
Risk
A Life Saved by the River
$26.99
- Paperback
256 pages
- Release Date
12 August 2025
Summary
A compelling narrative about a pioneering woman’s connection to wild rivers as a whitewater world champion, and how the journey heals past and current childhood trauma.
Alternating between two time periods, Risk is about Sue Norman’s journey as a pioneer in international whitewater kayaking and rafting competition. Outdoor adventure helped the author cope with the trauma of her mother’s diagnosis of acute multiple sclerosis when she was five, which rapidly forced her family int…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781647429249 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1647429242 |
| Author: | Susan Norman |
| Publisher: | She Writes Press |
| Imprint: | She Writes Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 256 |
| Release Date: | 12 August 2025 |
| Weight: | 210g |
| Dimensions: | 140mm x 213mm |

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Critics Review
2026 IPPY Book Awards Brone Medal Winner in Autobiography/Memoir II (Coming of Age/Family Legacy)
2025 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Silver Winner in Nonfiction: Adventure
“Risk is an inspiring and captivating adventure story that beautifully intertwines Sue Norman’s legendary and pioneering career as a whitewater paddler with her deeply personal journey of overcoming immense challenges. Norman’s raw and heartfelt narrative, showcases the transformative power of embracing what she calls ‘good risk.’ This book is a testament to resilience, courage, and the healing force of outdoor adventure.”—Juliet Starrett, NYT best-selling author of Built to Move & 3x World Whitewater Champion
“Sue Norman’s Risk inspires awe. It is a tale of overcoming; of passion; of deep connection to nature; and of a profound commitment to bringing one’s best to a life. As a lifelong kayaker I thrilled to the passages about international river running and whitewater racing–the heart pounding risks and the courage. As a human, I was profoundly moved by the lessons in how to put together a moral, generous, and meaningful life.”—Peter Heller, NYT best-selling author of The Dog Stars, The River, and Burn
“Sue Norman has paddled whitewater rivers around the world, yet without a doubt her biggest act of courage was becoming a mother. In this deeply thoughtful, often funny, resonant memoir, Norman deftly explores not just the landscapes and adventures that made her who she is, but also the terrain of the human heart.”—Caroline Paul, NYT best-selling author of Gutsy Girl and Tough Broad
Susan Norman
Sue Norman is the author of Risk, a memoir about extreme whitewater competition and extreme parenting. She began writing soon after retiring from a hydrology career with the Forest Service and becoming guardian of her young nephew. A former National and World Champion in both whitewater kayaking and rafting, she continues to coach youth paddlers in whitewater raft racing. She lives in Lake Tahoe, California with her son/nephew, partner Lisa, and their two dogs.
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