The Ride of My Life

Two things struck me about Mat's story: One, his commitment and utter refusal to take "that's impossible" for an answer (sometimes to the point of self-destruction), and two, the earnest, humble way in which it was related. Mat's book is a very human account of an unorthodox life in progress--he freely admits his faults, lovingly celebrates the friends and family (and doctors) who have helped him succeed, and gives the reader generous access to what goes on in his mind. Read it and you'll learn that Mat's not crazy (although he is pretty close), he's just amazingly driven to achieve his goals--from shattering vert records (and bones) to becoming a trucker. Yes, a trucker. Amid discussions of career milestones, Mat reveals plenty of funny stories about life on the road, offers insight into his addiction to thrills, and almost too much gory detail about his brushes with death (they definitely come off as a deterrent to anyone wanting to follow in his treads). Lewman's presence is more or less invisible in the book, as it should be, but there's no doubt that he's helped turn Mat's raw recollections into the flowing prose that appears on the page. It's a compelling, smooth read. In the end, it's an inspirational, only-in-America kind of tale, and you can't help but respect Mat for not only what he has achieved but how he achieved it--creativity, willpower, and sweat. If you're looking for the human embodiment of the phrase "work ethic," you'll find it in Mat Hoffman.

This is the best book I've ever read.I've been into BMX almost all my life and I can relate to Mat in many ways.Im 16,and I hope to live up to him by the time im his age.He is the best rider ever to hit the sport,or should I say hes the best rider to ever help make the sport.Thanks for writing this book Mat.You are no doubt my favorite rider.Ride to live,Live to ride.

I read this book in one sitting because I loved it so much. It was cool to read what Mat was doing behind the scenes back in the late Eighties and even up to the present. I've always hated team sports and I am so proud to see our sport flourish thanks to Mat. A cool trip down memory lane for old school riders and a history lesson for the next generation.

I enjoied reading about Mat and all the crazy things he's done. Whether your into BMX or not, this is a great read.

I always knew he has fun video games and does super gnarly stuff on his bike...the no-handed 900 at the X Games was the latest proof. This book was as fun to read as the games are to play, and it's also as insane as that 900 was to watch. Awesome pictures, great story, from a guy who has done everything (im)possible on a bike. My rating: Two thumbs up, ten stars, amazing, unreal, etc. etc.