Richard Hammond (1) (1969–)

I seem to be starting a collection of 'brain injury biographies' - first Martin Kemp, and now Richard Hammond - but the personal battles and bravery of famous men and women never ceases to amaze and inspire.

And just as Shirlie Kemp's devotion and strength was incredible during her husband's illness, I found the constancy, love and sheer patience of Mindy Hammond to be the strongest thread of Richard's story about his recovery. She deserves her fair share of recognition for holding onto the show more man she married, even when he was barely recognisable to his closest family.

Richard is just as brave - firstly, for struggling back to life and then normality, and secondly, for telling this intensely intimate account of those lost and dark weeks after his crash. No, he didn't have to get into that jet car, and then take a final run after three successful drives - to paraphrase what Jeremy Clarkson said on Top Gear, that's when he 'fell out of his tree' - but what happened was hardly his fault. I was shocked to read just how close to death he came, not being interested in the show or its stars at the time of the accident - his and Mindy's honesty is very emotional and scary at times, exposing just how fragile he was and how strained poor Mindy's nerves became in trying to look after him. It is reassuring to be able to watch him back on Top Gear again, his wit and enthusiasm restored.

The real voice of this biography, though, really does belong to Mindy, and it's great that she is also able to write how she was feeling about what was going on - after all, Richard was out of it, in one way or another, for most of the time, but she was always at his side. The places where their versions overlap reveal much more than what is actually said - Richard's guilt and sadness, Mindy's loyalty and capacity for forgiveness - that at times, this simple but captivating journal is almost embarrassing to read. I admire both of them for telling their story, with relief that such a vibrant personality as Richard is still alive and strong enough to share the uncomfortable truth. show less

If you, or anyone in your life is suffering from the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), this autobiography written by one of the UK’s most loved auto show presenters is a must read for you. Hammond is one of the trio that presents the UK version of Top Gear and for those who have seen the show they will automatically know to what incident in his life this book centres on. For those who haven’t, but are still looking for an informative and moving read, this maybe the book you are show more looking for.

This book is so much more than a narrative of what life is like as a TBI sufferer and, as can be read through the words of the Author’s Wife, living with someone affected; this book takes the reader right back to the very beginning and lays the groundwork for what is to come later in life. It is written with a sense of humour only to be expected from the ‘Hamster’, whilst at the same time being very frank and honest as to how life radically changed for him and his family. At times, as he describes his recovery, the words become almost heart wrenching as he tries to come to terms with life as it is now.

Those who read this and understand how hard living with TBI can be, will thoroughly agree with the Author as he writes about his frustrations at having to relearn his life, and also be there with his Wife as she goes through the waiting phase after the injury. I am being very vague here with regard to the incident that resulted in TBI, as I don’t want to take the impact of that section of the book away from anyone who might pick this up and read it.

It is a very easy read, and felt at times as if I were sat with the Author talking about this over a cup of something hot. There are moments in the book where it feels as if the Author were in two minds as to whether he was going to share a particular item with the reader as it was too painful to relive, but share he does so as to make anyone, and their Families, feel like they are not alone whilst going through this kind of thing.

This is a very important book in the world of TBI; it gives hope and encouragement to all parties involved when none may have been promised by medical staff. I would highly recommend this book to anyone going through this, and those who want to know more.


Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/04/08/review-on-the-edge-richard-hammond-mindy-h...




This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. show less

On the Edge This is an excellent book, I listen to it a couple of years ago as an audiobook, but bought it now because 1.) It was so good I want to read it again and 2.) It will look smashing on my bookshelf 3.) I have a bit of a Top Gear obsession (and I’m not even a car fan.

But anyway, if you are after a great autobiographical book, then this is one I wholeheartedly recommend! I do btw recommend the audio book because both Richard and his wife Mindy is narrating the book, with Mindy show more taking over the story when Richard is inured. It's a very gripping story and you could really feel Mindy's anxiety when she learned about the accident and not knowing if he would survive. show less

If you, or anyone in your life is suffering from the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), this autobiography written by one of the UK’s most loved auto show presenters is a must read for you. Hammond is one of the trio that presents the UK version of Top Gear and for those who have seen the show they will automatically know to what incident in his life this book centres on. For those who haven’t, but are still looking for an informative and moving read, this maybe the book you are show more looking for.

This book is so much more than a narrative of what life is like as a TBI sufferer and, as can be read through the words of the Author’s Wife, living with someone affected; this book takes the reader right back to the very beginning and lays the groundwork for what is to come later in life. It is written with a sense of humour only to be expected from the ‘Hamster’, whilst at the same time being very frank and honest as to how life radically changed for him and his family. At times, as he describes his recovery, the words become almost heart wrenching as he tries to come to terms with life as it is now.

Those who read this and understand how hard living with TBI can be, will thoroughly agree with the Author as he writes about his frustrations at having to relearn his life, and also be there with his Wife as she goes through the waiting phase after the injury. I am being very vague here with regard to the incident that resulted in TBI, as I don’t want to take the impact of that section of the book away from anyone who might pick this up and read it.

It is a very easy read, and felt at times as if I were sat with the Author talking about this over a cup of something hot. There are moments in the book where it feels as if the Author were in two minds as to whether he was going to share a particular item with the reader as it was too painful to relive, but share he does so as to make anyone, and their Families, feel like they are not alone whilst going through this kind of thing.

This is a very important book in the world of TBI; it gives hope and encouragement to all parties involved when none may have been promised by medical staff. I would highly recommend this book to anyone going through this, and those who want to know more.


Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/04/08/review-on-the-edge-richard-hammond-mindy-h...




This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. show less