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High Risk: A True Story of the SAS, Drugs and Other Bad Behaviour
This is a dark, raw and uncompromising tale of the human condition in extremis, drawing on the many lives of Ben as an archaeologist, Special Forces soldier, combat medic and drug addict.Starting with Ben’s first near-death experience—in a Nazi-themed bar in wartime Yugoslavia—High Risk is a whirlwind tour of everything from service in the SAS, combat in Iraq, and encounters with a gambling-obsessed 9/11 hijacker, to veterans blissed out on MDMA, hook-ups in the world of extreme sex, and battling a heroin habit on a remote Scottish island.Ben pursued the rush, and the chase often took him over the edge. Instead of asking why, he asked, why not? Blending confessional narrative, classic reportage and acerbic humour, this memoir takes a gonzo look at terrorists, junkies, soldiers and strippers, through the tale of one extraordinary life.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 7, 2023
“Few things are as genuinely liberating (and entertaining) as self-destruction.”
(Added by me)
High Risk, by Ben Timberlake is humor, humility, and the unrelenting pursuit of molecular excellence. A book of self-placed obstacles made high for the pursuits of overcoming, but not in a David Goggins sort of a way. More Chuck Palahniuk meets Sebastian Junger meets David Rose.
Look, I’ll be honest, I initially judged this book by its cover. Zany and dangerous and alluring and just bizarre enough to be funny. And you know what, I was right. High Risk is a book you can judge by its cover. Hop in Cookie Monster, grab a gun, and let me tell you all about the nuance of your cookie addiction on our way to battle.
I hope Timberlake writes another book. Maybe a space opera or better yet something about cobras.
(Added by me)
High Risk, by Ben Timberlake is humor, humility, and the unrelenting pursuit of molecular excellence. A book of self-placed obstacles made high for the pursuits of overcoming, but not in a David Goggins sort of a way. More Chuck Palahniuk meets Sebastian Junger meets David Rose.
Look, I’ll be honest, I initially judged this book by its cover. Zany and dangerous and alluring and just bizarre enough to be funny. And you know what, I was right. High Risk is a book you can judge by its cover. Hop in Cookie Monster, grab a gun, and let me tell you all about the nuance of your cookie addiction on our way to battle.
I hope Timberlake writes another book. Maybe a space opera or better yet something about cobras.
September 6, 2024
What a life! How do you review a book like this...
It's just an insight in to a fascinating life of a remarkable individual who had done many many things that I would love to do and many things that I would run a mile from.
A remarkable man and a brilliant read.
Book Review: "High Risk" by Ben Timberlake
"High Risk" by Ben Timberlake is a gripping exploration of the extremes of human experience, blending intense personal storytelling with philosophical reflections on risk, resilience, and the search for meaning. Timberlake, a former Special Forces soldier, journalist, and adventurer, takes us on a journey that transcends mere survival, delving into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of confronting danger and hardship.
The book is a compelling narrative that spans Timberlake's experiences on various pilgrimages—from trekking to religious shrines across Europe and Asia to enduring the gruelling selection process for the SAS (Special Air Service). Timberlake’s writing is both raw and poetic, painting vivid images of these adventures while also exploring their deeper significance. He is a man driven by a need to push beyond his limits, to seek something elusive yet profound within the "chambered recesses" of his mind. As he puts it, "If there is a prophet or a saint, they are deep within us, half man and half beast."
One of the standout aspects of "High Risk" is its honesty and self-awareness. Timberlake does not shy away from the brutal realities of his experiences. His teaching on hostile environment courses, where he bluntly admits to speaking to people "like you're fucking stupid," reflects his belief that survival is not about intelligence but about making common-sense decisions in extraordinary circumstances. This unfiltered candour permeates the book, giving it a refreshing authenticity.
Timberlake’s exploration of the "flow-state"—a psychological state where one’s skills perfectly match the challenge at hand, creating a sense of control and loss of self-consciousness—is particularly fascinating. He describes how Special Forces training uses high-stress situations to accelerate deep learning, pushing recruits into a metamorphic flow-state that allows them to acquire skills faster than conventional methods. This idea of using extreme conditions for personal growth extends beyond military training to broader life experiences, including addiction and recovery. Timberlake’s emphasis on "post-traumatic growth" over mere recovery is a powerful reframe, suggesting that the adversity faced in overcoming addiction can lead to an even greater capacity for resilience and self-improvement.
Another captivating theme in the book is Timberlake's focus on self-identity and transformation. The SAS selection process, as he describes, is less about physical toughness and more about existential self-interrogation: "Who are you?" The process strips away all the superficial layers—social status, cultural background, preconceived notions—and forces the individual to confront their core essence. This relentless questioning is echoed throughout Timberlake's narrative, reflecting his belief that true strength comes from understanding oneself fully and honestly.
The book also delves into the psychological concept of "dark flow," a state akin to the flow experienced in high-risk situations but associated with destructive behaviours, like gambling addiction. Timberlake’s insights into how people get trapped in feedback loops—where only doing what’s easy makes everything else harder—are poignant and universally applicable, offering lessons not just for those facing extreme situations but for anyone seeking to break free from self-destructive patterns.
Timberlake’s writing style is eclectic and evocative, weaving in references to historical figures like Miyamoto Musashi, psychological theories, and even ancient texts like the Gospel of St. Thomas. This blend of high-risk adventure and philosophical musing makes "High Risk" not just an account of extraordinary experiences but a meditation on what it means to live a meaningful life.
In conclusion, "High Risk" is a riveting read that challenges conventional notions of success, survival, and self-actualisation. Ben Timberlake offers a unique perspective that combines military experience, psychological insight, and spiritual inquiry, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of risk, resilience, and personal growth. It is a journey that pushes beyond the limits of physical endurance and into the depths of the human psyche, where the true battles are fought.
It's just an insight in to a fascinating life of a remarkable individual who had done many many things that I would love to do and many things that I would run a mile from.
A remarkable man and a brilliant read.
Book Review: "High Risk" by Ben Timberlake
"High Risk" by Ben Timberlake is a gripping exploration of the extremes of human experience, blending intense personal storytelling with philosophical reflections on risk, resilience, and the search for meaning. Timberlake, a former Special Forces soldier, journalist, and adventurer, takes us on a journey that transcends mere survival, delving into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of confronting danger and hardship.
The book is a compelling narrative that spans Timberlake's experiences on various pilgrimages—from trekking to religious shrines across Europe and Asia to enduring the gruelling selection process for the SAS (Special Air Service). Timberlake’s writing is both raw and poetic, painting vivid images of these adventures while also exploring their deeper significance. He is a man driven by a need to push beyond his limits, to seek something elusive yet profound within the "chambered recesses" of his mind. As he puts it, "If there is a prophet or a saint, they are deep within us, half man and half beast."
One of the standout aspects of "High Risk" is its honesty and self-awareness. Timberlake does not shy away from the brutal realities of his experiences. His teaching on hostile environment courses, where he bluntly admits to speaking to people "like you're fucking stupid," reflects his belief that survival is not about intelligence but about making common-sense decisions in extraordinary circumstances. This unfiltered candour permeates the book, giving it a refreshing authenticity.
Timberlake’s exploration of the "flow-state"—a psychological state where one’s skills perfectly match the challenge at hand, creating a sense of control and loss of self-consciousness—is particularly fascinating. He describes how Special Forces training uses high-stress situations to accelerate deep learning, pushing recruits into a metamorphic flow-state that allows them to acquire skills faster than conventional methods. This idea of using extreme conditions for personal growth extends beyond military training to broader life experiences, including addiction and recovery. Timberlake’s emphasis on "post-traumatic growth" over mere recovery is a powerful reframe, suggesting that the adversity faced in overcoming addiction can lead to an even greater capacity for resilience and self-improvement.
Another captivating theme in the book is Timberlake's focus on self-identity and transformation. The SAS selection process, as he describes, is less about physical toughness and more about existential self-interrogation: "Who are you?" The process strips away all the superficial layers—social status, cultural background, preconceived notions—and forces the individual to confront their core essence. This relentless questioning is echoed throughout Timberlake's narrative, reflecting his belief that true strength comes from understanding oneself fully and honestly.
The book also delves into the psychological concept of "dark flow," a state akin to the flow experienced in high-risk situations but associated with destructive behaviours, like gambling addiction. Timberlake’s insights into how people get trapped in feedback loops—where only doing what’s easy makes everything else harder—are poignant and universally applicable, offering lessons not just for those facing extreme situations but for anyone seeking to break free from self-destructive patterns.
Timberlake’s writing style is eclectic and evocative, weaving in references to historical figures like Miyamoto Musashi, psychological theories, and even ancient texts like the Gospel of St. Thomas. This blend of high-risk adventure and philosophical musing makes "High Risk" not just an account of extraordinary experiences but a meditation on what it means to live a meaningful life.
In conclusion, "High Risk" is a riveting read that challenges conventional notions of success, survival, and self-actualisation. Ben Timberlake offers a unique perspective that combines military experience, psychological insight, and spiritual inquiry, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of risk, resilience, and personal growth. It is a journey that pushes beyond the limits of physical endurance and into the depths of the human psyche, where the true battles are fought.
October 10, 2021
Loved it
Brilliantly written. Honest and enlightening with some amazing facts thrown in. I learned as much about myself as I did the author. Absolutely loved it!
Brilliantly written. Honest and enlightening with some amazing facts thrown in. I learned as much about myself as I did the author. Absolutely loved it!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews