On the Edge: My Story Book

June 10, 2017: Richard Hammond was involved in another serious crash today on the set of "The Grand Tour." Luckily, he was able to remove himself from the car before it burst into flames. Best wishes to Hammond!

I love Richard Hammond; his wit, humor, love for adventure, and constant smile remind me of my husband, who introduced me to Top Gear when we met two and a half years ago. Oftentimes during an episode of Top Gear--and now, The Grand Tour--my husband will turn to me, motion to silly, bubbly, upbeat Hammond and say, "You know he almost died, right?"

This book recounts in great detail the events leading up to Hammond's crash of a jet-engine powered car while filming Top Gear in 2006, and the life-threatening brain injury he sustained.

This book glosses over Hammond's childhood, early days in radio, and rise to the BBC. I would've appreciated a lot more detail here (I was hoping for some Jeremy Clarkson and James May tidbits); the main focus of this book is the crash, his recovery, and in a complete surprise to me (I mean, the book is called On The Edge: MY Story), wife Mindy's narration for almost half of the book about her experience caring for Hammond while he is in and out of consciousness following the accident, and during his rehabilitation.

Even if you've never heard of Hammond, this is a compelling story about the triumph over such a serious injury, how such an injury--particularly to the brain--can affect loved ones, and the struggles a victim faces even well after the fact, even when they look ok. The unconditional love and deep bond Mindy and Richard have for each other is apparent throughout the book. The pair seems to find the best in everyone around them ...even the paparazzi who stalked the hospital and hid on the rooftop when Hammond was airlifted out. The couple also use the book as an opportunity to offer heartfelt thanks--on numerous occasions--to fans who sent flowers and cards (they read them all), doctors and nurses who cared for Richard, members of the BBC team, friends and family... Basically, if you knew Richard and Mindy during this period, you got a thank you.

While I went into this book expecting something completely different, like a companion piece to The Grand Tour (something Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman nailed in both Long Way Round and Long Way Down), or just a straight biography of Hammond's life with more attention to his career, I enjoyed it, and came away with a deeper admiration for the both Richard and Mindy. I appreciated being granted such insight and access to such a personal, harrowing experience, and felt like I read something very honest from someone who is normally all about the humor.