When
many people think of survival shows, the first one that comes to
their mind is Man vs. Wild starring Bear Grylls. Now fans can get up
close and personal with Grylls in his new autobiography, Mud,
Sweat, and Tears.
Right from the get-go, the book starts off with a near death experience as Grylls is climbing one of the Rockies right here in BC. Well written and thrilling, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and anxiously turning the pages. Even though you know that he is going to survive and make it (he is writing the book after all), it is still tense and you can't help but be amazed at how he is able to survive things that he had no business surviving.
The
book isn't all action adventure however. The first few chapters,
after it allows you to take a breath from his near death experience,
Grylls talks about his grandfather and his father. His grandfather is
built up as a legendary figure, and even if some of the stories are
exaggerated or embellished, it can't be denied that he was a great
man. Flawed, yes (Grylls doesn't deny that), but still a great man
and a wonderful role model.
For
me, the most interesting part of the book was when Grylls started
talking about his childhood school days. He went to an all boys'
private school, and he got into a lot of interesting situations (some
wholesome, some not as much). He never ignores the mistakes he makes,
and he 'fesses up to a lot of things that many other guys would just
sweep under the rug. His honesty is refreshing and encouraging.
One
thing that he makes perfectly clear, numerous times throughout the
book, is his faith in Christ. In one chapter he lays out simply, and
yet not aggressively, what being a Christian is and how it can change
your life. This theme is constant through the book, and he isn't shy
to thank God for protection or question where God was in certain
situations. A nice reminder that God is with us everywhere, whether
we are in an office, or climbing Mount Everest.
Most
of the book is divided into two sections: Grylls going through
intense military training, and his attempt to climb Everest. It's
exhausting just reading about some of the things he had to do in
training, and me, being asthmatic, I almost had to reach for my
puffer a few times just imagining myself doing what he does. It's not
easy, and he never claims it to be. He expresses the desire to quit a
few times, but he continues to get up and continue, even when his
mind, body and spirit are screaming out in pain. A great lesson in
not giving up, and how if you put your mind to something, and have
faith in God, you can achieve far more than you ever thought
possible.
I
will mention, as a bit of a disclaimer, that there is a little bit of
language in this book. It's not overwhelming, and most of the time he
is able to avoid using certain words, but there is an instance or two
of swearing. Not to discourage people from reading the book, as the
story and overall content is incredible. It's just good that those
who want to read it are aware of the content.
This book is a great
read for men and fathers. He is a loving dad and husband, and he can
be a great inspiration to fathers and husbands. It's not only for men
however, as any adventure seeking woman would love this book as well.
It's action packed, has some humour and a bit of romance, and you
can't deny his love for God, his wife, and his children. Anyone who
enjoys a little bit of action and adrenaline should read this book.
-Keith
