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"Angels in the Wilderness" is the first-person account of how author Amy Racina survived for four days and nights, both legs badly broken, in a remote valley in California's Sierra Nevada mountains after a sixty-foot fall during a solo hiking trip. Battling pain, fear and exhaustion, she pulled herself along with her hands, and refused to give up even when her chances of salvation were remote. The book chronicles her miraculous rescue, and describes her dramatic airlift out of the canyon, swinging helplessly from two straps, dangling fearfully beneath a helicopter high above the ravine where she had lain.
Angels in the Wilderness
Amy Racina
Elite Books (2006)
ISBN 0971088896
Reviewed by Abbie G. Yandle for Reader Views (7/06)
In telling the story of her terrifying fall, miraculous rescue, and complete recovery, Amy fully engages the reader. She proves herself to be an excellent storyteller. Filling us in on background details, she takes us through her preparation for what will be the hike of her life. Traveling with her along the trail with vivid images of the beauty of the wilderness is exhilarating. During the four long days and nights of solitude in the ravine after the fall, her strength of mind, body, and spirit begins to be revealed. The shattering pain of her rescue brings tears. Once she is in the hospital friends begin to gather, providing the support she needs for the long, painful recovery process. She learns, and teaches us all, that one life indeed does make a difference.
As much as I enjoyed the story, one of my favorite parts of the book is contained in the last few chapters where Amy shares with us the spiritual lessons that helped her through her ordeal. She speaks of the spiritual tools that not only kept her alive, but helped her overcome pain and suffering. She speaks at length of gratitude. In a few short chapters she crystallizes for the reader those threads of spirit that weave in and out of the entire story. There is much that I have in common with Amy through beliefs, connections to a variety of people (in average places and alternative communities alike), and survival of life altering physical trauma. She inspires me to tell my own story.
I would recommend this book to most any adults and young adults I know. The story is wonderfully written. The lessons learned apply to each of us. It greatly exceeds my expectations based on the synopsis. I am grateful for the chance to read and review “Angels in the Wilderness.”
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