Crashing Through: The Extraordinary True Story of the Man Who Dared to See

by Robert Kurson

Book Overview

Mike May spent his life crashing through. Blinded at age three, he defied expectations by breaking world records in downhill speed skiing, joining the CIA, and becoming a successful inventor,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812973682
• ISBN13: 9780812973686
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Random House Trade
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Blind, But Now I See

Robert Kurson swept me away with "Shadow Divers," his rousing, true-life WWII treasure hunt. He introduced us to real people with foibles and strengths; he gave appropriate, often hair-raising details; and he kept in focus the human element of relationships and desire. "Crashing Through" is a completely different type of story, and yet it captures those same elements--in much narrower focus. This time, Kurson leads us through the dramatic issues of sight, self-reliance, self-discovery, and the pleasures and pain of dreaming large. We find these things embodied in the story of Mike May, a man blinded at age three by a chemical burn. Mike has lived life on the edge, "crashing through" every obstacle in his desire to enjoy each day. His well-balanced, mostly normal life, is endangered by an exciting new opportunity: the chance to see again. The offer is not risk-free. Mike and his supportive wife, Jennifer, face emotional and health risks as he begins a harrowing journey back to the world of the sighted. The marriage they have built together for over a decade will be knocked off balance. Will he lose his friends and credibility within circles of the blind? Could the overwhelming responsibility of sight become a millstone around Mike's neck? What if his business can't withstand his temporary absences? Even more foundational: Will Mike May discover he is not who he thought he was, who he's proclaimed himself to be? With inimitable touch, Kurson takes us through this scientific, emotional, and thoroughly fascinating story. He gives intimate details of the world of the blind, and even more intimate looks into Mike May's journey back to sight. There are moments of heartache and fear, as well as scenes of understated rapture. The book's only disappointing, somewhat ironic, element is the lack of photos. I would've loved to see these people in color, to see those whose lives were changed. With that caveat aside, I cannot recommend the book highly enough. Kurson is a master at allowing those readers unfamiliar and "blind" to a certain subject to "see" the heart and mind behind it in blazing color. Mike May dared to see, and Kurson dared to give us the details.

Absolutely Remarkable, Unbelievably Inspiring...

This is quite simply the most amazing book I have read in years. From a purely superficial perspective, the book is a great read, it is intense, griping and entertaining. But "Crashing Through" is more like an onion than a book. Though I just read and finished it over the last three days I can see myself reading this book many, many more times in the future and drawing fresh insights from it. Among the layers: It is a fascinating exploration into the science and pyschology of vision, extremely complicated material that I felt was delivered masterfully in layman's terms without oversimplifying the material, and with a variety of illustrations to further explain complicated processes. Another reader commented that it is a sort of self-help book and I agree, one can certainly see the motivational speaker at work in many parts of the book. I don't mean that as a detraction though, on the contrary I found the way that Mike May has quite literally "crashed through" life to be rather challenging to me personally. The moral, ethical, and spiritual facets of blindness, vision, and vision restoration are extremely engaging. Normally I just tear through books, but this one took me some time to finish because I had to stop frequently to think about the words on the page, not to comprehend them but to really contemplate the message. Beyond the mechanics of vision, what does it mean to truly "see" -- and which is more valuable? Vison or "seeing." Last, as another reviewer also mentioned, it's a great parenting book...and I'd add marriage manual to that as well. I highly recommend this book, I think it would be great for a book club as there is no shortage of discussion topics. I have several friends who are teachers and I think this book would be great to "read alound" to a class (though there is one post-vision-restoration-romance-encounter...just one chapter they'd better skip, but for older teens I don't think even that would be a problem.) I'll certainly read it to my kids someday. And though I never buy people books because I don't want to impose my taste on anybody, in this case I will definitely make an exception.

A self help manual masked in a great adventure.

I was truly riveted by the story of Mike May. Since I finished it, I've reflected on it more than a dozen times. Beyond the incredible story of this mans life, the message of challenging yourself to have a more fulfilling life is one I'll carry with me forever. The way Mike was raised, the way he's lived his life should be held up as an example for every man, woman and child. Life throws plenty of challenges to each of us, but this truly exceptional person took on a life altering, dangerous journey into an uncertain result - risking not only his slight light perception, but risking his very life. Thank you Robert Kurson for telling a captivating, compelling story about a one in a million person. You cannot read this book and not be inspired to go out and challenge yourself to achieve and do more. It's just a great story that helps put life in perspective.

Thrilling Wonderful True Story Telling/The Science Of Vision

When you read this book you will be amazed. Vision is far more than a functioning eye - It is very complex. This is Kurson's 2nd book. Both of his books are thrilling true stories. I read this book in one sitting which I can only do if a book is truly compelling. I read Kurson's first book Shadow Divers and told you about it in an online review. It was such a great book. Now, Kurson is out with his 2nd book and it is just terrific. It took me about 6 hours to read the book, but I am a slow reader. However, I didn't want to miss any of the description because it is so vivid. I loved the drama & mystery in the story, Mike's courage and the science of vision. Squeeze it into your busy schedule. My guess is that you will love the book. Crashing Through is beautifully written and thrillingly told. The story told is a journey of suspense, daring, romance, and insight into the mysteries of vision and the brain.

Couldn't put it down

I read Crashing Through in two sittings, I could not put it down. Not only is it an adventure story, human interest story, love story, and humorous book but it taught me a lot about the process of seeing. I loved it and have recommended it to all my friends.