Customer Reviews

Mud, Sweat and Tears

5 star:		(145)
4 star:		(37)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After watching Bear on TV and reading other stories I had to get this book. It's a truly aw Inspiring account of what fuels his passion for adventure. Starting with his remarkable family history through SAS(R) training whilst 'studying' at uni through his ferocious accent up everest and a personal heartfelt insight to his private life and what keeps him going through the rough times. This book will grab you from the beginning and won't let go it's an honest, inspiring and personal account of life and it's struggles that we all face in one way or another can be over come. It personally has helped me make some big decisions in my life as to follow your heart and your instinct and have self belief. If you want a true account of how life should be embraced or just want to learn more about the Bear then this book is for you.

A great read. Exciting, funny, honest - I was completely hooked from the start and could barely put the book down in order to eat or do anything else. A no holds barred account of what made Bear the crazed adrenalin junkie he is today, as well as the family man devoted to his wife and family. SAS training, climbing Everest, eating raw snakes. All life is here!

Just could not put this book down! It arrived at 10am and I finished it that evening!
If you're a Bear Grylls fan and would like to know how he got to be the man he is today, or if you just appreciate a great success story of somebody who has worked really hard to achieve some amazing things, then I highly recommend this book.

One of the most inspirational books I have read about an amazing example of a human being. Very similar to Ran Fiennes Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know. Honest, emotional, raw and you simply cannot put it down. From the gruelling account of SAS selection to Everest and everything before and after I loved the pace, little life lessons and the fact the Bear is such a massive chancer at all times.

Can't wait for more!

Excelent read couldnt put it down from the early days messing around to the important stuff like SAS selection. This is a must read for all not just Bear fans.

If you want to be inspired by a household name, buy this book!!!! I don't idolise anyone, but he is someone worth respecting from what he went through to be where he is now. It is very well written and is an insight into his life. Will re-read this one for sure! 5*

I'm not normally a reader of media or autobiographies however read 'Facing Up' last year which I throughly enjoyed I felt this looked like a good next read. The book is set out in an easy read fashion with a basic literature style (which suited me) and only a couple of pages per chapter. The book takes you through Bear's earlier years, school, college, his SAS selection process and onto Everest. I found it very engaging and as a bit of an adrenaline junkie I appreciated the sheer grit and determination Bear showed through a number of different scenarios. The book fast forwards from when he completes Everest to 'and now I have a tonnes of tv shows that all do great'. If you're looking for stories supporting Born Survivor or Man Vs Wild this isn't the book, perhaps a future release may be. All in, a great and worthwhile read.

As my boys and I are real fans of Bear's adventures, we were looking forward to this and it doesn't disappoint.

A very honest account of Bear's life to date and a real inspiration. Though he is very religious (he has to be in order to be the Chief Scout) he allows room in his book to pass on the views of his friends and colleagues who do not share his conviction which gives it a good balance.

The 'chapters' are extremely short but for younger readers this makes for easier reading in an anecdotal style. It was excellent when reading to my nine year old son when he had lost his nerve after an accident. One chapter of this and he was fine.

The SAS training also shows that even Bear is human and has limits.

Word to the wise, no-one 'signs' the Official Secrets Act. It is an act of legislation; so all of the UK are subject to it. The 'signing' is just a reminder of your duties.

No hesitation in giving these five stars. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

We all love a good action hero, particularly when they are real and Bear Grylls seems to fit the bill.

So what of his tale of growing up, joining the SAS, THAT parachute jump and climbing Everest? Utterly brilliant and inspiring. I'm almost exactly a year younger than Bear and I've been an expedition leader and I still work all over the world, so I have an interest in what we might have in common and what is different. The answer is: he is far, far, far tougher. I've been to my limits and I know that I don't have a fraction of his mental resolve or physical resilience. Respect.

I haven't seen much of his TV work, but I was intrigued by his back story. Bear very sensibly focuses on the key moments and adventures in his life up to his mid-twenties. This was a good call because once we get onto his more recent media stuff after he 'made it', I thought his story became less interesting and there are hints of false modesty - his ego is part of why he is damn good at what he does. This is probably unfair though. Bear has been through a hell of a lot and the success of the last 5-6 years probably still hasn't sunk in yet so the story of Bear Grylls the TV adventurer and charity champion probably needs to wait until there is a bit more distance and he can get a clearer perspective.

I wonder what would happen if you had Bear, Bruce Parry, Ray Mears and Benedict Allen on an expedition together.... I guess they would either get on like a house on fire, or set fire to each other. That would be an expedition I'd train all year for.

This book has inspired me to load up the backpack with a few more rocks and encyclopaedias before I head off to Uganda next month.....

This is a very good book which made me completely change my view of Bear. I'd seen the headlines at the time about how fake Bourne Survivor is, but this book gives a real insight into how hard he, and his team, work. You get to learn a lot about his background too and realise he does know what he's talking about