The Big Jump: The Tao of Travis Pastrana

If you have ever read any of Travis Pastrana's articles written in the old Racer X column he had, you would know of his ability to make you feel as though you are right in the heart of the story being told. The same holds true with this book. He brings you right in with vivid descriptions and details that are easily understood by the average everyday person and yet belies an attention the to english language that is quite comprehensive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as my husband, his riding buddies and racing buddies and the kids in our family as well. I would definitly give it to anyone considering riding/racing or any other adventure. It's not about the sport/adventure it about taking the chance!!

This book is written very much in Pastrana's own voice, which leads it to be not only personal at times, but also hilarious. Actually some of my favorite parts of the book were the little notes on the side either from Travis himself or his friends/colleagues/parents. It gives readers a view of what its like living his life, something I certainly don't envy. He covers everything from his beginnings in racing, his schooling, his injuries, the many wild stunts he has done and more. If you are a fan its a must read, even if you're not its entertainment value makes it worthwhile.

When I picked up the Big Jump I knew only bits and pieces of the legend of some motorcycle guy named Pastrana, but after a few pages I was hooked and I could not put this book down. It's extremely well written and provides a rare glimpse into the life of an extreme sports supertstar. I am not well versed in extreme sports but the story is captivating and for lack of a better term unbelievable at times. An extraordinary book about an extraordinary life.

I was hooked from the first page! Travis' life (and he's still so young!) makes for such an amazing story and the style and prose in which it is written results in a truly gripping and entertaining read to say the least! I will definitely recommend this book to all of my friends. Truly not a book solely for sports fanatics!

I thought this book was so well written. I picked it up and could not put it down. I felt the emotion of his parents and the turmoil that he was going though. His self driven personality pushed himself over the limit. I'm so glad he lived to enjoy his accomplishments.