In Chapter One of  "Miracle In The Andes: 72 Days On The Mountain and My Long Trek Home" author Nando Parrado discusses what life was like for himself and his teammates on the Old Christians Rugby Club prior to that fateful October day more than thirty years ago. This was a pretty close-knit group of guys who took their rugby very seriously.  These were strong and affluent young men with their whole lives ahead of them.  In October 1972 the team had scheduled an exhibition match with a club in Chile.  And so it was the Old Christians Rugby Club of Uruguay along with a small cadre of family, friends and fans were traveling close to the Andes on a small private aircraft when disaster struck. The plane had veered off course and visibility was poor.  At first there was turbulence and then a frightening tremor that rocked the airplane.  Moments later those who had been lucky enough to survive the terrible crash into the snow and ice and rock began to understand the magnitude of the forces of nature they were up against.  They had come to rest in a bitterly cold and incredibly desolate place somewhere in the God forsaken Andes mountains.  There was no food and seemingly no way out. It appeared that their only hope for survival was a successful rescue mission. Sadly, that outcome was not to be.

Without a doubt, "Miracle In The Andes" is one of the best books I have read this year.  Author Nando Parrado was one of the survivors of this deadly crash. Nando was in a coma for three days after the crash and when he finally awoke he learned that his mother was dead and that his sister was badly injured.  As I recall 18 of the passengers were killed instantly and several more including Nando's beloved sister Susy would die in the days and weeks ahead.  But "Miracle In The Andes" is not about death.  It is all about life and the will to live and press ahead.  It is a story about resolve and teamwork and ingenuity. The survivors were ordinary men who found themselves in an extraordinary set of circumstances.  What makes a story like "Miracle In The Andes" so very fascinating is that none of us have any idea how we would react in this kind of situation.

The compelling saga of "Miracle In The Andes" and the survivor's epic 72 day ordeal in the mountains will grab your attention immediately and never let go. The physical agony and psychological pain this group was forced to endure is literally beyond comprehension!  It is not often that readers get a first hand account of such an extraordinary event.  Nando Parrado turns out to be a very gifted writer who sprinkles the main story line with personal observations and reflections.  When Nando and Roberto find help and the rest are finally rescued you will want to stand up and cheer.  It is a story you will never forget!  From now on whenever I feel discouraged or overwhelmed by life's burdens I will think of them.  "Miracle In The Andes: 72 Days On The Mountain and My Long Trek Home” is an extraordinary book that you will not be able to put down. Highly recommended for everyone!!!