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.