The Impossible First

By: Colin O'Brady

Narrated by: Colin O'Brady

Colin O’Brady’s awe-inspiring, New York Times bestselling memoir recounting his recovery from a tragic accident and his record-setting 932-mile solo crossing of Antarctica is a “jaw-dropping tale of passion and perseverance” (Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit).

Prior to December 2018, no individual had ever crossed the landmass of Antarctica alone, without support and completely human powered. Yet, Colin O’Brady was determined to do just that, even if, ten years earlier, there was doubt that he’d ever walk again normally. From the depths of a tragic accident, he fought his way back. In a quest to unlock his potential and discover what was possible, he went on to set three mountaineering world records before turning to this historic Antarctic challenge.

O’Brady’s pursuit of a goal that had eluded many others was made even more intense by a head-to-head battle that emerged with British polar explorer Captain Louis Rudd—also striving to be “the first.” Enduring Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures and pulling a sled that initially weighed 375 pounds—in complete isolation and through a succession of whiteouts, storms, and a series of near disasters—O’Brady persevered.

Alone with his thoughts for nearly two months in the vastness of the frozen continent—gripped by fear and doubt—he reflected on his past, seeking courage and inspiration in the relationships and experiences that had shaped his life.

“Incredibly engaging and well-written” (The Wall Street Journal)—and set against the backdrop of some of the most extreme environments on earth, from Mt. Everest to Antarctica—this is “an unforgettable memoir of perseverance, survival, daring to dream big, and showing the world how to make the impossible possible” (Booklist, starred review).

Critic reviews

"Colin O'Brady may be physically and mentally superhuman. He holds speed records for astonishing feats—climbing the highest peaks in all 50 U.S. states and completing the Explorers Grand Slam of climbing the highest mountain on each continent, plus reaching the North and South Pole. In this memoir, he recounts being the first to traverse Antarctica alone and unsupported. . . . O'Brady's sincerity is never in doubt, and the image of him dancing on the ice to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' is sure to generate a smile."

Feel good story of overcoming adversity.

Great story of overcoming adversity in one of the harshest climates on earth. Loved this book!

A must listen audiobook.

Best memoir I have listened to so far in 2020. I hope more people listen to this an be inspired.

Inspiring

I can get bored with books. This one held my attention the entire time. I enjoyed the story and found it inspiring in many ways.

A gripping, thrilling journey into the abyss...

This is one of the most amazing stories of endurance and the human will in the face of absolute adversity. The struggle to survive and eventually thrive by finding that place inside your mind that is only reached when you go to the highest peaks and the deepest depths of your soul. That is when you find yourself and when Mt. Everest seems like a molehill compared to the heights you sore within yourself.

Awesome.

Great story with a colorful author. A great inspiration! Give it a listen, you won’t regret it.