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In this book, Christopher Reeve recounts the events his life both before and after his accident that left him paralyzed. He takes through the events that led up to him entering into the horse race, his preparations on the day of the race, and the accident itself. He describes his long recuperation in the hospital, where he had to struggle to learn to breathe and most importantly, to look at life differently. He also looks back on his life, tracing the main incidents in his acting career, from teenage amateur roles through starring on the big screen.
Reeve reveals much about his inner feelings during the period of adjustment following his injuries. He tells us how became aware that he would have to start relying on the help of others just to accomplish the bare necessities of life, such as breathing, and how it was the love of friends and family that pulled him through. He touches on varied topics, from near-death experiences to health insurance reform to the relationship between father and son. I gained a lot of respect for Reeve after reading this book-anyone can play a role in the movies, but it takes a real superhero to accomplish all that he did after such a devastating accident.
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With this book, Christopher Reeve brought to light the necessity of medical advances without the need of a world war to prompt one. Have we not learned form history? Or, are we still the same old prehistoric creatures? I believe that we have truly come a long way and certainly quite capable of making decisions that could possibly help people in the future. Stop watching Sci Fi freak horror shows and start visiting hospitals where reality lays, in a bed without a functioning limb, degenerate organs, and countless other medical conditions that can be resolved through stem cell research. Christopher Reeve delivers humanity, as it should have always been recognized. He delivers a dream held by so many people and it is up to humanity to preserve humanity and not to let our differences, whether physical or mental, polarize and fracture us.
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I been a fan to the late Christopher Reeve from the top y'know from movies, to TV, and also doing interviews about his lifetime and his past and everything. Man he left us too quick. I still haven't read the book yet but one day I'll get a chance. He definitely lives between me in my heart and soul. Christopher Reeve was also a mentor to those that follow his footsteps and to those that have suffered from disabilites and all of that stuff y'knowwhattamean? I can't forget the time when on May 28, 1995 when he was riding his horse for a horserace, he fell off and broke his neck real badly. Boy that's gotta hurt. That's why he spend the rest of his life paralyzed in a wheelchair until the end of his life like Richard Pryor from MS (mental schrolis, did I get it right?), Curtis Mayfield (who suffered from his accident in 1990 while performance at a concert in Atlanta or something), and especially Teddy Pendergrass (who is also my mentor, idol, inspiration and especially a role model to me, went thru a lot when he got injured in a car accident in 1982 and then again in 1986. I halfly read a few parts of his memoir he did in '98, but haven't pick it up, something I looking forward of reading and adding in my book collection ASAP). For example we all go thru life situations and especially some ups and downs. That's why we need to take the time easily to watch ourselves where we go, how we live, and we can defeat it and learn to sacrifice and survive until the day we perish or leave this world. I truly thank Christopher Reeve for putting out a wonderful story on his life and congrats on him leaving us a legacy that'll live on forever. God Bless You, Christopher Reeve, you'll will be remembered and GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten). Rest in peace.
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CHRISTOPHER REEVE - My Hero
By Matthew P. "Black"
In a world shrouded by villains, few heroes could lift the veil and stand so tall, so much larger than life as to be unforgettable. Such a person was Christopher Reeve.
When I was very young, Chris literally flew into my life as the very personification of my favourite super hero. He was at first just an actor, a mere mortal, playing a character with God-like qualities. But although Chris became famous for merely playing a Superman, in the aftermath of his tragic accident, he metamorphosed into a being whose very determination and humanity transcended the fictional. Christopher Reeve BECAME a Superman.
His smile, bright blue eyes and handsome face remained intact for the entire world to see as he battled his condition, not just for himself, but for all mankind.
Chris was determined to one day walk again, for all the reasons in the world that one could imagine, but to me, for the best ones of all: because he wanted too, because he believed he COULD. He would never let anyone tell him that it wasn't possible. THAT is why Christopher Reeve was a Superhero. He believed that all big obstacles could be overcome.
When I heard that he had died, for the first time in my life, I shed tears for a celebrity I had never met. Such was Chris's spirit, such was his intellect and determination, that I couldn't help but feel sorrow for his passing. Christopher Reeve was beautiful, both in spirit and body. His painful journey of the last nine years forged a human being to truly look up to. In the years to come, when we watch his fine acting performances again, read his inspiring words, and heed his call to throw off the shackles of paralysis, we will remember the real-life Superhero that had moved amongst us for 52 short years.
Goodbye, Christopher. We love you and we will NEVER forget you. Even when you could not walk, you made us believe that anyone could fly.
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I listened to "Still Me" on tape, read by Christopher Reeve. I truly enjoyed the book. It was interesting, honest, reflective but not mellow. And listening to Christopher Reeve read it enhanced the experience a lot. His voice is delicate yet strong, which I think reflects his delicate physical condition combined with his inner strength (the latter one supported by his family and friends). This book brings to my mind the lyrics from one of Sting's songs: "lest we forget how fragile we are".
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