Crashing Through

The Extraordinary True Story of the Man Who Dared to See

By: Robert Kurson

Narrated by: Doug Ordunio

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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 pass on 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

Critic reviews

"A remarkable story of courage and endurance." (Publishers Weekly)

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.)

a different kind of adventure

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

A honest look at the pros and cons of blindness

Would you consider the audio edition of Crashing Through to be better than the print version?

There are a few parts where I wanted to look back at and it's hard to do with audio.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Crashing Through?

When he realizes that his brain has to learn what he's looking at. Tactile exploration was the connection to his new world.

Which scene was your favorite?

When his sons treated him the same whether he could see or not.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes but really intense and needed a break to think about what had happened

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.

insightful..no pun intended

I didn't pay close attention to what audio book I had downloaded. this story grabbed me from the very beginning. Going on a journey with a person that lost his sight and now has to choose whether he'll take the risks to get it back...with no guarentees...was such a personal story. what a courageous person surrounded by people that loved and respected him with or without sight.

Inspirational

Mike May's courage to live life to the fullest is an inspiration to everyone, especially those of us who are visually handicapped.

A must read for those who are visually impaired and those who wish to know what it is like

This is the best book I have read in many years. I am legally blind and lost my ability to read only a few years ago, so I am relatively new to the audiobook experience. Is Michael may states in the epilogue, the first important aspect of an audiobook is its content. I believe this book is the best source of information on the subject of blindness and low vision.The insights and perspectives of what it is like to be blind and what it is like to have vision are impeccably described. For the blind or low vision reader, there is so much here to relate with. For those who are fully cited, this book offers the best description I ever have read of what it is like to be visually impaired. The story is exciting, emotional, and inspiring. The narration is the best I have experienced. As one who continually is losing vision, Michael Mays words of encouragement to continue being curious, and his story and example, are the most unique and powerful words of encouragement I have heard. I am extremely grateful to Michael May, author Robert Cursin, and this gifted narrator. This review has been dictated, so please excuse any miss spellings or other errors.

Ambitious

After Shadow Divers Robert Kurson delivers again!
A story of one man who although blind has accomplished more than most of us do in a lifetime. Inspiring