The Road Back: A Journey of Grace and Grit

by Michael Vitez

Matthew Miller had just pedaled up a mountain pass. He was 20, a member of the University of Virginia triathlon club, so fit his resting pulse was 42! He was on top of the world in so many ways, in love, with dreams of attending medical school. And then, cycling along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, tragedy struck. The real story is not what happened, but what happened after. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Michael Vitez shares with you the incredible, humbling, miraculous story of Matt's survival and recovery. It is a story, truly, of grace and grit, of an America that shines - families, community, individuals and institutions. The story is as gripping as it is inspiring. Ride along! The author first chronicled Matt Miller's story for his newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer. The response from readers was so overwhelming - and Matt's continued recovery so remarkable - that Vitez immersed himself in Matt's world. The Road Back is not only about a young man's drive to reclaim his life, but about the the people who rode with him, rescued him, helped him heal, and saw up close his amazing comeback.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cycling, Biography

212 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2012

About the author

Michael Vitez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author whose work celebrates resilience, dignity, and the extraordinary within the everyday. For three decades, he wrote human-interest stories for The Philadelphia Inquirer, including a landmark series on end-of-life care that earned him the Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Journalism in 1997. He is the author of several books, among them Final Choices, Rocky Stories, The Road Back, and Great Americans. Today, he directs the Narrative Medicine program at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine, helping future doctors understand the power of storytelling in healthcare.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times, this book was very difficult to read, as I found the descriptions of the horrific accident in which Matthew Miller was involved too detailed for me. But Matthew Miller's long battle to good health, the completion of his education, and a normal life are very compelling and truly inspirational. The support of his loving family is also heart warming and touching. I'm not sure this book is for everyone, but I am glad that I read it.

[Lucinda A. Durkee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I recommend this book. I like the writing style. I love the ending. All good.I could not lay it down.

[Robin Kimball Eisenbeis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of inspiration for any involved in a terrible accident. Michael Vitez wrote a great story of heartbreak, hope and the power of setting goals. A well written book!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I too am an Ironman triathlete, but am not nearly as good, determined or as driven as Matt Miller! I am pretty driven (especially given the fact that I have done 3 Ironman's and am in training for my 4th)... but this guy is in a completely different realm when it comes to self discipline. Absolutely amazing. The first thing I did this morning was run 5-miles at 5:30am. If Matt can do it while going to medical school, I sure in the hell can do it too - and I just have an office to go to every day!

Okay - don't read this book for an absolutely brilliant writing style, and the flowing sentence structure, or the abstract words to create a beautiful picture... you will not find that here. However, you will find a mind blowing story! Matt Miller's recovery & story is truly unbelievable. You will shake your head, cry, smile, and be completely inspired by him. It is a must read for anyone - he can & will touch so many people in so many different ways.

Very happy I found this book - thank you Michael Vitez!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the true story of Matt Miller, a University of Virginia student who was severely injured when being struck by a car during a bike ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The injuries he sustained to his head were so severe the doctors did not expect him to make it, but instead Matt defied the odds to an incredible degree recovering at an incredible pace and going on to attend medical school and run a triathalon. It's truly an incredible story of an amazing young man. I'm not sure it was something I needed to read an entire book about though. The book was written by a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, who profiled Matt in the paper. I imagine I would have gotten just as much out of the newspaper profile as I did from the book. Not that I'm dissuading anyone from reading the book because it is an impressive story.

[Logan Sudholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is absolutely amazing. I've never heard/read anything as amzing as this. Mathew Miller is a triathlete who collided head-on with a car. He's lucky to be living today. Matt is a very good friend of my uncle. Also, Matt's swim coach, Bernadino, was my swim coach when I went to Virginia for camp. He is a very sweet guy. Mathew Miller is a fantastic guy. Very sweet, and has a brave heart. It was an absolute miracle to have the doctor save his life on the road at the scene. It's an amazing book. Just fantastic. I strongly suggest that you read this story. Matt is one os my close family friends and I'd like to have you know about his accident. God bless you Matt<3

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about a UVa student who was in a horrible bicycle accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few years ago. I'm local to the area where the accident happened, and know, at least by name, many of the people involved. I had heard some of the details previously, and enjoyed the opportunity to hear the full story of this exceptional young man.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself propels the book. I had read the series in the Philly Inquirer years ago and was encouraged to read the book. Such an incredible man - we should all aspire to have such courage and determination.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about Matt Miller's road to recovery after sustaining horrific injuries while biking! Loved it!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am on Chapter 5 and it is riveting, miraculous, courageous, and not a book I will stop reading. I will finish this tonight!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting and well-written story. What Matt Miller had to overcome was incredible. Good, quick read.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story of an unbelievable comeback - great story. Must read for road-bikers and triathletes - just don't let your better half read it or you might not be allowed back on the bike!

[McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope this never happens to me or any of my friends and family...however, if it ever does, I hope to have the same attitude and results! Inspiring.

[Peze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in a long time. Well written and a compelling story, it flows quickly, focussing on the recovery and indomitable spirit, rather than the accident and the injuries.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Quick read. Remarkable recovery. Could have been a little more in-depth.

[Mairéad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well told story of grit perseverance and luck. It made me really stop to think about what you don’t realize that some people are going through outside of work.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning!