Standing on the Shoulders: Incredible Heroes and How They Inspire Us

by Dan Walker

'AN EXTRAORDINARY BOOK' NIHAL ARTHANAYAKE

'SUCH AN INCREDIBLE READ' ZOE BALL

'ONE OF THE YEAR'S MOST INSPIRING BOOKS' HOLLY WILLOUGHBY

With a foreword by 2021 Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, and including chapters on Rose and her mum, the 3 Dads Walking, Martin Hibbert, Paul and Nick Harvey, the heroes of Fishmongers' Hall, and Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole.

Dan Walker is back, determined to keep shining a light on the kindness, compassion and selflessness which continue to characterise so many people and their actions right across the country.

As one of the UK's leading journalists, Dan has made it his life work to focus on people who often act as the catalysts for the unheralded champions who frequently go without getting the recognition they deserve.

The new book from the author of the bestselling Remarkable People contains a totally fresh batch of humble heroes whose actions, bravery and determination have helped shape their communities.

Standing on the Shoulders asks who are these little-known marvels and what makes them tick? What do they have in common? What can we all learn from them? Is there something special in the chain of events? What does it take to make a lasting impact on others?

History can be cruel and forgetful to those who don't shout about their own success or good deeds, but Standing on the Shoulders is a beautifully-written and illuminating celebration of ordinary people and the extraordinary things they do. It is also a timely reminder of the goodness and positivity that drives us forward during challenging times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 17, 2023

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book which Dan narrates (and a very good job he does too). Each chapter focuses on one person, or event or group of people (in the case of the three dads). All are truly inspirational in either overcoming obstacles to make a success of their life or finding a way to deal with their grief which benefits others. So many of the stories are extremely moving, and most will probably be familiar from the media/news.

Dan's approach is both sympathetic and enquiring. I was left with the feeling that he really cares about the people he is talking to. As well as background insight alongside the dialogue, there are also humorous insights from behind the scenes, particularly from the Strictly dance chapters, where he was a celebrity contestant.

Some (not all) of the stories are tragic and just so saddening but overall these are stories of optimism and hope and are uplifting and inspiring and show amazing strength of character. The subject of forgiveness in the face of such awful atrocity has its own chapter with Dan talking to people about their religious beliefs and why they have chosen to forgive rather than live a life of bitterness and hate.

It's not necessary to have read the first book, Remarkable People to get the most from this one. Dan does revisit a few people mentioned in the first book with an update on their lives since he last spoke to them and how they are progressing either personally with a particular cause.

Heroes don't always wear capes.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Dan Walter. He is refreshingly positive.

Whilst the book isn't quite as good as the first one, it is good.

The final chapter on forgiveness is superb.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was clear from his first book that Dan cares about people and this book follows the same path, hearing incredible stories about incredible everyday people. A truly wonderful and inspiring book.

[Vicky Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and inspirational read full of stories of ordinary people who have done remarkable things, making them very much more than ordinary. Of note too is the easy and natural way that the author’s faith is shared throughout the book. A sensitive book that lets you put life into perspective.

[James Girling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Incredible but many devastating real life stories that put the whole of life in perspective and provide a lot of hope in the midst of challenge. Inspiring read!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan has gone and done it again, thoroughly recommended! He admits himself the themes in this book are very similar to his first. You don't have to have read Remarkable People to enjoy this book but if you have you will find updates on a good number of the folks mentioned.

The later chapters on forgiveness are an excellent opportunity for Dan to open up about his own faith and share how the root of Christianity is the need for forgiveness for sins. A great opportunity.

There are so many great people we can read about in history, Dan Walker sits down with folks in the here and now, he not only writes their story but he shows us how their unique approaches to their experiences can teach us so much.

An excellent read.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring stories of others lives. Some very traumatic stories, such as the Manchester bombing or the London Bridge rescue, or the probation meeting in London, these were amazing stories that really caught my attention. Some of the stories were interesting but perhaps not quite so riveting. But what all of the stories in the book had in common was that they were about ordinary people put in extraordinary situations. The love and forgiveness some were able to feel in very traumatic circumstances was also very inspiring. A very worthwhile read.

[Samantha Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Dan Walker wrote about the people who can inspire us.
Reading this I had my heart broken reading some of chapters.
However other chapter you can see the joy.
Not spoiler this for for anyone but it is a must read.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dan tells Strictly tales, revisits old friends from book one and adds more horrendous stories in a book about empathy, forgiveness and the human condition.

[Jim Savastio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, informative, and moving accounts of various people who's lives have intersected with broadcaster Dan Walker. Dan has an easy style of writing that will draw you in.

[Marion Geddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant true stories

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational stories from people you may not have heard of, told in a beautiful way.

[Gemma Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking- tales of amazing human beings and their outlook- humbling, awe inspiring and uplifting.

[Keri McVeigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible book from Dan. Some inspirational stories shared, showing there is hope in the darkest situations.

[Duncan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read - very conversational