The Road to the Top of the Mountain
by Anne Masson; Matt Masson
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Pub Date 28 Jan 2021 | Archive Date 9 Mar 2021
The Book Guild | Book Guild Publishing
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Description
This is the extraordinary story of the road to recovery of Matt who, at the tail end of 2010 at the age of twenty-three, suffered a life-altering brain injury. Awakening from a six-week coma, he couldn’t talk or even sit up in bed unsupported. It was clear that he wouldn’t be able to resume his career as a water sports instructor, nor did it look very likely that he would be able to pursue his passion for skiing.
However, Matt had other ideas. When he regained the ability to speak he declared that his first post-injury goal was to be skiing by the end of the year. The fact that he couldn’t actually walk was but an obstacle to be overcome in due course. This turned out to be the first of many more challenging goals yet to come. He was discharged from the hospital after six months of intensive rehabilitation and therapy and only six months left to reach his first goal. The game was most definitely on.
Not only did he get back on his skis by November 2011, but in 2018 he went on to graduate with a degree in Sports Journalism and, embracing his now wobbly walk, he embarked on a whole new career as the Wobbly Journo, specialising in writing about free-skiing.
The Road to the Top of the Mountain allows the reader to accompany Matt on his recovery path as, supported by friends, family and the ski community at large, he battled his way back to an independent life with many adventures on the way in Europe and America. It also explains in a basic way how the brain works and what happens when it is damaged. It is an uplifting story of great hope and determination as told by his mother, Anne, with contributions from Matt throughout.
Advance Praise
“This is a story of resilience, positivity, adaptability and love.” – Clare Balding
“Matt has taken ownership of a bad situation in an immensely inspiring way.” – David Wise, American Skier and Winter Olympic Gold Medalist
“Lit by the beacon of wisdom C.R Johnson left him with, Matt shaped an unfortunate event into miraculous achievements.“ – Phil Casabon, Two-time X Games Real Ski Winner
“As a passionate skier and physio, meeting Matt was really inspiring… to see the power and faith in coming back so strong after such a gnarly accident and willing to ski again really put everything in perspective.” – Arianna Tricomi, Three-Time Freeride World Tour Ski Women’s Champion
“Whatever might be the path that life brings you on, you’ve got to own it rather than let life own you. Matt could have given up. Given up on walking, given up on skiing, given up on studying, given up on so many things that “normal” people do on a daily basis… I’m sure that the thought of giving up never crossed his mind. He owns it big time!” – Markus Eder, Freeride World Tour Ski Men’s Champion and Olympian
“Matt Masson has been an incredible journey to partake in – a reminder that true passion helps us overcome even the largest of obstacles.” – Jacob Webster, Swedish Freeskier
“A truly remarkable story of incredible courage and tenacity from a young man determined not to let a life-changing injury stop him from fulfilling his dreams.” – Dr. Tania Ahern
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781913913557 |
| PRICE | US$6.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Elaine D, Reviewer
I like to read a memoir from time to time. The description of this one had me hooked - a life altering brain injury at the age of 23, followed by a recovery which sees Matt returning to the ski slopes. It sounds extraordinary. Clare Balding reviewed the book as being a tale of 'resilience, positivity, adaptability and love' and I couldn't agree more - those words sum up this book exactly.
Most of the book is written by Matt's mum. She takes the reader through the horror of the accident, the long stay in hospital and the rehabilitation. And then Matt starts to contribute with his own memories and anecdotes. All of it is told in a conversational narrative which is easy to follow and understand. The support this family found through a diverse range of family and friends is aspirational, equal to the locations travelled to - the Scilly Isles, Switzerland, France and the USA.
This book starts out as every parents worst nightmare but actually it is hopeful and positive and teaches us all to be grateful for what we have. Towards the end, the location switched to my hometown of Southampton and specifically Solent University, which I drive past regularly. I wasn't expecting that and will always think of Matt now when I am in that area. When I finished the book, I looked at Matt's website and his video, which I think is called 'Skiing before I could walk'. This is highly recommended too, but read the book first!
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
