Never Tell Me Never

by Janine Shepherd

Janine Shepherd’s story reads like the plot of a Hollywood movie. A champion cross-country skier in training for the Winter Olympics, her life was irrevocably altered during a bike ride to the Blue Mountains when she was hit by a truck. Her neck and back were broken in four places, as were her right arm, collarbone, and five ribs. Her right leg had been ripped open, she had sustained massive internal injuries and severe lacerations to her abdominal area, and she had lost five liters of blood. The bleeding alone was enough to kill her. Doctors warned her parents that she was not expected to survive her ordeal. Even if by some small chance she recovered, she would never walk again. Coming to terms with her shattered Olympic dreams, refusing to believe what expert medical staff were telling her about her chances of any kind of recovery, Janine focused every sinew of her being on healing her broken body and crushed morale. Her fighting spirit was rekindled watching small planes flying overhead. She said to herself, "If I can’t walk, I’ll fly." And fly she did. Within a year she had her private pilot’s license; 12 months later, her commercial license; soon after, her instructor’s permit and aerobatic endorsement. And all the while she pushed her body to mend itself, forced her legs to walk again, step by painful step. Here is her story, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and one that will move and inspire all who read it.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Lea Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and have never forgotten it so it is great to see that Janene has another book just released.
Never Tell Me Never relates the story of Janene Shepherd who was on track to compete at the Winter Olympics, however her life changed forever when she was hit by a truck while training on her bike. The harrowing story of how she fought her way back from the brink of death, surviving horrific injuries and enduring years of painful rehabilitation, is a testament to her will to not only survive but to live her life to the fullest. A truly inspirational story and I can’t wait to read her latest book - Defiant: A Broken Body is Not a Broken Person.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been sitting forever on my bookshelf then it was upgraded to my coffee table and it took another 4 years before I picked it up. Every book that sits around for years seem to be amazing reads and this was one such book. An inspirational story. Janine Shepherd displayed a strong-willed resilience in the face of tragedy. I was gripped and moved while reading Janine Shepherd’s account of events before and after her accident.

I look forward to reading her other books.

*Book #54/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020

[Bec74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for an incredibly inspiring story which I read in 2 days (not for her writing per se, which I can only describe as 'straightforward'). It's hard to comprehend just how devastating it would have been to lose everything she did in the accident. She was honest about the long lasting emotional (as well as physical) impact but nonetheless went on to achieve amazing things, where I think many others would have crumbled into bits.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five stars for the story, three stars for the writing.

Janine Shepherd overcame horrific injuries to do some amazing things. However, she includes far too many people in her book, some of whom make the briefest of appearances. I skimmed over the details later in the book about her piloting various aircraft. The strongest part of the book is about her time in hospital and the rehabilitation process.

If you want to avoid spoilers, skip past the second set of photos 2/3 of the way through the book where there is a photo of Janine and Tim announcing their engagement.

I'd recommend this to anyone who has suffered a spinal injury.
.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy to read book.
Not a book that I would fall in love with, but I enjoyed imagining to be in her shoes.....even if her story is not always great, since she ends up paralysed after a car smashes her while she was riding her bike.
I liked imagining in myself with the same courage that she has, after all, she still managed to have a beautiful life even after the accident.
It was quite inspirational.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written easy to read. Courageous young lady. If you have had pain etc you definitely identify with Janine and you also realise that your pain is insignificant compared to hers. Everyone should read this book especially young people.

[Warwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit slow for the first half ,but describing one procedure and disappointment after another is a good reflection of what happened to Janine. Great second half, particularly about the flying which I love. Finished the story all to quickly, didn't want it to end. Want to read the sequel.

[ClaireZoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The irrepressible Janine. I love this book. My sister loves this book. Janine is a force of nature and an inspiration to all of us. I remember Bankstown Airport and watching the aerobatic feats of some of the pilots well. Janine you are so cool.

[kristi turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago. what an inspiring and determine woman!

[Melissa Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It's amazing what the human body can endure.

[HEATHER WILKINS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Week after finishing the book, I stumbled upon Janine's TED Talk. Inspiring.

[Chils27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

1.善于运动和懂得运动还是很重要的，身体能够更容易康复和抗压。2，坚强的意志和什么都尝试，而且有点偏执地钻研和达成，能够在不同领域都取得成功。3，有人格魅力的女性，真的很受欢迎。4，有爱的氛围和家人支持非常重要。作者很厉害，鼓舞我！

[Ruth Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo!!!! What an inspiration the author is!!!! So glad for her that she survived and was able to have all the wonderful experiences she had.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the straightforward tone of this book. The author shares her experiences without the usual fluffiness that is present in most books tagged inspirational. The book is inspirational not because of what she wrote, but because of what she did and continues to do each day. I did get a little bored toward the end because of all the aviation talk, but someone interested in aviation would probably find it riveting. I admire Janine Shepherd's determination to live in the present and I hope to become more like her each day.

Note to kindle users: The kindle version doesn't contain a table of contents which makes it's impossible to navigate quickly through the chapters or even to tell how many chapters there are (24). Argh!

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book sitting on my shelf for years. I knew the story but hadn't ever got around to reading it. It is pretty amazing what the mind and body can overcome, and Janine's story is one of sheer strength and resilience. Janine took us through many of her ups and downs throughout her journey or recovery and the process of re-building her life. While sometimes I felt that Janine was just a little bit "too upbeat", that was probably the attitude that got her through the ordeal. An impressive journey.

[Susan Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straight-forward, well-written book. I'm not into athletics or aviation but, being an OT, I am interested in recovery from spinal injuries and as a recovery story it was a good read. Ironically I ended up with a kinked neck after reading on the couch for two hours with my neck in the one position - I must have been empathizing about the neck brace she was in!

[Jen Roe · Rating 3 out of 5]

this woman was amazing a truly amazing story

[Toni Umar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this long ago but found it an excellent read, a true story but never boring and extremely insoiring. What a woman Janine is!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing comeback from a terrible accident. Worth it.

[Bettina Deda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down the book, which I bought at a business event, where Janine was speaking. What a courageous and inspiring woman! I feel blessed that I had the chance to meet her personnally.

[Gracie Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible story of resilience. Just when you think you want to give up, read this book. Her story will motivate and inspire anyone.

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Inspiring. Realistic. Made me grateful all over again for all that I have.

[Jane Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of courage and determination.

[Mbogo J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book about 10 years back but I still remember it to this day. It was a good story, a story about resilience, a good read.

[Ayesha]

It was very engaging and good