An interesting book. A good insight into the life of one of the inspirational characters for millions of people (scouts and others). I found the style and pace of the book great and if it hadn't been for the need to go to bed so I was able to get up for work the next day I could have easily read on through the night. It is one of the few books that I have read recently that I can say this for. The chapters are short, but over 100 of them. This is fine as it lets you take a break and think before continuing, if you want to reflect on the message or feeling of the chapter.
Bear Grylls truly is inspirational. His childhood seems from the outside privileged, but obviously had a profound effect on him. His life after school also is impressive. The accounts of his army career, his accident and his Everest climb make you feel every step and ounce of effort. It is great story telling.
Bear also give an insight into the origins of his personal Christian faith. I respect this, as it is done in a personal way and not thrust at you.
I hope we see a 'sequel' covering a bit more detail and behind the scenes from his current work as I am sure that the back stories will be fascinating.. ( )

Enjoyed the accounts of SAS selection and the Everest climb. ( )

Autobiography of survival expert Bear Grylls, star of Man vs. Wild and otherr TV shows. He discusses his grueling training for the SAS, his recovery from a parachute malfuncttion in Africa, and his career as a survival expert and TV personality. Excellent discussion of his philosophy. Great book for fans. ( )

This book is amazing. I picked it up from the library because I assumed that an autobiography of Bear would be pretty easy holiday reading. I was right, in so far as I whipped through this book in three days of reading on planes and before bed, but it's not a particularly light and fluffy book. I was amazed at the physicality of the things that Bear has done, but I was also shocked by how self-reflective and well spoken Bear Grylls is. This book is not a piece of high literary style, but it's honest and gripping. You can hear Bear's personality through it and despite the fact that everything in the book could bring someone down or be a place to complain about conditions, Bear's enthusiasm and sheer force of happiness shows through. It made me want to go out and train for the SAS and climb Everest even though I'm not a particularly outdoorsy person. He made the trials in his life seem...rather nonchalant and focused on the experiences of all of them instead of the pain of breaking his back, or the hardship that the SAS makes recruits endure. A really amazing book from a really amazing person. Go Bear! ( )

A book very much in Bear's "voice" anyone who has watched Man V Wild will recognise it. A great book for boys and adventurous girls or anyone needing a bit of inspiration. The language is clear and straight forward totally suitable for kids 10 . The message of "try as hard as you can and dont let anyone tell you you can not do anything" is a good one for everyone. Covers mostly Bear's early life with only the last part of the book mentioning the television shows he is most well known for. ( )