Things I Learned From Falling

If you read only a few books this year make Things I Learned From Falling by Claire Nelson one of them. What an outstanding book.

In 2018 New Zealander Claire Nelson went on a hike on her own in California's Joshua Tree National Park. It was only meant to be a short hike - a matter of hours. She ended up spending four days and three nights in the desert after she fell down rocks and was left flat on her back with a shattered pelvis and not being able to move. I remember seeing the story on the news at the time and being amazed by it.

As well as describing what she went through during those four days in the desert and the prospect of dying alone, she also reflects on her life leading up to the hike - the loneliness she felt while based in London where she worked as a travel and food writer and the need to make changes.

Her account is raw, gripping, and is told with a lot of vulnerability. Imagine being that thirsty that you have to resort to drinking your own urine. Imagine lying in the scorching heat during the day and trying to find a way to cover yourself even if it is with a map and then freezing at night.

While most of the book is about how she coped in the desert after the fall and reflections on her life, a few chapters are devoted to her rescue and recovery and the gratitude she now has for life, friendships and family.

This may sound strange but I didn't want this book to end, such is the quality of the writing.

Six out of five stars for this amazing true story!