the book was published.
I also found it bittersweet to read again about what a wonderful person Dana Reeve was, knowing she died about two years after he did. I had tremendous sympathy for his three children losing their father, and his and Dana's son for losing both parents in quick succession.
The final chapter was called "Hope", and it was touching but also disheartening in a way. In the final decade of his life Christopher Reeve accomplished a great deal, especially in terms of advocacy, and I did wish he could have had more time to continue doing that.
There is a biography called, Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve by Christopher Andersen, which I want to read eventually, which was published in 2008.
As I've gotten older I have started noticing Reeve in other films, most notably The Remains of the Day. He chose some interesting projects, I have always enjoyed watching him.
This book is briefer than the first, not so much a memoir or autobiography, but a mix of anecdotes and speeches, arranged by theme. Some details were familiar, such as Robin Williams being the person who first made him laugh after his accident by arriving in the ICU 'dressed in full scrubs, impersonating a manic Russian proctologist.'
There are insights into parenting, his various early forays into religion, including the early stages of Scientology, and something called "Loving Relationships Training", which built towards rebirthing, something they were urged to do at least twice a month, at $200 each time!
"My first act of faith was not a religious one; it happened when Dana and I were married." - - I found that statement very romantic!
He later became a Unitarian, and I enjoyed reading about why this particular religion worked for him and his family, and what especially resonated with him.
Equally inspiring and upsetting was the chapter describing the progress he began to make about five years after his injury, when he discovered he was able to move a finger. This became, fingers, then hand. Intensive tests, the details of which I almost grasped(!), involving brain scans revealed the signals from his brain were getting through and coming from the correct part of the brain. His body began to make progress, including being able to lift his legs and walk when in a swimming pool. Although far from walking unaided outside of the water, that his body was starting to respond to commands from his brain was a potentially the beginning of... Something... maybe. It was difficult at times to read about these hopeful signs knowing he died only a couple of years after the book was published.
I also found it bittersweet to read again about what a wonderful person Dana Reeve was, knowing she died about two years after he did. I had tremendous sympathy for his three children losing their father, and his and Dana's son for losing both parents in quick succession.
The final chapter was called "Hope", and it was touching but also disheartening in a way. In the final decade of his life Christopher Reeve accomplished a great deal, especially in terms of advocacy, and I did wish he could have had more time to continue doing that.
There is a biography called, Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve by Christopher Andersen, which I want to read eventually, which was published in 2008.
May 3, 2022
Review originally published October 2004
Sometimes an unassuming little paperback packs a big punch, and that is just the case with Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life by Christopher Reeve.
It is the story of a special person with an attitude that oozed vitality. Since his equestrian competition spinal cord injury in May of 1995, his life changed about as much as a person’s life can possibly change. Through all of the hospital stays and learning to depend on other people and devices for all his needs, he managed to maintain a sense of self and a will to go on with life, for himself and for his family.
He wrote of comfort zones, and how most people live in a comfort zone that is relatively small. We take small steps outside of our comfort zones, but are not willing to expand them greatly, as a rule. His good friend David Blaine is a well-known magician who expands his comfort zone and challenges his fears on a regular basis, and was an inspiration to Christopher, who stated:
Feeling quite helpless and like a child gave Christopher a new perspective on being a father. He became acutely aware that virtually everything that parents say and do has a powerful effect on their children, even when we think they’re not paying attention. It is obvious from his reflections on parenting and interactions with his three children how much he loved and cared about them, and what a vital part of his life they were.
His life was an ongoing struggle with insurance companies and senators and congressmen to try to fund more research and get more help for victims of spinal cord injuries and their families, who are coping with extremely difficult situations and running into problems along the way.
And yet, there are many bright spots and much to be grateful for in the every-day, and sometimes we need to hear about the bad spots, so that we can find ways to help those who are struggling, to smooth their way a little.
Christopher Reeve’s struggle ended this past week when he died of heart failure at 52 years of age, but his efforts to help others will keep memories of him alive in our hearts.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Sometimes an unassuming little paperback packs a big punch, and that is just the case with Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life by Christopher Reeve.
It is the story of a special person with an attitude that oozed vitality. Since his equestrian competition spinal cord injury in May of 1995, his life changed about as much as a person’s life can possibly change. Through all of the hospital stays and learning to depend on other people and devices for all his needs, he managed to maintain a sense of self and a will to go on with life, for himself and for his family.
He wrote of comfort zones, and how most people live in a comfort zone that is relatively small. We take small steps outside of our comfort zones, but are not willing to expand them greatly, as a rule. His good friend David Blaine is a well-known magician who expands his comfort zone and challenges his fears on a regular basis, and was an inspiration to Christopher, who stated:
“Even as our country tries to cope with terrorism, most of us know intuitively that living in fear is not living at all.”
Feeling quite helpless and like a child gave Christopher a new perspective on being a father. He became acutely aware that virtually everything that parents say and do has a powerful effect on their children, even when we think they’re not paying attention. It is obvious from his reflections on parenting and interactions with his three children how much he loved and cared about them, and what a vital part of his life they were.
His life was an ongoing struggle with insurance companies and senators and congressmen to try to fund more research and get more help for victims of spinal cord injuries and their families, who are coping with extremely difficult situations and running into problems along the way.
And yet, there are many bright spots and much to be grateful for in the every-day, and sometimes we need to hear about the bad spots, so that we can find ways to help those who are struggling, to smooth their way a little.
Christopher Reeve’s struggle ended this past week when he died of heart failure at 52 years of age, but his efforts to help others will keep memories of him alive in our hearts.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
May 22, 2011
I've always admired Christopher as an actor (especially in Somewhere in Time) and as one of the most inspiring people on this planet. So when I came across this book for sale in the library I grabbed it eagerly. Half way through it I was in tears in a cafe as I read about the everyday details of his debilitating new life and the amazing way he kept his faith and hope alive.
Every small series of excercises and physiotherapy took hours to set up, travel was a nightmare but he still managed to find time to petition for more funding for research and speak for those who couldn't.
He did initially feel like ending it all but thank God for the rest of us he didn't because he achieved so much in his last nine years. Reading this book is particularly hard knowing that he died two years later. A wonderful insight into a wonderful human being.
Every small series of excercises and physiotherapy took hours to set up, travel was a nightmare but he still managed to find time to petition for more funding for research and speak for those who couldn't.
He did initially feel like ending it all but thank God for the rest of us he didn't because he achieved so much in his last nine years. Reading this book is particularly hard knowing that he died two years later. A wonderful insight into a wonderful human being.
January 9, 2013
[audiobook review, read by the author]
It was pretty exciting to pop in the first CD and hear Christopher Reeve read his own story. He was a decent writer and spoke pretty well considering the fact that he was connected to an oxygen supply.
Because of this, I'd be interested in reading his other books even though this one, "Nothing is Impossible," spent a lot of time impressing upon us the importance of allowing reseachers to have stem cells to find cures for our health issues. Whether or not I agree with his position, the book could have been stronger if it were more focused on his personal journey rather than a political agenda.
The rest of the book detailed his physical therapy and ability to overcome depression from having to rely on other people for the rest of his life. This is where the book shines, and you feel the hope in his voice for the possibilities in the future.
It was pretty exciting to pop in the first CD and hear Christopher Reeve read his own story. He was a decent writer and spoke pretty well considering the fact that he was connected to an oxygen supply.
Because of this, I'd be interested in reading his other books even though this one, "Nothing is Impossible," spent a lot of time impressing upon us the importance of allowing reseachers to have stem cells to find cures for our health issues. Whether or not I agree with his position, the book could have been stronger if it were more focused on his personal journey rather than a political agenda.
The rest of the book detailed his physical therapy and ability to overcome depression from having to rely on other people for the rest of his life. This is where the book shines, and you feel the hope in his voice for the possibilities in the future.
November 15, 2020
Seems impossible that the greatest actor to ever play the man of steel 🦸♂️ would become a quadriplegic, needing 'round the clock care and a breathing ventilator aperatus just to survive?
Superman talks about how he will never be able to wrestle with his boys again.
He thought it would be impossible to teach his children how to ride a bike.
Christopher Reeves 🦸♂️ said he would sit in the drive way all afternoon until his son learned to ride a bike.
"If someone had told me before my injury that you could teach a kid to ride [a bike] on his own just by talking to him. I would have said that is impossible. Words can only have a positive effect on others, if and when they are ready to listen. And we have to choose our words carefully. Particularly when we are the voice of authority for people who are vulnerable."
Superman talks about how he will never be able to wrestle with his boys again.
He thought it would be impossible to teach his children how to ride a bike.
Christopher Reeves 🦸♂️ said he would sit in the drive way all afternoon until his son learned to ride a bike.
"If someone had told me before my injury that you could teach a kid to ride [a bike] on his own just by talking to him. I would have said that is impossible. Words can only have a positive effect on others, if and when they are ready to listen. And we have to choose our words carefully. Particularly when we are the voice of authority for people who are vulnerable."
March 25, 2009
Listening to Christopher Reeve read his book with the aid of a ventilator which passes air over his vocal chords so he can speak is as sobering as it gets. It's a well-written book and I'm going to give it a family with a son who is now a C4 quadriplegic. It is realistic, too, and may be hard, but the final chapter about Hope is superb. Hearing his words and hope and knowing he died 2 years after the book was published is tough, too. Really deserves 4 stars. Not as pie in the sky, or touchy feely as you may think. If you come away with nothing else, you learn we must support embryonic stem cell research now. The religious right is the religious wrong on that issue.
February 19, 2021
This is a remarkable audiobook made even more special and eye-opening in that Christopher Reeve reads his own biography. If he could go from a Man of Steel to someone whose body needs so much assistance to get through a day and he feels nothing is impossible, how can I complain? I feel a special kinship with Christopher Reeve as I named one of my sons Christopher and he too is an equestrian. This book is about so much, Christopher's physical struggles, his spiritual journey, and his family's journey. It also is about some of the politics around medical research. It was a good read.
February 11, 2021
It would be nearly impossible to criticize Reeve's book about his struggle with full-body paralysis and for greater funding of health initiatives, even controversial ones. Well, controversial for some. He died a couple years after writing this account of trying to regain some motion and his thoughts on research, religion, and faith. I might try his Still Me. Overall the book is a bit boring, though instructive.
October 16, 2024
A wonderful companion to his first book, this one is less a memoir and more of a sort of explanation his life philosophy, post accident. It’s organized by topics such as Parenting, Humor and Hope.
The saddest is Recovery, because several years after becoming a quadriplegic he was actually making progress. How sad to think that when he wrote this he only had two years left live.
So much scientific knowledge was gained by what he went through, and his determination afterwards.
The saddest is Recovery, because several years after becoming a quadriplegic he was actually making progress. How sad to think that when he wrote this he only had two years left live.
So much scientific knowledge was gained by what he went through, and his determination afterwards.
August 29, 2018
I enjoyed his sections when he talked about his life and his struggles after his accident and his triumphs where he thought there would be no triumphs, but those parts were overshadowed by the section on politics. I know where he is coming from and I support it to an extent, but there has been a lot of developments in that area (perhaps due to the restrictions and moral questions involved, science was able to find another way). That's the problem when celebrity memoirs get political...
I do admire his strength and thought it was great that he was able to do his own narration.
I do admire his strength and thought it was great that he was able to do his own narration.
October 22, 2021
I’m glad that I was privileged to hear Christopher Reeve’s voice telling of his uplifting journey through the nightmare of paralysis. His intelligence, fiery will and bold honesty will remain with me. It’s a good account of human tenaciousness, and I felt boosted by that in trying to overcome my own fears and barriers. Also, I later enjoyed reading updates on the web about how the science is progressing on spinal cord regeneration. Amazing that the olfactory bulb contains the only nerve cells in the human body capable of regeneration!
December 1, 2023
The book was very good and well written. I enjoyed how he stayed optimistic during the worst times of his life and continued to persevere when times were bad and progress wasn’t happening. I throughly enjoyed the chapters where he talked about his early career before the accident and the trial and tribulations he went through that shaped him into the person he was today.
September 3, 2019
His story is remarkable. His insights are beneficial to all. I to skipped over a lot because of the politics and research that 18 years later seems not to be as relevant. He was definitely an advocate and a pioneer in this research.
February 7, 2025
“ I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”- a quote by Christopher Reeve
I agree with his statement and this quote applies to him as well.
I agree with his statement and this quote applies to him as well.
June 27, 2025
An insightful read for those looking to learn more about Christopher Reeve and his journey through the medical system.
August 1, 2017
Christopher Reeve has to be the most inspiring person Ive ever come across. From Superman to an even greater Man.
March 25, 2024
Growing up, my father introduced me to the world of superheroes in numerous different ways. Comic books were always present, but so were Saturday morning cartoons and films. This is where I was first introduced to Christoper Reeve, as the alien raised on a small farm in Smallville, Kansas who became one of the world's greatest heroes.
Superman.
After suffering from a devastating injury in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, Reeve began the remarkable journey of accepting his new "normal" as a quadriplegic. For a man who had once been incredibly active and proud of his physical accomplishments, this shattered his perception of his own strength as a human being as he battled to acknowledge the accident and the new limitations it created. Yet, at the same time, Reeve discovered a new purpose. A new determination to not only prove the medical world wrong by recovering some form of control over his body, but to advocate for others who had suffered from life altering injuries.
His novel shares hard truths about those first days after the accident and his desire to let it all go because he felt that he would have no quality of life, the support and love that he received from friends and family, and his unwavering faith in his own abilities to overcome the trials of living with his injury. Reeve examines the different elements that went into his recovery, and even shares a little insight into the friendships with other celebrity pals such as Robin Williams.
For anyone who needs to see something positive and feel inspired to overcome their own adversity, this is a novel that I would strongly recommend. Especially as an audio book.
To hear his voice again, two decades after his passing, was an emotional experience for a girl who idolized Superman as a child.
Superman.
After suffering from a devastating injury in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, Reeve began the remarkable journey of accepting his new "normal" as a quadriplegic. For a man who had once been incredibly active and proud of his physical accomplishments, this shattered his perception of his own strength as a human being as he battled to acknowledge the accident and the new limitations it created. Yet, at the same time, Reeve discovered a new purpose. A new determination to not only prove the medical world wrong by recovering some form of control over his body, but to advocate for others who had suffered from life altering injuries.
His novel shares hard truths about those first days after the accident and his desire to let it all go because he felt that he would have no quality of life, the support and love that he received from friends and family, and his unwavering faith in his own abilities to overcome the trials of living with his injury. Reeve examines the different elements that went into his recovery, and even shares a little insight into the friendships with other celebrity pals such as Robin Williams.
For anyone who needs to see something positive and feel inspired to overcome their own adversity, this is a novel that I would strongly recommend. Especially as an audio book.
To hear his voice again, two decades after his passing, was an emotional experience for a girl who idolized Superman as a child.
November 1, 2018
This autobiography reminded me why most of today’s are dull and not impressive to say the least. The writer needs to have a life story in which a morale lies. An autobiography is not an arrogant “tour de force” of one’s achievements and it is certainly not an exaggerated account of “the ordeals” that caused them suffering (most of today’s famous personalities write about not having a Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame because it is an understatement of their talent, or just a blow to their ego) …You get the point.
This book was written by Superman himself. Yes, Christopher Reeve took upon the role of Superman in the 4 movies from the late 70s to the mid-80s. That alone gives this book credibility (nostalgia is in effect here). Reeve is an on and off-screen Superman, for because of a neck fracture sustained from an equestrian accident in 1995, he lived the rest of his life paralysed from the shoulders down and he was not broken.Nothing Is Impossible
Nothing is Impossible shows the struggle and determination of a man who was at the top of the world one day and found himself unable even to lift his finger another day. It is a tale of human force of will against the odds and fatality of life.
Really, there is not much to say here, except that whenever I read this sort of books, I need to remind myself that life is but a dream, an ethereal existence that could turn into a nightmare in a particular unfortunate moment.
This book was written by Superman himself. Yes, Christopher Reeve took upon the role of Superman in the 4 movies from the late 70s to the mid-80s. That alone gives this book credibility (nostalgia is in effect here). Reeve is an on and off-screen Superman, for because of a neck fracture sustained from an equestrian accident in 1995, he lived the rest of his life paralysed from the shoulders down and he was not broken.Nothing Is Impossible
Nothing is Impossible shows the struggle and determination of a man who was at the top of the world one day and found himself unable even to lift his finger another day. It is a tale of human force of will against the odds and fatality of life.
Really, there is not much to say here, except that whenever I read this sort of books, I need to remind myself that life is but a dream, an ethereal existence that could turn into a nightmare in a particular unfortunate moment.
July 23, 2024
I think most people are familiar with Christopher Reeve -- how he rose to fame as an actor playing Superman and then later was paralyzed from a horseback riding accident. This rather short 2nd memoir was read by Christopher himself on audio, which was somewhat sobering considering he narrated while on the support of a ventilator. Working in physical therapy myself, I think I most appreciated his stories of rehab and the celebrations he felt during his small but significant victories. I respect him for his courageous battle and while he did have advantages that many in his situation do not (increased exposure and financial support), I admire the work that he did to bring about increased awareness of spinal cord injury and the fight for improved health insurance coverage. I remember being really sad when I heard that he had passed away, which was just two years after this book was released. I have not read his first memoir, Still Me, but I suspect it was a better read than this one, which I felt jumped around a lot, covering various topics from past and present, and which didn't really feel very cohesive at all. It has some good messages, but I think if you're looking for a more complete memoir of his life, Still Me is probably where you should start.
April 19, 2020
I loved his emphasis on humor, especially as he mentioned moments of Robin Williams (my childhood hero) visiting the hospital to cheer him up. He had a great emphasis on what good exercise and not getting angry can do despite a debilitating state. It was troubling to read about how stem cells and cloning became a political issue in which the fight became about health progress vs. draconian social rule influenced by religion. Based on the legislation that Bill Clinton and Dianne Feinstein passed, maybe they ought to be appreciated more, even if it's 1 percent more.
I never knew Reeve was a part of Scientology. I'm glad he never went to its church very frequently, but, strangely enough, loved it more that he was able to find a religion where he could be declared guilt-free.
It's sad to see what happened to Christopher and we must honor him by pushing for new scientific research and breakthroughs so that people in his final life state can get back to living normal lives again.
I never knew Reeve was a part of Scientology. I'm glad he never went to its church very frequently, but, strangely enough, loved it more that he was able to find a religion where he could be declared guilt-free.
It's sad to see what happened to Christopher and we must honor him by pushing for new scientific research and breakthroughs so that people in his final life state can get back to living normal lives again.
January 10, 2021
This last year I became a huge fan of Superman, I could always turn to the comic book character to give me hope during moments of pure torment or maybe even when all I felt was numbness.
When my dad told me to read “Nothing Is Impossible” by Christopher Reeve, I knew I had to! Because A) my dad doesn’t like to read but he told me this book helped him through some rough times, and B) he gave me a hardcover copy. I immediately started reading it, but I noticed that it was one of those books you have to enjoy and absorb and let it make its way to your life, so I only read few pages a month.
Christopher Reeve made me feel heard and understood, funnily enough I share many of his point of views, but he also made me think and meditate on many other subjects of life. I cried and laughed and felt like I belonged, and most importantly, he gave me hope.
Seems that he was not only Superman on screen, but also in real life.
When my dad told me to read “Nothing Is Impossible” by Christopher Reeve, I knew I had to! Because A) my dad doesn’t like to read but he told me this book helped him through some rough times, and B) he gave me a hardcover copy. I immediately started reading it, but I noticed that it was one of those books you have to enjoy and absorb and let it make its way to your life, so I only read few pages a month.
Christopher Reeve made me feel heard and understood, funnily enough I share many of his point of views, but he also made me think and meditate on many other subjects of life. I cried and laughed and felt like I belonged, and most importantly, he gave me hope.
Seems that he was not only Superman on screen, but also in real life.
November 13, 2022
Never a book that I would have read without it being for school, but I quite enjoyed it. Such an amazing story of injury, coping, advocacy, and recovery. Very shockingly, this memoir contains so much humor which feels wrong at first (ya know, since he’s quadriplegic). One of the most interesting portions to me was the depth of passion that Reeves developed for being a voice to a community that lacked one as prevalent as himself. He chose to not wallow in his injury, but soldiered on for the good of others. You can see the tunnel vision that he developed for those that shared his affliction and how it sometimes blinded him to others own passions and goals. A large portion of this memoir was about politics, which to a certain extent was relevant, at times I found it to seemed misplaced. He had an incredibly interesting view of religion through his journey. Overall a short and interesting memoir, cannot say it’s a must read though.
July 20, 2025
Finished reading this book last week and I found it to be a very inspiring book to read and to get to know the person behind Christopher Reeve better. This book showed the honest truth in his battle/ journey from abled person to a paralysed person and the impact it had on his life and family. I think he was very brave to show to the world his inner struggle with his accident and how hard he fought to get better. Somewhere in the book he talks about how he spent hours every day training his body through exercise and later he managed to move his hand and toes. Very impressive stuff after his horse accident. The book also tells about his early career, his breakthroughs in the acting world and his love life. He also talks about his spiritual struggles with eastern philosophies, scientology and Christianity. In conclusion I found this book an excellent read and very inspiring, and despite the tragedy in life, still uplifting, giving everyone hope.
April 24, 2019
This book gave me hope in many ways, not just for victims of paralysis. It helped me look at life differently and helped me face my own demons of having a beloved brother with ALS. Watching him suffer as he dies inch by inch is horrifying, yet being able to believe that maybe some kind of help, even to the extent of a reversal of this insidious disease may be around the corner gives me great hope. God willing, it will come sooner than later.
The courage of this couple and their family is off the charts. The way they handled their adversity from the start is almost “super human” but to take problem after problem and deal with it all is more than most of us could possibly deal with. Although the outcome is sad, the lessons they taught us will live on. And I pray that their children, now adults, have found a happy balance in their lives.
The courage of this couple and their family is off the charts. The way they handled their adversity from the start is almost “super human” but to take problem after problem and deal with it all is more than most of us could possibly deal with. Although the outcome is sad, the lessons they taught us will live on. And I pray that their children, now adults, have found a happy balance in their lives.
October 17, 2018
Review of audiobook:
I was not expecting it to be read by Christopher Reeves, but I think that made it all the more special. I first thought how challenging that must have been for him to read for hours on end for the book given his condition, but by the end of the book I imagined he had no problems.
I began listening with no other info about him other than he was (and will always be) Superman, his accident, and that his wife died of lung cancer without ever having smoked.
That said, I was very surprised by the book. His resilience and management of his condition is admirable. I never knew what a great sense of humor he had which is evident in the writing. He said it was a a great way to manage the anger he felt.
I think he quite well proved that nothing is impossible.
I was not expecting it to be read by Christopher Reeves, but I think that made it all the more special. I first thought how challenging that must have been for him to read for hours on end for the book given his condition, but by the end of the book I imagined he had no problems.
I began listening with no other info about him other than he was (and will always be) Superman, his accident, and that his wife died of lung cancer without ever having smoked.
That said, I was very surprised by the book. His resilience and management of his condition is admirable. I never knew what a great sense of humor he had which is evident in the writing. He said it was a a great way to manage the anger he felt.
I think he quite well proved that nothing is impossible.
April 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of great insights into his Spinal Cord Injury recovery process as well as his perspective on other universal aspects of life. I loved how he talked about how his role as a father changed when he became paralyzed and was then more focused on connecting with his children through communication and conversation rather than through physical activities. I was also intrigued by his experiences with disability/stem cell research advocacy and his own recovery that made leaps and bounds of improvements 5 years after his initial injury which was previously quite unprecedented. It loses a star because I wish it had been longer. Definitely left me wanting to know more. Will definitely be checking out more documentaries on his life!
November 15, 2023
I am giving this book 5 stars, as it was my son who found it for me in a 2nd hand shop, and he knew Christopher Reeve was my favorite Superman. His charming eyes, and his smile. I didn't know how angry he was on the inside. Thank goodness he made a 2yr agreement with Lana.
It was a sad day, with the sky full of rain when he died. I will never forget it. I always have wondered what if he didn't die. If he was starting to move his toes and his hand, anything would have been possible for this man.
I reflect on another Marvel actors' recovery from his accident not even a year ago, and today, I saw a video of him running and hopping up and down a street. Medical research has moved forward in so many different ways and degrees, I am in awe.
It was a sad day, with the sky full of rain when he died. I will never forget it. I always have wondered what if he didn't die. If he was starting to move his toes and his hand, anything would have been possible for this man.
I reflect on another Marvel actors' recovery from his accident not even a year ago, and today, I saw a video of him running and hopping up and down a street. Medical research has moved forward in so many different ways and degrees, I am in awe.
November 25, 2025
A Truly Inspiring Read
Nothing Is Impossible by Christopher Reeve is a beautiful and powerful book that fills the heart with hope. Reeve writes with honesty, courage, and kindness. His journey shows that even in the hardest moments, the human spirit can rise, heal, and create change.
The book is simple to read but deeply meaningful. Reeve shares life lessons about strength, belief, and never giving up. His words remind us that challenges don’t define us—our attitude does.
This book motivates you to keep moving forward and trust that miracles can happen when you choose faith over fear. A truly uplifting read that stays with you long after you finish it.
💫💫💫💫💫
October 13, 2017
Excellent read
This book offers some look into the reality of a quadriplegic's struggles to grasp normalcy in his new world. This favorite Superman of so many of us obviously worked friendly to help others with injuries that part him in a wheelchair in the first place. The sad part is that he never ( at least in this book)) found the saving grace of Jesus Christ which would have given him peace. He did amazing work for stem cell research, however and it's an excellent book.. Highly recommend!
This book offers some look into the reality of a quadriplegic's struggles to grasp normalcy in his new world. This favorite Superman of so many of us obviously worked friendly to help others with injuries that part him in a wheelchair in the first place. The sad part is that he never ( at least in this book)) found the saving grace of Jesus Christ which would have given him peace. He did amazing work for stem cell research, however and it's an excellent book.. Highly recommend!
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