Richard Hammond (1) (1969–)

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 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...




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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 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.… (more)