On the Edge

One of the UK TV shows I watch is Top Gear, the British version, and it was Richard Hammond, one of the presenters, whose autobio I read over the holidays. It tells of his early start in his journalist career, his love of bikes and cars and how he managed to get a great job combining both. But mainly, the book is an honest account of how Richard and his wife coped with the aftermath of the crash that nearly ended his life and how they both overcame a terrifying situation for them and their family and friends. The style is humorous and very much 'The Hamster' we all like and respect.

It took me a while to digest this book. I stopped to weep many times. It is so touching and so close to my heart as I suffered a brain injury when I was a child. I am a huge Top Gear fan and absolutely love Jeremy, James, and Richard. I am glad Richard and his wife Mindy shared this part of their life with us. Love truly triumphs.

Received this book quite a while ago, around Christmas 2008. I found it to be quite a good autobiography about Richard Hammond and his accident. I loved the fact that his wife Mindy told her account of what she went through during the whole time from accident to recovery as well. Very well told and a very good book overall.

I read this book in 48 hours. I am a huge Top Gear fan. Having lived in the UK most of my life and then emigrated to the US in 2003. We were in the UK for our immigration interview the day after Hammond crashed the Jet Car. It was a huge shock. We had all seen the gang on tv performing hilarious stunts in wild and expensive cars....the tv program is huge and they have a worldwide fan base. The news was so bleak, Hammond had crashed at 288 mph and he was in critical condition in hospital, the news reports constantly on TV were reporting that he may not make it. Well he did, it was remarkable, a miracle some were saying. He was up and walking about in 5 weeks. Reading his book moved me to tears. It tells of what went on behind the scenes, the stuff tv don't tell you. The remarkable courage and strength of his wife mindy who was at his side constantly in hospital. Hammond writes about his childhood, his young art student days and how he got his dream job on top gear. He writes his accounts of the day of the crash up until the point of the crash. Then his wife Mindy takes over the writing. Not to give too much away, this book is fantastic reading, it made me laugh and cry so much. It was shocking and overwhelming. This is for a true "Hamster" fan and for those who just love a happy ending.

It is a rare thing in today's world that you find a true gentleman adventurer. His story is a great read and yet still very touching. The nice guy you see on Top Gear doesn't seem to be an act, he really is a genuinely nice guy with a beautiful family.