A Test of Will: One Man's Extraordinary Story of Survival

by Warren MacDonald

The gripping tale of one man's survival in the wilderness.

On the night of April 9, 1997, Warren Macdonald took his final step as a complete human being. A fit and experienced hiker, Macdonald had set out with a new Dutch companion to make the grueling climb to the top of Australia's spectacular Mount Bowen. They lost their way after a full day on the trail and pitched camp beside a narrow creek. Shortly after dusk, as he scrambled up an embankment...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1553650646
• ISBN13: 9781553650645
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Greystone Books
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Warren MacDonald's Book

I had the opportunity to meet Warren at an open house for a climbing facility in our area. After listening to him speak, I just had to have his book! Warren MacDonald's "A Test Of Will" is one of those rare books that was difficult for me to put down. One day, I was almost late to work, because I became so immersed in it, and lost track of time! I 'm left wanting to read more of his stories. Warren's "can do" attitude is one that we all should strive for. It's his attitude, not his body, that enables him to do what ever he pleases. He may have no legs, but there is no "dis" in his ability. This book is a must read for anyone working with ,and helping people whose bodies fit different molds . Diana Hanks, Volunteer for Vermont Adaptive Sports

Standing ovation

Very inspiring. I did see Warren MacDonald in an interview and he had so much Charisma that I wanted to read the book. An amazing story how a person can evolve through crisis, this goes for the victim as well as for the savior. Warren shows that the sky can be the limit and it is possible to put mind over matter. It is a very intense story and the way it is written, it feels like being part of it. It's remarkable how candid he describes his feelings and conclusions regarding the amputation. It gave me very important insights as I never knew anyone dealing with amputation, but it completely changed my view.

Excellent autobiography

I approached this book with some trepidation. Having just read two similar accounts of persons severely injured in the wilderness, I was in no mood to endure yet another awfully written book. Apparently, Warren MacDonald has some writing experience or perhaps a very good editor. In either case, readers are treated to an exceptionally interesting book chronically the course of Warren's maverick life. As expected, Warren first immerses his readers in the gripping tale of his entrapment beneath a one-ton rock as fellow hiker Geert van Keulen frantically goes for help. An added feature of the book are the Geert van Keulen written sections covering his side of the experience. In interspersed chapters, reader's learn of Warren's introduction to the wilderness, his doomed efforts to save a portion of it, and his eventual and emotional efforts with friends and family to overcome the loss of his legs. Showing his maturity, Warren is wise enough to thank all those folks responsible for his rescue and long recovery. This is truly a well written and inspiring take on the age old ideal of never giving up.

You Couldn't Make Up A Story This Incredible and Revealing

For Warren, things went from bad to worse, to worst. Wow! I knew how it ended and I still couldn't put it down. It's a great message in an even better book.

The Most Inspirational Story I Have Ever Read!!!

After you read this book, everything in your life will be measured by the BEFORE Warren, or the AFTER Warren Macdonald experience. Because one thing is certain, you will NEVER see the world in the same way, AFTER reading Warren's book. There are some books that change your life, your heart, your mind and your perspective forever.... and then there is Warren's book, that is far greater than that! Warren will change how you value life itself. Warren will change how you feel inside your own skin! Warren will transform your relationship with the Earth; and he will do it with an honesty, a directness and a sincerity that you will never forget. There are some stories that forever change who YOU are by reading them. There are some people whose courage and strength, redefine what it means to be alive and successful. I am a better person for having read Warren's book; how many authors can say that about their literary contributions? Vaishali