Crashing Through

The Extraordinary True Story of the Man Who Dared to See

By: Robert Kurson

Narrated by: Doug Ordunio

Blinded at age three, Mike May defied expectations by breaking world records in downhill speed skiing, joining the CIA, and becoming a successful inventor, entrepreneur, and family man. He had never yearned for vision.

Then, in 1999, a chance encounter brought startling news: a revolutionary stem cell transplant surgery could restore May’s vision. The procedure was filled with risks, some of them deadly, others beyond May’s wildest dreams. There were countless reasons for May to refuse vision. He could think of only a single reason to go forward. Whatever his decision, he knew it would change his life.

Beautifully written and thrillingly told, CRASHING THROUGH is a journey of suspense, daring, romance, and insight into the mysteries of vision and the brain. Robert Kurson gives us a fascinating account of one man’s choice to explore what it means to see–and to truly live.©2007 Robert Kurson; (P)2007 Books on Tape

Great Story... Sooooo long.

The story is amazing. The narration is on point. Overall I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. My only negative to point out would be some slow points where the author felt the need to re-emphasize points he had already made. Perhaps in an attempt to make the story more dramatic. I felt it was often just wasted time and would almost make me lose interest. However I would push through these points only to be left feeling happy I did because the next turn in the adventure of Mike May always seemed awesome.

Amazing and Unforgettable--Must Read Non-fiction!

If I had nothing going on in my life, I would have listened to this true account in one sitting. I don't think I have ever said that about a book before.

This is the true story of Mike May, a forty-something married man who lost his sight in a chemical explosion at the age of 3 and who subsequently regained sight as an adult. This is not a common occurrence--possibly 20 other people have ever been documented with similar circumstances. Many of those who were documented shared similar occurrences of depression and even suicide. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

There was nothing whatsoever about Mike, pre-sight, to make anyone feel sorry for his handicap. You see, Mike did not think of it as a handicap and was raised to not let blindness stop him from living life to the fullest--thus the title of this book. As a child (and adult), Mike was determined to do whatever sighted people do and so, he frequently charged onward, crashing through whatever was in his way.

So, you can imagine that the decision to accept all the serious and possibly life-threatening consequences of this attempt to acquire sight was not an easy choice for Mike. Due to the rarity of this set of circumstances--acquiring sight late in life--neither Mike nor the doctors had any idea what a successful outcome would look like.

I came to have the greatest admiration for Mike May. He was a superior human being without sight. He was even more amazing during the process of attempting new sight.

In addition to the story, the author interviews Mike at the end of the book.

If I have stimulated your interest at all, this is a no-brainer. Get this book now!

(Disclaimer: I had no idea upon purchasing this book that Mike lived in my town, nor have I ever met him.)

Astounding!

If you think you have even an "idea" of what it would mean for a blind person to regain sight, this book will "open your eyes". I couldn't stop listening... Kurson does an incredible job of blending the emotional, the technical, and the theoretical aspects of Mike May's story.

Incredibly Inspiring

Loved the book from start to finish, and the optimism of the subject. The author did a great job with the details.

a different kind of adventure

I was skeptical but thoroughly enjoyed it. the man in the story became one. it was very well done.