Bravey

Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas

By: Alexi Pappas, Maya Rudolph - introduction

Narrated by: Alexi Pappas, Maya Rudolph

The Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker and writer Alexi Pappas shares what she’s learned about confidence, self-reliance, mental health, embracing pain, and achieving your dreams.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY REAL SIMPLE • “Heartbreaking and hilarious.”—Mindy Kaling • “A beautiful read.”—Ruth Reichl • “Essential guidance to anyone dreaming big dreams.”—Shalane Flanagan • “I couldn’t put it down.”—Adam Grant

run like a bravey
sleep like a baby
dream like a crazy
replace can’t with maybe

When “Renaissance runner” (New York Times) Alexi Pappas—Olympic athlete, actress, filmmaker, and writer—was four years old, her mother died by suicide, drastically altering the course of Pappas’s life and setting her on a search for female role models. When her father signed his bereaved daughter up for sports teams as a way to keep her busy, female athletes became the first women Pappas looked up to, and her Olympic dream was born. At the same time, Pappas had big creative dreams, too: She wanted to make movies, write, and act. Despite setbacks and hardships, Pappas refused to pick just one lane. She put in a tremendous amount of hard work and wouldn’t let anything stand in her way until she achieved all of her dreams, however unrelated they may seem to outsiders. In a single year, 2016, she made her Olympic debut as a distance runner and wrote, directed, and starred in her first feature film.

But great highs are often accompanied by deep lows; with joy comes sorrow. In Bravey, Pappas fearlessly and honestly shares her battle with post-Olympic depression and describes how she emerged on the other side as a thriving and self-actualized woman. Unflinching, exuberant, and always entertaining, Bravey showcases Pappas’s signature, charming voice as she reflects upon the touchstone moments in her life and the lessons that have powered her career as both an athlete and an artist—foremost among them, how to be brave.

Pappas’s experiences reveal how we can all overcome hardship, befriend pain, celebrate victory, relish the loyalty found in teammates, and claim joy. In short: how every one of us can become a bravey.

Beautiful.

Alexi Pappas is a gifted writer and story teller. She has put the perfect words in the perfect arrangement to not only tell her story but also share her quiet wisdom and keen perspective on life. Runner or not, if you enjoy deeply moving human stories, you will love Bravey.

Must read for runner and non-runners alike

Beautifully written. I listened to this book while I ran and would pause my run to write down little nuggets of wisdom in the notes app of my phone! I'm buying a copy for my mom. She's not a runner in any shape or form, but I know she would love the artistic authenticity of this book. I'll listen again.

I love you, Bravey

I can't recommend this enough to all women, especially young women in high school and college, runners, athletes, moms, daughters, etc. This book put many things I've thought as a female runner with mental health issues into perfect sentences. Thank you, Alexi for sharing your story.

Fantastic sharing of a personal journey

Great job Alexi! This is actually the first book I can say I preordered. I got in on Audible as I am always greatly impressed when an author not only writes their book, but then also takes the time to thoughtfully record the audiobook. Hearing the words come directly from the author sounds so much more genuine and impactful. I knew I wanted to read a book by a great runner, but I got so much more. Alexi talks about her journey of becoming an Olympian, filmmaker, adult and the relationships she's had along the way. An honest reflection of the things that have influenced her journey, and at times heartbreaking recollection of the mental health and atheltic stigmas that have effected her and the people around her. There are a lot of great thoughts and relatable moments that make the words not only her story, but part of your own. Although there are tough moments to listen to, the end result is feeling connected to a person you've probably never met, and feel like you're both better because of it.

inspiring

Well told and inspiring memoir. Great to hear someone's honest battle with depression. would definitely recommend