Double Take: A Memoir

My niece put me onto this book on her visit to us in June. As a transplanted Montanan, I read anything I can get that hints of home but this is far beyond the usual. Kevin Connelly is a young man dealing with a far more life-disruptive disability than anyone else I have heard of, yet he is infectiously funny, unabashedly upfront and in your face, and can be serious in a way that doesn't cloy or get sappy yet purveys the depths of his day-to-day difficulties. I was mightily impressed with Kevin's courage and ability to deal with his situation in such a healthy, straightforward manner, and his determination to live a positive and full life. His parents must be very wise.My niece works with incoming freshmen at MSU in Bozeman, MT where he is scheduled to talk to the new class this fall. I envy her knowing and working with this young man in any capacity. He has much to teach us all.

From start to finish this book had me wanting more. It truly is a gripping life story about somebody you can relate to. There is just the right ammount of humor, drama, and human spirit that anybody can enjoy this tale. I cannot reccommend this book enough. I have already told countless friends to give it a shot and the ones who have read it agree, this is worth a read. Kevin Michael Connolly takes you on a journey and lets you feel what it's like to be in his "boot", to see, and feel things from his perspective. This book also contains photos from his project which just adds to the reasons you should buy this book. I could not put this down, I read it in a day because of how gripping it was. I'm no skilled writer so I cannot fully do this fine literary work enough justice, so go on read it, you know you want to.

My son will begin college in september and was told that he had to read this book. A lttle upset since he thought he was done with summer reading, I decided to get the book ASAP. We received the book within days and we left on vacation taking it with us. On our drive down 95 to Florida my son read the book aloud and we all enjoyed the witty and comical outlook from a person born with such a disability. I enjoyed it so much that I will be reading it as soon as my son is done with "Double Take" This is a great read!....MOM

This is a charming, easy-reading narrative by a star of adaptive skiing and a budding photographer. He is young to write a memoir, and he does leave me with a few questions about how he's managed to do certain things without legs (but maybe I'm just too nosy). The best parts of this, to me, come in the second half--when he describes the strange reactions he's received from strangers throughout the world. As a wheelchair-user myself, I take exception to but nonetheless understand his desire to separate himself from "the disabled." After all, all of us with visible disabilities get stared at, pitied, prayed over, etc. You end the book feeling as if you've just made a good new friend and would like more conversations in the near future.

this is a charming book that was very surprising in how much it captivated me. I could not put it down. from the early days in Montana with his very understanding parents and family to the trips in europe and abroad, I really came to like Kevin Michael Connoly and his family and friends. I loved the ski coach who encourged Kevin to ski.I am waiting to her how this young man does on his new jumping legs and have enjoyed going to his web site and blog.I highly recommend this book to all

A very insightful memoir. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is not just about living with a disability, but about social perceptions, personal reflection, and bravely taking part in adventure. I would love to have the opportunity to sit down with this young man and have a chat over coffee. I felt like I was his friend by the end of the book.

I really enjoyed this book. Was without angst. Just down to earth. Interesting anecdotes and very funny in places. Loved to hear how he and his family able to cope and adapt everyday in such a warm,crazy way. Kevin was a delight in his enthusiasm for people and places around the world; and yes; people stare. Everyone does it for all types of reasons but usually just curiosity; not meaness.

You will laugh and cry as you read this inspiring book by an amazing man. Kevin's story will make you think twice any time you are inclined to feel sorry for yourself. I've been lucky to meet him and found him even more amazing in real life than he comes across in the pages of his book. I gave out over a dozen of these for Christmas gifts this year and without exception everyone has loved the book.

This is a memoir with two main themes: growing up and travelling. That the author was born without legs just makes it more interesting. Whether writing about the stares and gawks he garners wherever he goes, the MacGyver influenced contraptions that his father and grandfather created in order for Connolly to gain independence (the butt boot was a particular favourite of mine, as well as his discovery that a skateboard was really the best way to get around) or his experiences of learning to ski and later competing in the X Games, Connolly's writing was simple, straightforward and to the point. This is not a criticism, I appreciated the matter-of-fact writing a lot and there are no `woe-is-me' moments to be found within these pages.I felt the book came into its own when Connolly was chronicling his trips overseas, armed only with a backpack, camera and trusty skateboard, visiting various countries for a photography project involving people's reactions to him. Mostly, the reactions were of curiosity but some took on a whole new dimension when he was mistaken as a beggar and given money - primarily in Eastern European countries, which I found interesting. The whole memoir was interspersed with Connolly's own photographs from his travels, making it feel even more intimate than it already was.This was a fast read but I don't feel like it scrimped on details or experiences and Connolly came across as a really personable guy. I recommend it.