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

by Kortney Clemons and Bill Briggs

Book Overview

When above-the-knee amputeeswalk, we generate seven to nine times the force of our body weight right into the point where the prosthesis meets our residual leg. For me, that's almost 1,500 pounds slamming into that socket. For any amputee, learning to walk with a prosthetic leg is a painful, grueling ordeal. Soon after army medic Kortney Clemons, who lost his right leg to a roadside bomb in Baghdad, began the process, he had more than walking in mind...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470281375
• ISBN13: 9780470281376
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Compelling story with brilliant context

Kortney's story is a compelling and fascinating read on its own. He exhibits honesty not only to his challenges but as to his successes and failures. One is left with a profound admiration for his life and lessons learned on a path that no one would voluntarily chose. What really made the book "pop" for me was the brilliant contextual writing that Bill Briggs wraps around Kortney's story. From the political turmoil of small town Mississippi, to often sobering ironic timing of Kortney's rehab with the politics of this war, to the history of the Para Olympics, to the intricacies of mechanical knees and legs, all add immensely to the reading experience.

amped

Good, very good! It's an amazing story and I think it's important to know it in particular now because of Paralympics in Bejing.

LTD

Received this item very quickly. Wonderful book! I met Kortney this weekend at a memorial motorcycle ride--what an amazing individual that has risen above! I look forward to reading the rest of the book! RIP Dave!

Eye-Opening and Inspiring

The Kortney Clemons story is one we all need to hear: What happens to the people we send over to Iraq who come home busted up? Clemons and his co-writer, Bill Briggs, prove that there is hope, but neither of them hold back in showing how much work is involved putting a life back together. With vivid detail and edge-of-your-seat style, they tell a story that is at once unique and universal. The human capacity to suffer, endure and overcome never ceases to amaze me, and for anyone who needs a reminder, "Amped" is a great read.

Cutting Through The Sunshine

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.