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The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph
A memoir from the United States’s most decorated winter Paralympic or Olympic athlete, The Hard Parts is Oksana Masters' account of overcoming extraordinary Chernobyl disaster–caused physical challenges to create a life that challenges everyone to push through what is holding them back.
Oksana Masters was born in Ukraine—in the shadow of Chernobyl—seemingly with the odds stacked against her. She came into the world with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep, and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias.
Relinquished to the orphanage system by birth parents daunted by the staggering cost of what would be their child’s medical care, Oksana encountered numerous abuses, some horrifying. Salvation came at age seven when Gay Masters, an unmarried American professor who saw a photo of the little girl and became haunted by her eyes, waged a two-year war against stubborn adoption authorities to rescue Oksana from her circumstances.
In America, Oksana endured years of operations that included a double leg amputation. Still, how could she hope to fit in when there were so many things making her different?
As it turned out, she would do much more than fit in. Determined to prove herself and fueled by a drive to succeed that still smoldered from childhood, Oksana triumphed in not just one sport but four—winning against the world’s best in elite rowing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and road cycling competitions. Now considered one of the world’s top athletes, she is the recipient of seventeen Paralympic medals, the most of any US athlete of the Winter Games, Paralympic or Olympic.
Oksana Masters was born in Ukraine—in the shadow of Chernobyl—seemingly with the odds stacked against her. She came into the world with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep, and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias.
Relinquished to the orphanage system by birth parents daunted by the staggering cost of what would be their child’s medical care, Oksana encountered numerous abuses, some horrifying. Salvation came at age seven when Gay Masters, an unmarried American professor who saw a photo of the little girl and became haunted by her eyes, waged a two-year war against stubborn adoption authorities to rescue Oksana from her circumstances.
In America, Oksana endured years of operations that included a double leg amputation. Still, how could she hope to fit in when there were so many things making her different?
As it turned out, she would do much more than fit in. Determined to prove herself and fueled by a drive to succeed that still smoldered from childhood, Oksana triumphed in not just one sport but four—winning against the world’s best in elite rowing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and road cycling competitions. Now considered one of the world’s top athletes, she is the recipient of seventeen Paralympic medals, the most of any US athlete of the Winter Games, Paralympic or Olympic.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
February 7, 2023
The Hard Parts: From Chernobyl to Paralympic Champion—My Story of Achieving the Extraordinary is a phenomenal memoir by Oksana Masters.
I was fortunate to win this incredible book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I highly recommend it!
Masters was born in Ukraine with multiple disabilities due to the radiation from the Chernobyl disaster. Her birth parents relinquished her to an orphanage that was horrific.
Miraculously, she was adopted by a single, determined mother in the U.S. Masters underwent many surgeries, including two above-the-knee amputations. She was very different than her classmates and school was a continual struggle.
She discovered rowing and became a multi-sport Paralympic champion---rowing, skiing, biathlon, and cycling. Along the way she had a horrible boyfriend who she continued to stay with because she was afraid that no one else would love her. Eventually that relationship ended, and she found true, compassionate love.
Masters' journey illustrates the power of the human spirit filled with grit, determination, and conviction. She indicated that she didn't want to have a life of regrets---the what-ifs and the failures---the pain of regret cuts deeper than any other pain.
She convinces readers to never accept the limited views others might have of you---keep on fighting. There's no perfect path for achieving your goal---but always move forward in the direction of your dreams.
Highly, highly recommend!
I was fortunate to win this incredible book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I highly recommend it!
Masters was born in Ukraine with multiple disabilities due to the radiation from the Chernobyl disaster. Her birth parents relinquished her to an orphanage that was horrific.
Miraculously, she was adopted by a single, determined mother in the U.S. Masters underwent many surgeries, including two above-the-knee amputations. She was very different than her classmates and school was a continual struggle.
She discovered rowing and became a multi-sport Paralympic champion---rowing, skiing, biathlon, and cycling. Along the way she had a horrible boyfriend who she continued to stay with because she was afraid that no one else would love her. Eventually that relationship ended, and she found true, compassionate love.
Masters' journey illustrates the power of the human spirit filled with grit, determination, and conviction. She indicated that she didn't want to have a life of regrets---the what-ifs and the failures---the pain of regret cuts deeper than any other pain.
She convinces readers to never accept the limited views others might have of you---keep on fighting. There's no perfect path for achieving your goal---but always move forward in the direction of your dreams.
Highly, highly recommend!
September 30, 2022
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I am not a sensitive person but this book made me ugly cry by the time I've reached page 50.
Oksana had a terrible start in her life and if you think you have an idea what "terrible" might mean I am going to warn you right away - it is much, much worse. If you are triggered by any kind of abuse - don't pick up this book. However, from the heartbreaking beginnings sprouts a very uplifting story about healing powers of sports and love, about perseverance and coming to terms (at least partially) with past traumas. Oksana's achievements are extraordinary and its very intriguing to see not only the outcome (many medals in the biggest sport events) but also a path that lead there. It's a "motivational porn" at its best.
To my utter delight this book also contains an absolutely amazing depictions of healthy and supportive mother-daughter relationship. In the sea of ugliness this bond is like a beacon of hope and I loved how importance of it was emphasized multiple times. I love Mrs. Masters with all my heart and I wish everyone could have a mother like that.
Recommend to anyone and everyone.
I am not a sensitive person but this book made me ugly cry by the time I've reached page 50.
Oksana had a terrible start in her life and if you think you have an idea what "terrible" might mean I am going to warn you right away - it is much, much worse. If you are triggered by any kind of abuse - don't pick up this book. However, from the heartbreaking beginnings sprouts a very uplifting story about healing powers of sports and love, about perseverance and coming to terms (at least partially) with past traumas. Oksana's achievements are extraordinary and its very intriguing to see not only the outcome (many medals in the biggest sport events) but also a path that lead there. It's a "motivational porn" at its best.
To my utter delight this book also contains an absolutely amazing depictions of healthy and supportive mother-daughter relationship. In the sea of ugliness this bond is like a beacon of hope and I loved how importance of it was emphasized multiple times. I love Mrs. Masters with all my heart and I wish everyone could have a mother like that.
Recommend to anyone and everyone.
April 24, 2023
Oksana Masters was born in Ukraine with some radiation induced birth defects stemming from the Chernobyl disaster. She grew up in an orphanage under horrific conditions but at the age of 7 was adopted by a single American woman, Gay Masters. Oksana's legs were eventually amputated and she had surgery to modify her webbed fingers. At the age of 13, she was introduced to the sport of rowing and in 2012 competed in the London Paralympic Games.
I don't want to give away too much about her accomplishments in case you are learning about her for the first time, but wow, what an athlete! It really just goes to show you how sports can be life-changing and bring out the best in a person. Once Oksana got a taste of rowing it really fueled that inner drive and it's amazing and inspiring how she was able to push the limits as a competitor.
Overcoming adversity is a theme in her life and I can only imagine how difficult it would be to revisit old memories while writing her story. Oksana is a warrior and I highly recommend checking out her memoir.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
I don't want to give away too much about her accomplishments in case you are learning about her for the first time, but wow, what an athlete! It really just goes to show you how sports can be life-changing and bring out the best in a person. Once Oksana got a taste of rowing it really fueled that inner drive and it's amazing and inspiring how she was able to push the limits as a competitor.
Overcoming adversity is a theme in her life and I can only imagine how difficult it would be to revisit old memories while writing her story. Oksana is a warrior and I highly recommend checking out her memoir.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
April 1, 2023
4.5
"I keep thinking how it might be important for them to see me not just as unbroken, but alive and well. Not as some object of pity but as an example of strength, as a woman who's seen power on the other side of her trauma, and who deserves to be known not as the sum of her experiences but as the sum of her actions."
Oksana Masters certainly achieved that in my mind. Amazing choices, amazing accomplishments, amazing determination to do the impossible, against all expectations from the naysayers surrounding her. A powerful story. A fortunate pairing of a woman who gave Oksana a new chance in life, and her own remarkable embrace of new challenges. It was far from a smooth road, but one she traveled with an unbroken spirit. The word overcome seems pale in comparison to what she experienced and conquered. I was particularly touched by her willingness to step outside her comfort zone to help others, like when she spoke to Ukrainian soldiers who'd been wounded and lost limbs (which has even more relevance in the past year with the war there).
I had never paid much attention to paralymics but I will now. In my defense, I don't pay attention to much of the Olympics except a few favorite sports, but this opened my eyes to what some endure to be part of that tradition and culture, and I'm in awe. This was an engaging listen on audio.
"I keep thinking how it might be important for them to see me not just as unbroken, but alive and well. Not as some object of pity but as an example of strength, as a woman who's seen power on the other side of her trauma, and who deserves to be known not as the sum of her experiences but as the sum of her actions."
Oksana Masters certainly achieved that in my mind. Amazing choices, amazing accomplishments, amazing determination to do the impossible, against all expectations from the naysayers surrounding her. A powerful story. A fortunate pairing of a woman who gave Oksana a new chance in life, and her own remarkable embrace of new challenges. It was far from a smooth road, but one she traveled with an unbroken spirit. The word overcome seems pale in comparison to what she experienced and conquered. I was particularly touched by her willingness to step outside her comfort zone to help others, like when she spoke to Ukrainian soldiers who'd been wounded and lost limbs (which has even more relevance in the past year with the war there).
I had never paid much attention to paralymics but I will now. In my defense, I don't pay attention to much of the Olympics except a few favorite sports, but this opened my eyes to what some endure to be part of that tradition and culture, and I'm in awe. This was an engaging listen on audio.
May 19, 2023
I have never said this before in a book review but Oksana Masters' memoir, The Hard Parts, broke my heart and put it together again. I cried both sad and happy tears beginning with the dedication.
Born in the Ukraine in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, Oksana had numerous birth defects and was given up for adoption. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian orphanage was the stuff of nightmares. Fortunately, Oksana was adopted at age seven (she was the size of a three year old) by an amazing single American woman and began the arduous journey to deal with numerous surgeries and setbacks as well as severe PTSD. Against all odds, through grit and determination and with the unconditional loving support of her mother, Oksana not only survived but thrived, becoming a world class Paralympic champion in multiple events.
I won't lie, The Hard Parts was a tough read. I can't stop thinking about it. It is haunting but also incredibly powerful and inspiring. It is one of the best memoirs I have read in a very long time.
TW: deprivation; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; self harm.
I received a drc from the publisher via NetGalley.
Born in the Ukraine in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, Oksana had numerous birth defects and was given up for adoption. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian orphanage was the stuff of nightmares. Fortunately, Oksana was adopted at age seven (she was the size of a three year old) by an amazing single American woman and began the arduous journey to deal with numerous surgeries and setbacks as well as severe PTSD. Against all odds, through grit and determination and with the unconditional loving support of her mother, Oksana not only survived but thrived, becoming a world class Paralympic champion in multiple events.
I won't lie, The Hard Parts was a tough read. I can't stop thinking about it. It is haunting but also incredibly powerful and inspiring. It is one of the best memoirs I have read in a very long time.
TW: deprivation; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; self harm.
I received a drc from the publisher via NetGalley.
June 30, 2023
This is an amazing book. Amazing story and well-written!
February 19, 2023
All you need to do to know that Masters is an exceptional athlete is look at her Wikipedia page: medal, medal, medal, medal... Her first athletic love was rowing, but a combination of injury and delight in having a challenge led her to skiing and cycling.
But The Hard Parts isn't about that, not really. Sports matter in this book—they became a vital outlet for Masters, and a way of proving to herself that she was capable and powerful—but Masters didn't have an easy or direct road to them, and in fact the "hard parts" were the dominating parts for much of her childhood. Born in Ukraine, in the shadow of Chernobyl, Masters had physical deformities that in a place with limited resources meant being consigned to an orphanage and...well, given up on, I suppose. Treated as disposable. I think it would be disservice to Masters to try to explain her particular circumstances in detail—I'd rather leave it to the words she uses herself in the book—but I will say that the orphanage lived up to nearly every grim expectation and stereotype you might have of an orphanage in Eastern Europe immediately after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and that Masters was the size of an average three-year-old when she was adopted at the age of seven.
I wondered, early on in the book, if it was doing itself a disservice by taking a chronological form rather than shifting back and forth between Masters' life in the US and her childhood in Ukraine, but the farther I got in the more I understood that she was in fact doing that—laying the foundation and then making smaller shifts back and forth to illustrate how the abuse and neglect of her childhood continued to affect her, and how she was able to gradually process it. Intermingled with this, of course, is Masters' introduction to the world of the Paralympics, some of which is so completely infuriating: she notes, for example, that her Team USA gear was first team uniform she'd ever worn, because she'd never truly been allowed to participate in school. It's illustrative of this odd irony, I think, one that must be true for many people with disabilities: that her options were to compete at the highest level or not at all. She happened to have the talent and the drive and the creativity to compete at that high level.
There's so much that I want to say here—like, I'm fascinated by the way that Masters describes some of para-athleticism as being a matter of figuring out how to make a given sport work best for her body's strengths and weaknesses and quirks; obviously able-bodied athletes also work to their strengths and so on, but the potential for variation with para-athletes seems to be on a different level. But in the spirit of not accidentally writing a dissertation about a book (...wouldn't be the first time...), I'll leave off on an important note: that Masters' mother is an absolute hero of this story, as fierce an advocate as any child could hope for.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
But The Hard Parts isn't about that, not really. Sports matter in this book—they became a vital outlet for Masters, and a way of proving to herself that she was capable and powerful—but Masters didn't have an easy or direct road to them, and in fact the "hard parts" were the dominating parts for much of her childhood. Born in Ukraine, in the shadow of Chernobyl, Masters had physical deformities that in a place with limited resources meant being consigned to an orphanage and...well, given up on, I suppose. Treated as disposable. I think it would be disservice to Masters to try to explain her particular circumstances in detail—I'd rather leave it to the words she uses herself in the book—but I will say that the orphanage lived up to nearly every grim expectation and stereotype you might have of an orphanage in Eastern Europe immediately after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and that Masters was the size of an average three-year-old when she was adopted at the age of seven.
I wondered, early on in the book, if it was doing itself a disservice by taking a chronological form rather than shifting back and forth between Masters' life in the US and her childhood in Ukraine, but the farther I got in the more I understood that she was in fact doing that—laying the foundation and then making smaller shifts back and forth to illustrate how the abuse and neglect of her childhood continued to affect her, and how she was able to gradually process it. Intermingled with this, of course, is Masters' introduction to the world of the Paralympics, some of which is so completely infuriating: she notes, for example, that her Team USA gear was first team uniform she'd ever worn, because she'd never truly been allowed to participate in school. It's illustrative of this odd irony, I think, one that must be true for many people with disabilities: that her options were to compete at the highest level or not at all. She happened to have the talent and the drive and the creativity to compete at that high level.
There's so much that I want to say here—like, I'm fascinated by the way that Masters describes some of para-athleticism as being a matter of figuring out how to make a given sport work best for her body's strengths and weaknesses and quirks; obviously able-bodied athletes also work to their strengths and so on, but the potential for variation with para-athletes seems to be on a different level. But in the spirit of not accidentally writing a dissertation about a book (...wouldn't be the first time...), I'll leave off on an important note: that Masters' mother is an absolute hero of this story, as fierce an advocate as any child could hope for.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Currently reading
October 27, 2022💖❤️🩹💖 I just received this in the mail today and it sounds really interesting. Oksana Masters was born in the Ukraine and has many physical challenges since she was exposed to Utero Radiation from Chernobyl. She seems dandy to grow up in an orphanage, but at 7 was adopted and came to the United States. She has to endure so much, but does go on to become America’s most decorated Winter Paralympian.
I like these type of stories, where reading I learn how someone gains the strength to persevere and triumph. I also especially like books about the Ukraine Region and the hardships many have endured over the years. These are incredible achievements and will check back with a full review of this book.
We have a small library where I live and trying to develop it more. Reading really offers so many answers to life’s challenges I find. 📚💕
I like these type of stories, where reading I learn how someone gains the strength to persevere and triumph. I also especially like books about the Ukraine Region and the hardships many have endured over the years. These are incredible achievements and will check back with a full review of this book.
We have a small library where I live and trying to develop it more. Reading really offers so many answers to life’s challenges I find. 📚💕
March 10, 2023
There you have it folks...my first 5 star read of 2023
February 21, 2023
Available today! Review to come soon.
January 9, 2023
I’ve followed Oksana Masters since her interview with Players’ Tribune in 2020, which is fittingly what the book ends on. The interview is striking in its honesty, but also it’s generosity of spirit. Oksana is adamant that sharing her story empowers her and she wants it to empower others; we are a sum of our parts, especially the hard parts, but we can rise beyond what has happened to us and own our stories. Her memoir is a deep exploration of that, and a more comprehensive view of her life up to this point, and I loved every minute we get to spend with her as the reader. On her Instagram, she has a great sense of humor and always seems bubbly and bursting with energy. In her book her spirit bleeds through—I got a good giggle quite a few times—but she also shares what’s going on underneath that and how it often functions as a mask. The way Oksana leads us through her journey gives the impression that she’s spent time moving through her trauma, and her message is that it’s okay to carry it with you, that it will be a part of you but you don’t have to let it overtake you. There are definitely trigger warnings, that especially as a bookseller I’ll definitely be conscious of, but the book is ultimately uplifting and things are shared in a reflective way that aims to encourage & inspire anyone else struggling through similar hard parts.
In short, I adored Oksana Masters, and her book only made me appreciate her more!!
In short, I adored Oksana Masters, and her book only made me appreciate her more!!
May 19, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up. The first half of the memoir deals with the extremely difficult childhood that Masters had (and not just because of her physical disabilities), her journey from a Ukrainian orphanage to the US, and her continued health (physical, emotional, mental) struggles as an adolescent. The second half of the memoir details Masters' very impressive athletic journey (she has medaled in the Paralympic games in rowing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and cycling), as well as her struggles with finances, finding meaningful relationships, and overcoming injuries and pain. The part that surprised me the most was learning about her complicated feelings about the prospect of finding and meeting her birth family in Ukraine, and how she had to deal with the fallout from people falsely claiming to be her relatives once she became a well-known athlete.
Writing-wise, this book was well-written and well-paced, with a largely linear narrative arc except for echoing flashbacks to a certain horrific childhood trauma that Masters has continued to process throughout her life. I do see a contributing author credited, who likely aided in narrative voice and flow.
Writing-wise, this book was well-written and well-paced, with a largely linear narrative arc except for echoing flashbacks to a certain horrific childhood trauma that Masters has continued to process throughout her life. I do see a contributing author credited, who likely aided in narrative voice and flow.
May 8, 2023
What a beautiful and heartbreaking story. I have to admit I didn’t know much about Oksana Masters or the para Olympics before this, but I have now read up on her and started following her on social media! She is a true warrior. I admire her grit and determination to accomplish her goals. She found a healthy outlet to help her with her past and struggles and turned out to be one of the most incredible and inspiring athletes. Oksana’s mother: Gay, you are a true hero. The way she fought through all the obstacles to bring and adopt Oksana is amazing. I aspire to be a parent like her- strong and determined, dedicated and momma bear when needed, but caring and loving to Oksana. Beautiful, and eye opening story!
February 19, 2023
The Hard Parts by Oksana Masters is an inspiring story of triumph over trauma and disability. She was born in Ukraine and exposed in utero to radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear station. Born with complicated and multiple physical impairments, she was placed in an orphanage and suffered horrible abuse there.
Finally adopted at age seven by an American woman, Gay Masters, Oksana was loved and cared for in every aspect of her life. But she was also subjected to bullying at school, several medical setbacks including amputation of both legs, and all that came with the normal circumstances of puberty. Through her own inner strength and the assistance of her mother and friends she was somehow able to rise above her physical challenges and become a top-notch athlete, competing and winning medals in rowing, biathlon, cross-county skiing, and road cycling at the Olympic level.
Oksana's story is inspirational, raw, honest, motivating, courageous, and remarkable. I highly recommend this memoir and can guarantee that readers will come away from it changed for the better.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Scribner, for access to an e-book copy in return for an honest review.
Finally adopted at age seven by an American woman, Gay Masters, Oksana was loved and cared for in every aspect of her life. But she was also subjected to bullying at school, several medical setbacks including amputation of both legs, and all that came with the normal circumstances of puberty. Through her own inner strength and the assistance of her mother and friends she was somehow able to rise above her physical challenges and become a top-notch athlete, competing and winning medals in rowing, biathlon, cross-county skiing, and road cycling at the Olympic level.
Oksana's story is inspirational, raw, honest, motivating, courageous, and remarkable. I highly recommend this memoir and can guarantee that readers will come away from it changed for the better.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Scribner, for access to an e-book copy in return for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
An amazing memoir about an amazingly strong woman!!
May 20, 2023
This is a great memoir about a courageous, ambitious young woman who rises from a dark childhood to become a Paralympic medalist.
February 27, 2023
I have been waiting for this book since the announcement. I couldn't put it down. It is hard to not love Oksana Masters for her grit and determination. Her accomplishments are many. I knew a bit of her story, but it is terribly heartbreaking. More than I realized. Her "why" is incredible. Her mother is such a remarkable woman in her own right. This book has many things, but definitely highlights a mother's love.
March 29, 2023
The story was disjointed and choppy and skipped years without any explanation or transition. She did adapt and work with her severe disabilities and that is admirable. However she came to absolutely need her sports competitions to deal with the dark places in her mind from her seven years in three Ukrainian orphanages where she was horribly abused. In her years from age 5 to age 7, when her American mother adopted her, she was used as merchandize for an underground brothel on the third floor of the orphanage. She hides this from everyone, even her mother, because of her shame and feelings of unworthiness. Obviously at some point she opens up because she writes about them in this book. But at the end, I was left with myriad questions. One that really aggravated me was that we’re not told if her last race destroyed her elbow and if so, how she is coping. Another one: what is she doing now? I’m really not sure what I gained from reading this other than it’s possible to survive anything.
December 26, 2022
Dreams can be fulfilled and demons overcome. A detailed memoir of a very determined woman to achieve success with both. Oksana was fortunate to have a mother love her unconditionally thus allowing her to become her own person. An extremely moving memoir giving hope to others.
A very, very good read.
A very, very good read.
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March 14, 2023
You are either born with grit or not, and Oksana Masters has it in spades! Her journey from an orphanage in Ukraine where starvation and abuse were a part of daily life to becoming the most decorated US Winter Olympian (Olympic and Paralympic) is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Oksana is open and honest about her experiences, her highs and her lows. When you grow up not experiencing love and affection, it becomes difficult to learn and accept happiness as you age. Oksana didn’t just have to overcome her mental health, but also several birth defects that resulted from the radiation her mother was exposed to when she was pregnant with Oksana.
“She was born with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep, and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias.”
Once in the US, Oksana was operated on several times including two above the knee leg amputations. Her journey to accept herself is a constant theme within the book and her journey to not just tackling one sport, but four, will keep you turning page after page.
In short, I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
Oksana is open and honest about her experiences, her highs and her lows. When you grow up not experiencing love and affection, it becomes difficult to learn and accept happiness as you age. Oksana didn’t just have to overcome her mental health, but also several birth defects that resulted from the radiation her mother was exposed to when she was pregnant with Oksana.
“She was born with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep, and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias.”
Once in the US, Oksana was operated on several times including two above the knee leg amputations. Her journey to accept herself is a constant theme within the book and her journey to not just tackling one sport, but four, will keep you turning page after page.
In short, I loved it!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
Read
April 13, 2023When I received this book around pub day in February, I figured I’d devour it. But after reading just a short bit, I had to put it aside. And it was entirely because of how intense and emotional it was.
I’m so happy that last week I felt up to picking it up again. Masters story still hit hard and there were days I needed to put the book away. But honestly those are the kind of memoirs I love the most, the raw, heartfelt ones that don’t mince words.
Oksana Masters has had quite a life and I highly recommend this memoir of adversity and survival. It’s a powerful one. But please check out the trigger warnings as there are many.
I’m so happy that last week I felt up to picking it up again. Masters story still hit hard and there were days I needed to put the book away. But honestly those are the kind of memoirs I love the most, the raw, heartfelt ones that don’t mince words.
Oksana Masters has had quite a life and I highly recommend this memoir of adversity and survival. It’s a powerful one. But please check out the trigger warnings as there are many.
July 13, 2024
Years ago I stumbled upon Oksana’s instagram and have followed her ever since. I’ve been meaning to read her book, and with it being Disability Pride Month and also just around the corner from her 7th Paralympic Games, the timing was perfect. I really enjoyed this memoir, spanning from her early childhood in Ukrainian orphanages, adjusting to the U.S. and the loss of her legs, to her career as a decorated athlete in multiple sports. I really enjoyed reading her story and I can’t wait to follow her cycling journey in Paris.
May 16, 2023
I saw this book randomly on the bookshelf at the library … thought … could be good. Oh my GOODNESS … it was breathtaking, devastating, beautiful, powerful, perfect in ever sense. I read it in less than 24 hours! Such an incredible story! I’ve never been hooked in a memoir like this before! Make sure to add it to your TBR list!
May 31, 2023
What a memoir. Wow. What she has been through in her short life is unbelievable. I’m so grateful to have had a peek into her world and I pray God continues to heal her. I have seen she recently got engaged which is super exciting due to all the trauma she has been through and overcome. Wow. She’s an incredible fighter and her adoptive mom is such a force for good.
June 4, 2024
The many horrific abuses Oksana suffered made this a challenging read, but I found her story of determination, healing, and hope incredibly inspiring. Against the darker parts of her story, her close relationship with her adoptive mother shines especially brightly.
May 24, 2023
I cried a lot reading this. Will be saving it for Charlie to read when he is older.
August 13, 2023
Loved this! So inspiring.
May 24, 2024
Really enjoyed this. A bit thin in places but also fast paced. Inspiring
July 12, 2024
Rating is accurate. I hope to meet Oksana on the future what an inspiration!
May 6, 2023
I'm not really one for sports stories, but the story of Oksana Masters offers much more. Born in Soviet Ukraine, Oksana was born with severe disabilities which required multiple surgeries and caused her to be placed in an orphanage. She was adopted, after many struggles, by an American woman who was fiercely determined to give Oksana the best life possible. As a teenage, Oksana started rowing, partially as therapy. This began a journey that took Oksana to multiple Paralympic Games, where she has won multiple metals in different sports. An engaging story and one that can appeal to even those like me, with little interest in sports.
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