The Girl Who Fell From the Sky: A Journey of Resilience and Hope
When my sister raved about The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, I knew I had to dive right in. Having met Em Carey during her Tasmanian book tour, she spoke so passionately about the book that I was instantly captivated. Let’s be honest—how many nonfiction titles kick off with a thrilling plunge from 14,000 feet? Em’s story grabbed me from the start, setting the stage for an empowering exploration of courage, vulnerability, and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul.
Em’s narrative is nothing short of magnetic. With each page, her positivity leaps right off the text, making it a truly engaging read. Her journey from a life-altering skydiving accident to discovering life anew as a paraplegic is portrayed with raw honesty. I felt her pain as she grappled with the harsh realities of her injuries—things many of us take for granted, like simply getting out of bed. She encapsulates this sentiment beautifully: “Perhaps that’s all bravery really is—the courage to look for hope where there is none and looking anyway.” This phrase lingered with me long after I put the book down, urging me to adopt a similar outlook in my own life.
As I journeyed through Em’s trials, I was struck by her relentless spirit. Her mantra, “If you can, you must,” powered through the pages, reminding me to seize every moment and appreciate the body and life we often overlook. Yet, as I absorbed her experiences, the narrative sometimes felt like it slipped into the realm of a gratitude journal, detailing the unwavering support from friends and family in her life. This aspect felt reminiscent of an enthusiastic shout-out, shining a spotlight on the good amidst the adversity, which was a nice touch but occasionally overshadowed the darker realities she faced.
Em’s candid conversations surrounding difficult topics like “Spinal Cord Injuries” and “Ableism” are standout moments that educate readers about the harsh truths of living with a disability. Her insights made me reflect on my own family, particularly my grandmother, who navigated the world from a wheelchair for decades. Em’s words, “I ache knowing how thoughtlessly we get out of bed in the morning while there are others who are working towards that moment as their single lifelong dream,” resonated deeply, shedding light on the privileges we often overlook.
Social media emerges as a critical turning point in Em’s recovery, offering her not just connections but a sense of purpose. I personally relate to this sentiment, drawing parallels to my own experiences in the book community, where kind words can often become lifelines during challenging times. “It was only words on a screen, but when you’re in the depths of a challenge and clinging to the little things, it felt like so much more,” she writes, and it perfectly encapsulates the power of online support.
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky is an uplifting testament to courage, resilience, and the endless possibilities awaiting us. It’s a book that transcends its narrative, offering fundamental takeaways for everyone, empowering us to embrace life fully. As Em beautifully reminds us, “How wonderful it is to know that the best day of our life might be waiting for us somewhere in the future…”
If you’re searching for inspiration, a profound reflection on life’s challenges, or a meaningful exploration of hope, this book is for you. It left me feeling uplifted and eager to embrace my own life with renewed enthusiasm. A massive thank you to Allen & Unwin for sharing this incredible journey with us!
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