The Impossible First

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 1,263 ratings

Price: 15.74

Last update: 07-21-2024


Top reviews from the United States

Michael Brenner
5.0 out of 5 stars What an adventure
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2023
Colin O'Brady, an American professional athlete, crossed Antarctica, by himself, unassisted. Amazing story. The book also gives a bit of the backstory and shows the human side of Colin. Well worth a read. Those of us trying to achieve the impossible will find a great deal of inspiration in this book. Well done. Highly recommended. Also make sure to read the book from his British competitor, Louis Rudd, which is also very good. The one area it falls short in, as did Rudd's book, was adequate description of the Antarctic and their own particular adventures. Of course we are reading their words and maybe there was simply no other way to describe it, but maybe a ghost writer assisting with the descriptions might have made the experience a bit more compelling. For example, though both describe to a certain extent (more notify us) the surroundings and scenery, the reader never really gets a sense of what high winds and low temperature are like or what the scenery is like, unless it is all one big whiteout. Even so, a bit more description would have been welcome for those of us who have never been to the Antarctic. Nevertheless, the book is highly recommended, as is Rudds book, and a must-read for anyone trying to get past challenges they think not possible or impractical. Keep persevering and never give up.
Ramona Zabriskie
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Memoir of a Brilliant Accomplishment
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2023
I’m digging down deep, trying to find the words to express my awe, overwhelming emotion, and love: love for the author, for his glorious feats so wonderfully, astoundingly detailed and woven together; for his character, grit, determination, intelligence, vision, and modesty. For all of that however, and I think he’d like this, what has impressed me most in this riveting read, is Colin’s love for his wife, Jenna, and her love for him. In my work as a marriage author, global educator, and mentor, I can say for a fact, that they epitomize a caliber of partnership that I call “grand”— and THAT, in and of itself, is their most spectacular accomplishment of all. Every husband and wife should read and be changed by this book.
Diligentlife
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and Inspirational Can't Put Down Adventure Story
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
Colin O'Brady's Impossible First is an amazing story from start to finish - one part adventure story, one part love story, and one part inspirational story of how to reach high for your own goals. You will not be disappointed. O'Brady holds several world record's and the main focus of the book is telling the story of O'Brady's world record effort of being the first to cross Antarctica unsupported. It is an incredible story and the writing makes you feel like you are there every step of the way. You feel O'Brady's highs and lows, and hopes and worries. But the story is much more than the telling of this world record or his other world records, although he covers a number of major achievements such as breaking the record for the Explorer's Challenge (North+South Pole and the tallest mountains on each continent) - Impossible First also recounts the touching love story between Colin and his wife Jenna, without whom O'Brady admits he could not have achieved what he has - not just for critical emotional support, but also as an integral part of the genesis, planning, and logistics of O'Brady's adventures. The book also touchingly reflects on how people at different times of O'Brady's life have had an incredible impact on his own belief in himself - from his wife Jenna, to teachers, his loving (and unconventional) family, and even another explorer who was pursuing the goal at the same time. What makes this book transcend just a great story is that it leaves the reader with a hope and understanding that one's ability to achieve is well beyond their current perception of their limits. This was written for the non-adventurer, so don't think you need to be a hard core climber to appreciate the story - I am not, and loved it. This is a story about a person persevering over challenges - physical and mental - reach his goals. In the end, no matter one's background, we learn how to dream big and how to get from the whiteboard to reality.
JR
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing feat
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2020
This is a detailed and clearly written account of an incredible feat. I would have appreciated more insight into how he motivated himself to persist forward in the face of adversity. Still, it's certainly worth reading.
SPG
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2023
Inspirational story of an individual trying to be the first to do the impossible. Plenty of backstory to show how he got to be where he is and plenty of fascinating reading about the incredible adventure itself!
Fred
5.0 out of 5 stars what a ride
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2022
What a great adventure story told from the horses mouth. His ups and downs during this unprecedented journey crossing Antarctica. What got him up. What got him down.what got him to persevere through one tough adventure.

The author tells the story what feels to this reader completely from the heart and mind. Beautifully written and beautifully inspiring. I highly recommend you read it.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING BOOK
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2023
This book was not only an easy read but was compelling to keep reading. I thought it was going to be a little boring with I did this today, I did that yesterday etc. Nothing could be further from the truth READ THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVE TJE OPPORTUNITY.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Relatable and inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2021
I loved how Colin interweaved his day-to-day in Antarctica with his family, his wife, friends, and other experiences. It gave the reader a more comprehensive view of who he is as a person. The way he describes the importance of every decision in Antarctica makes you feel like you're there with him on the journey. Also, the Nat Geo claims are 100% false. Colin is an American hero and should be honored for all of his outdoor accomplishments. It appears to me that because he's so much more naturally gifted and positive, that some want to hate on him for pushing the limits.

I have given this book to friends and bought for my college-age cousins. HIGHLY recommend if you're needing some inspiration or a pick-me-up in your life!

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