Synopsis -
Two-time Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner was the second-most-googled person in 2023—and not for his impressive filmography. His searing portrayals on film ranged from an Iraq-based army bomb technician in The Hurt Locker and a Boston bank robber in The Town to a crooked Camden mayor in American Hustle before he became heir to the Jason Bourne franchise (The Bourne Legacy). Amongst other iconic roles, he also captured hearts as fan-favorite comic book marksman Hawkeye in seven Marvel films.
Yet, his otherworldly success on-screen faded to the periphery when a fourteen-thousand-pound snowplow crushed him on New Year’s Day 2023. Somehow able to keep breathing for more than half an hour, he was subsequently rushed to the ICU, after which he would face multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation.
In this debut memoir, Jeremy describes in blistering detail his accident and the aftermath. This retelling is not merely a gruesome account of what happened to him; it’s a call to action and a forged companionship between listener and author as Jeremy recounts his recovery journey and reflects on the impact of his suffering. Ultimately, Jeremy’s memoir is a testament to the human spirit and its capacity to endure, evolve, and find purpose in the face of unimaginable adversity. His writing captures the essence of profound transformation, exploring the delicate interplay between vulnerability and strength, despair and hope, redemption and renewal.
Review -
My Next Breath is a must read if you are a fan of memoirs. It is a book Renner didn't initially want to write until he realized the story of his horrific accident need to focus on more than his journey. It also deeply affected the lives of his family, friends and even a neighbor. While the larger share is on Renner's life, his experience of the accident, how he mentally faced recovery, and how life unfolded after, he includes personal stories from the community of people affected by his crisis, and is clear on how their support made the difference to his survival and recovery.
These types of books can get mired in trauma and why me scenarios. Not so here. Renner shares his without ego, he takes full blame for the one mistake that led to the accident. And he does try to evoke sympathy. While the details are horrific, they are told as simply and honestly as possible. As he is being run over and fights for to breath after, it is more of a mental retelling than an emotional one, which helps guide the reader to understand the experience without overwhelming.
I can only stand in awe of Renner's fight to breathe and chosen focus in recovery - simple goals oriented with the future in sight. Great read, great book, and in the end, a wonderful comment on the importance of friends, family, community, personal responsibility and gratitude. (Note - I enjoyed this as an audio book, but thing audio or ebook would both be good choices.)
Buy the book: Amazon CA ~ Amazon US
Meet the Author -
From small-town roots in Modesto, California, to international fame as a Marvel superhero and Oscar-nominated actor, Jeremy Renner's journey is as gripping as any Hollywood blockbuster. Known for his iconic roles in The Hurt Locker, The Avengers, and Mission: Impossible, Renner carved out a legacy through talent, grit, and fearless dedication.
But behind the action star persona lies a deeply personal story—of a man who flipped homes to survive in L.A., worked as a makeup artist to pay the bills, and risked everything for his dream. He overcame rejection, heartbreak, and even a near-fatal snowplow accident that left him with 38 broken bones. Yet, Renner's spirit never gave in.
Whether on-screen, behind a drum set, or building homes with his own hands, Jeremy Renner is a modern-day renaissance man who lives with purpose and passion.
I can only stand in awe of Renner's fight to breathe and chosen focus in recovery - simple goals oriented with the future in sight. Great read, great book, and in the end, a wonderful comment on the importance of friends, family, community, personal responsibility and gratitude. (Note - I enjoyed this as an audio book, but thing audio or ebook would both be good choices.)
Buy the book: Amazon CA ~ Amazon US
Meet the Author -
But behind the action star persona lies a deeply personal story—of a man who flipped homes to survive in L.A., worked as a makeup artist to pay the bills, and risked everything for his dream. He overcame rejection, heartbreak, and even a near-fatal snowplow accident that left him with 38 broken bones. Yet, Renner's spirit never gave in.
Whether on-screen, behind a drum set, or building homes with his own hands, Jeremy Renner is a modern-day renaissance man who lives with purpose and passion.
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