In 1981, at 22 years old, Tom embarked on a solo, 58 day bicycle trip from Florence, Oregon to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. The journey within proved much greater than his trip on the bike. This became a journey of the heart and soul. Events along the way triggered flashbacks from earlier times in Toms life, starting with his birth, when the doctor encouraged his parents to pull the plug; to overcoming his disabilities; to surviving the heart wrenching family loss. The story encompasses his experiences as Tom pedals through unexpected snow storms, climbs over 11, 000 foot passes, and crosses the Continental Divide. Along the way, he has chance encounters and a near death experience as he struggles to complete his trip, hampered and emboldened by his life reflections. As a college professor and therapist, Tom shares how his life and journey has fueled his passion for teaching others, taking his students on inward journeys of the heart and soul as well, reflecting on relationships, love, and the meaning of life. This is a story of redemption and transformation. In it are lessons of inspiration, sorrow, courage, tragedy, hope, and joy. Its a story that engages the reader in the dead reckoning of the heart. This reflective memoir offers an unsentimental account of personal triumph in the face of disability. The author writes in a witty, detail-rich narrative style that feels more like a conversation Reis demonstrates how one can heal oneself by helping and guiding others. A well-paced memoir about the authors climb toward success and self-awareness. -(Kirkus Review)
