Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life

+++++ This book, by actor, director, writer, and activist Christopher Reeve, is part autographical, part inspirational, part scientific, and part political. (Other readers may find other parts to this unique book.) For such a slim book (that I finished reading in two sittings), I was amazed at just how much I learned about and from this courageous person. This book is not only for those with spinal cord injuries. It can be used effectively by those with other physical types of problems as well as those with emotional problems. It can also be read by those who want only to read an inspirational book by someone attempting to overcome large obstacles. Reeve does not give direct advice but what he does is allow us to read about his learning experiences and then, form our own conclusions. Why did I decide to read this book? Two major reasons: (1) I read a quotation (not in this book) by Reeve. He states: "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." (2) Reeve's several accomplishments AFTER his spinal cord injury (again not stated in this book). Some highlights include the following: (i) a 1997 Emmy (ii) a 1999 Grammy (iii) a 1999 Screen Actor Guild Award for best actor (iv) a 1997 Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (v) acting in two movies (vi) directing two movies (vii) the establishment of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation in 1999 (viii) the establishment of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Centre in 2002 {Note that Dana was his wife since 1992} (ix) the author of two books (this one and one in 1998). These are only a few of his many, many accomplishments. Visit his internet site to learn about more accomplishments. Thus I thought to myself, "This guy is on to something!!" This book consists of nine chapters. Since there is no indication that you have to read the book in the chapter order indicated in the table of contents, I read these chapters in a slightly different order. These chapters are as follows: (1) THE FIRST DECISION. Gives in surprising detail the cause, anatomy, and emotional experience of Reeve's spinal cord injury. (The accident occurred at "three o'clock on May 27, 1995.") Reeve tells us at how he arrived at the answer to the question posed by Hamlet: "To be or not to be? That is the question!" (2) HUMOR. This was a coping mechanism Reeve eventually used to deal with his injury. He tells us that "Inside...I was angry to my very core" right after his accident. Humor helped quell this anger. Look for the antics of his friend Robin Williams (who shared an apartment with Reeve when they were both starting out). (3) MIND/BODY. This was another coping mechanism. Reeve's theme for this inspirational chapter is his belief that "there is a relationship between the mind and the body that can both create a physical condition and enable us to recover from it." (4) RELIGION (presented in the book as cha

When it comes to celebrity books I usually avoid them like the plague. But Christopher Reeve and Michael J Fox have been the exception and for a good reason. Because I wanted to read how they came to terms with the medical/physical challenges they have and what lessons they have learned along the way. Because the fact is they are mortal humans like the rest of us with hopes, fears and uncertainties and with a life history that set the foundation for how they would cope when faced with major life changing events.My husband is disabled with head injuries, from being hit by a drunk driver. My mother in law who was a great woman and a positive example in my life died last year (Sept 01) from Parkinsons. And we have a son who was born with juvenile diabetes.So reading how Christopher Reeve and his family took each day at a time, and how they dealt with each new lesson and how they took a negative and opted to make it a positive and in doing so get involved with science and how it could and can help those with injuries and neurological issues was so fascinating as well as helpful.I personally appreciated the total honesty, and how he talks about his weaknesses and failings and not just the upside of his life. And how he evolved in his belief about God. My husband was intrigued with the notation that former Senator Bill Bradley the ex basketball star, had been Christopher Reeve instructor in church as a kid. And how now he and his family attend a Unitarian church (a favorite of ours) which is inclusive of all.I also like his views on the value of humor in everyday life and especially for those who are caregivers or patients. Humor has gotten us thru some major valleys.And alas I was so impressed with his remarks on stem cell research and how those he mentioned who are against it, often didn't even know the scientific facts. I don't want to say any more but want you to read the book to see who the hot air elected officials were/are.And his son Matthew did such a wonderful job with the many images or photographs. Oh and the chapter on Parenting is something that made me cry and then cheer. How he loved being a father and feared immediately after his accident that he would no longer be able to be a real father anymore. Then he discovered that he and his children began to have these wonderful conversations that they had never had before and a whole new world of parenting opened up. One I believe is more important and all the material benefits we can give our children.

Being a huge fan of Christopher Reeve since he literally flew onto the big screen in 1978, I was truely horrified after his life-altering accident in 1995. As I grew from young child to teenager to young adulthood, I found myself marveling at the man and not so much on the character he played so so magnificently in the four chapters of the Superman films. He truely exemplifies "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" and it is funny that he told Richard Donner that he was afraid that he would not be able to live up to the creedo. He did and still continues to do so. The most remarkable thing about this book is the fact that he can draw so much humor from such a tragic occurance (of course having Robin Williams at your bedside probably did not hurt). The progress Chris has made both physically and mentally is nothing short of miraculous and although he did not meet his challenge of walking by age 50, he will one day walk again. As the tag-line for Superman proclamed "You Will Believe a Man Can Fly (walk)."

Having been a fan of Christopher Reeve for many years, I was stunned and saddened to hear of his accident which left him paralyzed in 1995. In this book he goes into detail about his "new" life; how it has changed his family, friends, and outlook on life as well as his advocacy for others in his position. The book is truly inspiring, I found myself unable to put it down.

I will be reading and re-reading this book for years to come. It is a look at Christopher's life thru his eyes since his tragic horseriding accident. It discusses such things as his view on religion, his family and how they react to him since the accident, his sense of humor and politics. He makes great arguements for the stem cell research ban to be overturned. I found this to be a wonderful book and I'm giving them as early Christmas gifts to my friends & family. He is a super man!