Review of Beyond the Comfort Zone: Confessions of an Extreme Sports Junkie

Home	Products	Reviews	Directory	About	Contact

Beyond the Comfort Zone: Confessions of an Extreme Sports Junkie
Average Rating: 3.0 Total Reviews: 4
More Information

Great book.

On: 2006-06-30

First: This book is more realistic (and therefore relevant) than most of the outdoor books youll ever read. This is because the author discusses balancing real life with intense dedication to sport.

I am not sure why there are a couple condemnations of Bruce on this page- these reviews are wholly irrelevant; Im surprised Amazon has left them up so long. They verge on slander.

That said, I think in general, readers have come to expect outdoor stories from untouchable, god-like authors, who dont "deign" to mention the real circumstances of their lives that influence their decisions to take to the hills, or likewise mention the influences their experiences in the hills have on their real lives.

People have become accustomed to reading stories by and about the Lance Armstrongs, Ian Thorpes, and Ed Viestruss, who, while all fantastic athletes and Im sure worthy human beings, are basically pampered and dedicated to the sport in their every waking moment by a cadre of coaches and personal attendants- a condition that most of us would find difficult to obtain. They dont have "real lives" like the rest of us do that can shape their goals in the outdoors and to which they can bring the freshness of perspective won from a week in the hills. (I admit that they have overcome personal obstacles- but as in the case of Lance Armstrong, even their obstacles have been unusual.) The rest of us have the more typical concerns of real life, like finding employment and satisfying personal relationships, so it does us little good to read a book by one of the prima-donnas of the outdoor world for whom these issues do not apply. I humbly suggest we try to read something by someone like us.

Bruces book then is about trying to get real life to complement adventure as well as possible- a goal thats admirable enough in this day and age. Just because he lets us in on the failings, miscalculations, and bravado of his past doesnt mean would should condemn him- but rather take heed his lessons as the wise counsel of an elder who is only mortal like we are.

Many people drawn to dangerous sports feel a kind of alienation resulting from being at a crossroads in life; having few responsibilities and no ties to any community after having graduated from college, (for example), and are thus prone to letting that level of alienation influence their impulsiveness and daring while at play. Bruces book then serves at least as a warning- if you gamble like he did, you have to be very lucky to escape unscathed. At best, its great nail-biting entertainment- since few of us will ever take the risks he took; following along each tumultuous chapter is great fun. Personally, at age 23, I can relate, and Bruces book came to me at just the right time.

Glad I don't have to paddle with this guy...

On: 2004-07-14

You have to give the guy credit for trying, but he seems to miss the whole point of outdoor adventure through his self-serving and misdirected outings. Its like a train wreck, though, and you just have to keep on reading it to see how bad the author is going to get messed up on his next "expedition". The editorial "praise" is understandably vague, since the only thing the author does worse than "adventureing" is writing about it. We have all met people in our own lives that "just dont get it", right? Well Genereaux is, unfortunately, that guy.

Great stories - gets you motivated to get outside

On: 2003-12-11

I stayed up all night hooked on reading chapter after chapter. Each chapter is a new story about the authors harrowing exploits and self-realization. Whether you are a climber, kayaker, skier, or armchair mountaineer, you will enjoy these amazingly personal stories about the motivation behind risk taking and where the "comfort zone" lies in each of us.

Beyond an inflated sense of self worth

by: Anonymous On: 2003-09-28

Beyond the Comfort Zone is a tedious read at best. It is nothing more than an egomaniacal piece of work from a juvenile author. Most disturbing are his notions of leadership. Save your money. American Canoe Association is sending this book free for joining. I question the ethics and morals of this organization for their choice in associating themselves with the morals and ethics voiced in this book.