Fearlessness: The Story of Lisa Andersen

by Nick Carroll, Lisa Andersen (Foreword)

A beautiful tomboy nicknamed "Trouble," Lisa Andersen ran away from home at age sixteen, determined to become the best surfer in the world. In this wholly original biography, esteemed surf writer Nick Carroll captures her unconventional path to fame. Lisa Andersen did indeed become surfing world championnot once, but four times. Along the way she raised a baby daughter on tour, launched the Roxy brand surf wear for girls, broke a thousand hearts, and inspired an entire generation of girls to surf. Packed with color photographs and never-before-revealed details of her fascinating life, Fearlessness lays bare the story of a young woman who conquered the surf world and changed it forever.

Genres: Nonfiction

164 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

not very exciting...your typical "I came from a hard life and look what I did" story.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books looks and feels like a textbook. Perhaps that's the way the publishers intended, since fans and followers of women's surfing should include this book in their surf history repertoire. I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about what I always considered the elusive and mysterious four time world champion. From Lisa's troubled childhood to her emergence as a competitor and mother, author Nick Carroll gets in-depth and personal with one of the greatest idols of women's surfing. Fearlessness is an easy read for all ages, but I found myself wanting more, thus the three star rating. I'm sure someone else will come along eventually and write a more detailed version- after all Lisa, not yet 40, has entered a new chapter of life as the Global Brand Manager for Roxy and as her peers assure us, is still pushing the limits on women's surfing.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually don't read a lot of biographies and this one highlighted why. It's basically a fluff piece on the life story of Lisa Anderson, written by a friend. Even so, it doesn't make her seem like the most likeable person. She came across to me as someone who basically used people to help her with her career and I'm sure if this was written by an unbiased party with interviews with some of the other people mentioned, you'd get a fuller picture of the true person. However, some might say that a woman might need such an attitude to compete in what was then a male dominated sport.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author did not do justice to surfing in this book. I experienced very little about surfing as the author focuses mostly on Andersen's love life. After reading this biography, I know little about who Andersen is and what being a surfer girl is all about. Still, I love the pictures and continue to be interested in Lisa Andersen, although she appears to be homophobic and the author did little to discuss if she she had changed her views from then.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of Lisa Anderson. What a believer(in herself)she was and is. Very Inspirational. I liked the similarlties I had with her about living in Hunighton Beach and Florida. This is my sisters book so If you would like to read it I can get it from her for you.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable read. Nick Carroll's writing style is a little odd...but Lisa is an inspiration which made it worth it!