Still Me - Softcover

Christopher Reeve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099257289 ISBN 13: 9780099257288

Publisher: Random House, 1999

Synopsis

Through his leading role in the three Superman films, Christopher Reeve became so closely identified with the superhero that he wasn''t just seen as the actor who played Superman, he was Superman. Which is why the tragic riding accident which left him paralysed from the neck down shocked the world. Superman was not superhuman. It is also why he is now the world''s most recognisable person in a wheelchair. In true superhero style, Christopher Reeve refuses to resign himself to the life of a quadriplegic, and is actively campaigning to raise the profile of spinal-cord injury victims and research. Although he was initially told that he would only ever be able to move his head, he can now shrug his shoulders and breathe alone for increasing periods of time, and is determined that he will walk again. It is this extraordinary courage and determination that has made Christopher Reeve the internationally admired figure that he is, and it is this bravery which makes this autobiography about his paralysis and his journey to recovery such a powerful and moving story.

About this title

Review

Christopher Reeve begins his heroic reading of Still Me with a special introduction, including this message: "Now, this audiobook allows me to communicate with you in a very personal way, second only to being in the same room." Personal indeed. Hearing Reeve tell his account of the near-fatal riding accident on Memorial Day 1995 is a life-altering experience. He seems to struggle through some of the more personal passages, and there's always the slight hissing sound of the respirator, reminding you how difficult an undertaking this must have been. Shortly after the accident, he recalls waking up and thinking, "This can't be my life, there's been a mistake." But by the audiobook's end, not only has he reclaimed his own life, but he's given hope to hundreds of thousands of others around the world with spinal cord injuries. His is a heartfelt tale of triumph over tragedy.

Admittedly he wouldn't be where he is today without the undying love and encouragement of his wife, Dana; when he speaks of her, it's clear that he's as smitten today as he was when they first met. Reeve also credits their young son Will and a huge supporting cast of family and friends. While still in the early days of his long hospital stay, 3-year-old Will asked his mom if his dad would ever be able to walk or to play soccer with him. Dana answered, "We don't know sweetheart, but maybe not." Will thought about this for a moment, and concluded cheerfully, "Well he can still smile." Hearing the actor voice these words causes a powerful tug at your heartstrings.

Reeve talks of having led an incredibly active life before the accident, and laments his inability to do so now, without making you feel sorry for him. Not only was he an accomplished rider, he also was a pilot, a sailor, a skier, and excelled in many other sports. And his participation in, and love for, the theater and the silver screen kept him busy nearly full-time. Still Me begins with the accident, then weaves back and forth between past and present, creating a thorough biography of Reeve's life. Reeve tells of his childhood, his early theater roles and theatrical training, and his first real experience as a public figure following a prominent role in a popular soap opera--a recollection that elicits a chuckle or two from our reader. Though we will likely never see Reeve don tights and a bright red cape again as he did in his unforgettable role of Superman, some believe that he has become the superhero he once merely portrayed. (running time 3 hours, 2 cassettes) --Colleen Preston

From the Publisher

Read what our listeners are saying . . .

Review by Frank Johnson, Audio Diversions

Four years, almost to the month, after Christopher Reeve brought unwanted world-wide attention to himself and to the tiny, little known, town of Culpepper, Virginia, by falling from his horse in a jumping competition, a Random House Audio production team sat with him at his house as he read his new book Still Me for all to hear.

Anyone who witnessed Reeve's first public appearances after the accident will recall the tremendous effort it took for him to speak, even a few words, as the respirator pumped air in and out of his lungs. They will find it hard to believe that he could present a warm and compelling and beautifully modulated reading and sustain it for three hours of finished product. His is an extraordinary story of personal courage, determination and passion, told with charm and humor and hope.

Despite the fact that he crushed two vertebrae high on his spinal column and is paralyzed from the neck down, Reeve determined that, one day, he would walk again. Listening to this heartwarming story of his childhood, his education, including a stint studying under the famed John Houseman at Julliard, his friendship with Robin Williams, Katherine Hepburn and others and his marriage to the remarkable Dana, Reeve leaves little doubt that he will succeed. This is a good book under most any definition. You
won't want to miss it. [Sorry, it is abridged only].

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0099257289
• ISBN 13: 9780099257288
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 328