Walking Papers: The Accident That Changed My Life, and the Business That Got Me Back on My Feet

by Francesco Clark

Book Overview

At age 24, Francesco Clark was just beginning on what looked to be a hugely successful career in the media. But one evening he dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool and the accident left him paralysed. But, through grit, determination, the help of the Christopher Reeve foundation and his family and experimental surgey in China he astounded doctors by regaining the use of his arms and sensation in his extremities. He also founded a very successful...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 140132343X
• ISBN13: 9781401323431
• Release Date: June 2010
• Publisher: Hachette Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Test of human perserverance

I enjoyed this book on many levels. I also had a life changing accident in 2007 and I was spared breaking my neck but have RSD a pain disorder in the left leg. I have been reading a lot of books to help me find the positive in my situation and this book was well written, from the heart and his family support touched me deeply. By starting a business that helped him and now can help others is why I couldn't put the book down. Great motivational book.

A good reminder that you can... whatever it is, you can

Francesco Clark does fantastic job detailing his journey from young professional to quadriplegic to entrepreneur. He covers the ups and downs, the fear and joy of his years fighting back for a life. I could not put the book down, because I wanted to know the next stage. His writing style brings you along on the journey with him. My favorite part of this book is the constant goal setting Francesco does. At each stage and with goals that even to him at times felt small, he continued. He did not stop, and while he had support, no one was dragging him along. He was setting his coursed and often dragging others with him to support his journey. The one negative review of this book has a point in that Francesco had wonderful support, which many people facing this don't. This does not take away from what Francesco achieved, and Francesco gives his parents, siblings and friends all the credit in the world. That reviewer misses the point of the book. With or without financial resources, the determination to believe that things can improve is what put Francesco where he was. I am sure that most of the people Francesco met on his journey had less resources than him, and were fighting as he was to get to a better place. Hooray for Francesco's success, which will inspire many more to follow. Do not accept what is given to you. Work to change it, even when it seems hopeless. Bravo, Francesco!

Excellent and Inspiring

I loved this book. I read it cover-to-cover the day I got it. I just couldn't put it down. It's a very inspiring true story of someone who turned a tragic incident into something amazing. It really made me think about my own life and ensuring that I'm making the most of every day. It was an easy read, as the story flowed quite well and was engaging. I was sorry when it ended, as I'd love to know how Francesco Clark will move forward from this point. I hope that he writes a sequel book or at least updates us.

Courage and Humor

Francesco Clark is a treasure. What else explains his gift in producing a delightful account of a personal tragedy? His story is clearly one of suffering and struggle, but reading it was a pleasure. Young Mr. Clark's skill in describing several event-filled years with feeling as well as an economy of language reveals an extraordinary talent. What courage it took to reveal his ongoing fears, yet what happy determination he possesses. Francesco Clark must have a deep inner core of strength and peace to have written this wonderful book.

A brave, beautiful work

This is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read, written by one of the most inspiring people I know. In Walking Papers, my friend Francesco Clark tells the story of how he endured an accident that left him paralyzed. While he had to accept the reality that something as simple as picking up a glass of water was now quite literally out of his reach, he refused to accept the limitations of his situation. "What am I supposed to do," he asked me one day, "Just sit here?" He didn't. After going through years of sometimes arduous physical therapy, Francesco started his own business, Clark's Botanicals, a skin care line/empire that he runs out of his room. We talked one day about him writing a book; boom, here's the book. Francesco was told he would never move again, but all he's done since the accident is move forward. It's not only to the benefit of other people living with spinal cord injuries (Fran is also the spokesperson for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation) that he's both incredibly optimistic and really stubborn. As he writes, "You don' t need to experience near death to live life to its unlimited potential." This book serves as a brave and beautiful reminder of that. Suzan Colón Author of Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times (Vintage)