Beyond the Bear

How I Learned to Live and Love Again after Being Blinded by a Bear

By: Dan Bigley, Debra McKinney

Narrated by: Kevin Young

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

A 25-year-old backcountry wanderer, a man happiest exploring wild places with his dog, Dan Bigley woke up one midsummer morning to a day full of promise. Before it was over, after a stellar day of salmon fishing along Alaska’s Kenai and Russian rivers, a grizzly came tearing around a corner in the trail. Dan barely had time for “bear charging” to register before it had him on the ground, altering his life forever.

“Upper nose, eyes, forehead anatomy unrecognizable,” as the medevac report put it. Until then, one thing after another had fallen into place in Dan’s life. He had a job he loved taking troubled kids on outdoor excursions. He had just bought a cabin high in the Chugach Mountains with a view that went on forever. He was newly in love. After a year of being intrigued by a woman named Amber, they had just spent their first night together. All of this was shattered by the mauling that nearly killed him, that left him blind and disfigured.

Facing paralyzing pain and inconceivable loss, Dan was in no shape to be in a relationship. He and Amber let each other go. Five surgeries later, partway into his long healing journey, they found their way back to each other. The couple’s unforgettable story is one of courage, tenacious will, and the power of love to lead the way out of darkness. Dan Bigley’s triumph over tragedy is a testament to the ability of the human spirit to overcome physical and emotional devastation, to choose not just to live, but to live fully.

©2013 Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

This was excellent

Where does Beyond the Bear rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best and most interesting. Hard to stop listening.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a true story. It helped me to be a better survivor of the little things in life and some of the big ones too. This story has inspired me to be a better person.

What about Kevin Young’s performance did you like?

He was great. His voice was nice to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Beyond the bear

Any additional comments?

This is an inspirational story. It has inspired me to deal with not being able to do the things I use to be able to do.

Wonderful book

Although the premise of this book is based on a tragic event, the story of how this man recovered and made a better life for himself is a remarkable one. hearing this story has helped me regain courage, hope, and motivation to move forward with my own goals in life even when it gets hard. No two people are the same, but as someone who is completely blind myself, I found I could relate to his experience. I laughed and cried throughout the book! It is very well written and easy to listen to

great story

Aawesome story.
Easy read for anyone.
Enjoy this book. Great inspiration for everyone. Must read.

Do yourself a favor: read it!

Never feel sorry for yourself; Dan will inspire you to find your way to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Beautiful! The best ever! Shout out from Haines Ak

I love this book. I love this story. This story came to me at a time when I was struggling. It gave me an incredible insight into trauma and resiliency. This is what being human is about. Pure love and having pure faith even in the worst nightmare of circumstance I can even fathom. I would love to meet dan Bigley, more than anyone else at this time! I live in Haines, Alaska and can see how this could happen to just about anyone. A few of my friends know him! Small world!

WOW

OMG this man has been through a lot. This is definitely a book that people can learn from to appreciate life. It’s not always going to be perfect.

So much more than a terrifying bear story!

Dan Bigley spoke at my Rotary club recently, and he was such a talented storyteller, I decided to listen to the book. There’s so much more to this book than a terrifying bear tale. It’s also a story of grit, reliance, and the power of love.

Heart wrenching and inspiring

I knew Dan briefly in Alaska right before his run in with the bear. He was, just as he says, always smiling, always upbeat, and an all around great guy. His story of persevering and thriving an incident after when most people would just give up, is truly inspiring. I've read this book several times and listened to it just as many. I laugh, I cry, and I find myself truly moved every time.

Great Book!!

This was a great story of strength and love. Dan and Amber have a great love story. It is a story we all can learn from. Both Dan and Amber faced such great challenges and came out stronger!!
I would recommend this book to all ages! The narrator was superb!!

Amazing story, amazing narration

I came across a YouTube video of Dan Bigley telling the story of his bear attack. I have a weird obsession with bear stories so I've heard a lot of them. That YouTube video is what led me to his book. It's not just the story that is captivating, it's the way he tells it and his honesty about the struggles he endures and persevering through something that would kill most people's spirit. 100% read this book.