Amped: A Soldier's Race for Gold in the Shadow of War Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this book because my friend Bill Briggs is the co-author. He's the "with" in the byline. So, full disclosure. I read this book with wonder and amazement because it has a you-are-there feeling start to finish. Put your politics aside. Take a break from thinking about rising gas prices and put yourself in the moment with medic Kortney Clemons on tour in Baghdad. The opening sequence in this book is brutal. It's real. It's about a real human being with a distinct personality and interesting background doing "routine" things as part of the war in Iraq. Do your mental eyes glaze over at the phrase "roadside bomb?" That will never happen again. The scene is powerful, moving and told with compelling detail. It all seems to come down to the little things, the difference between life (Clemons) and death (three soldiers) just inches away. From battlefield to hospital and the decisions about how to manage with one leg, "Amped" is about a journey deep into the soul. Again, the detail is what makes this book, the honest self-analysis. Along the way, the history of the purple heart, the background on paralympics, and plenty of science about amputees and their future-world, high-tech artificial limbs. When Clemons confronts his demons, he is straightforward and unafraid to reveal his torment. Along the way, you will learn about prosthetics and the science and art of restoring a stride to a human being. Clemons was born with a powerful sense of self-determination and strong moral code. The bulk of "Amped" is about his quest for dignity and self-worth, through powerlifting and running. Clemons brings a mountain of pride to every challenge, but the most moving parts are when he opens up to friends and coaches for advice. Think you're having a rough day? Think the soldiers in Iraq are a bit faceless, think there aren't real people in Baghdad doing what their country asked of them? Read "Amped." Think about the difference between life and death, think about Clemons' challenge to return to the world he left and admire one powerful human spirit, facing every challenge and running in the moment. Highly recommended for all returning soldiers. Clemons shows the path to mental and physical well-being.

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