Nothing is Impossible

by Christopher Reeve

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So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. If we can conquer outer space, we can conquer inner space, too.

Christopher Reeve has mastered the art of turning the impossible into the inevitable. In Nothing Is Impossible, the author of the bestselling autobiography Still Me shows that we are all capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable hardships. He interweaves anecdotes from his own life with show more excerpts from speeches and interviews he’s given and with evocative photos taken by his son Matthew.
Reeve teaches us that for able-bodied people, paralysis is a choice—a choice to live with self-doubt and a fear of taking risks—and that it is not an acceptable one. Reeve knows from experience that the work of conquering inner space is hard and that it requires some suffering—after all, nothing worth having is easy to get. He asks challenging questions about why it seems so difficult—if not impossible—for us to work together as a society. He steers the reader gently, offering his reflections and guidance but not the pat answers that often characterize inspirational works.
Published on the eve of both his fiftieth birthday and the seventh anniversary of his spinal cord injury, Christopher Reeve’s Nothing Is Impossiblereminds us that life is not to be taken for granted but to be lived fully with zeal, curiosity, and gratitude. That is a powerful message in itself, but it is the messenger who gives it its full resonance.
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8 reviews
I think most people are familiar with Christopher Reeve -- how he rose to fame as an actor playing Superman and then later was paralyzed from a horseback riding accident. This rather short 2nd memoir was read by Christopher himself on audio, which was somewhat sobering considering he narrated while on the support of a ventilator. Working in physical therapy myself, I think I most appreciated his stories of rehab and the celebrations he felt during his small but significant victories. I respect him for his courageous battle and while he did have advantages that many in his situation do not (increased exposure and financial support), I admire the work that he did to bring about increased awareness of spinal cord injury and the fight for show more improved health insurance coverage. I remember being really sad when I heard that he had passed away, which was just two years after this book was released. I have not read his first memoir, Still Me, but I suspect it was a better read than this one, which I felt jumped around a lot, covering various topics from past and present, and which didn't really feel very cohesive at all. It has some good messages, but I think if you're looking for a more complete memoir of his life, Still Me is probably where you should start. show less
I'm glad I opted to listen to the audiobook. Hearing Reeve recount his twist-filled life added a new dimension to a story that is both sad and uplifting at the same time. Reeve touches on so many relevant topics. Struggles with the health insurance industry. The debate over stem cell research. Tips for improved parenting. Mini-lessons on the human nervous system. There are sections where I sensed that Reeve glossed over certain defining moments in his life. Still, "Nothing is Impossible" is both inspiring and informative.
Christopher Reeves was an amazing man, and he has an amazing story to tell. I knew a bit about Christopher Reeve before I read this book and now I am just in awe of all that he worked for accomplished.

Reeves is quite candid in this book. He talks about the first days after his tragic equestrian acident, and how he considered ending his life after learning his prognosis. But Reeves with the support of his wife decides to press on, and he discovers there is still so much worth living for.

My favorite chapter was on parenthood and the challenges of parenting from a wheelchair. Reeves discovers that is many ways he is a better parent because now there is more dialogue.

This book is a short read, but you wil take away so much. This is a truly show more inspiring story of courage and hope! show less
What can I say? Here is someone who had the determination to persevere when there was no hope. I especially liked that he discussed faith and hope. He caused me to change how I feel about stem cell research.
This book is about an incredible man's journey. One accident left him wheel chair bond for the rest of his life. Although he was living a different life and wanted to give up many times, he always strived for more. He never let go of "hope". Hope was all he had. Every day he struggled but persisted on becoming better. His accident didn't stop him from being the best he can be. He is an inspiration to all. He really is "superman".
½
"In Nothing Is Impossible, Christopher Reeves, the author of the bestselling autobiography Still Me , shows that we are all capable of overcoming insurmountable hardships. He interweaves anecdotes from his own life with excerpts from speeches and interviews he's given and with evocative photos taken by his son Matthew. - from book jacket

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11+ Works 1,194 Members

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Canonical title
Nothing is Impossible
People/Characters
Christopher Reeve

Classifications

Genres
Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
791.43Arts & recreationRecreation, sports, and performing artsMovies, TV, VideoMotion pictures, radio, television, podcastingMotion pictures
LCC
PN2287 .R292 .A3Language and LiteratureLiterature (General)Literature (General)DramaDramatic representation. The theaterSpecial regions or countries
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Members
284
Popularity
113,403
Reviews
8
Rating
½ (3.64)
Languages
Catalan, Chinese, English, Spanish
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
17
ASINs
2