Crystal Clear: The Inspiring Story Of How An Olympic Athlete Lost His Legs Due To Crystal Meth And Found A Better

Eric Le Marque had been an athlete his entire life. An Olympian and former professional hockey player he was known for his footwork on the ice. His obsession when this book begins is powder in 2 forms; finding fresh tracks for snowboarding and using Crystal Meth. This gripping true story tells how after some bad decisions Eric got lost boarding on Mammoth mountain for 8 days (yes 8 days) Surviving with only minimal clothing, 4 pieces of Bazooka gum, an I-pod and his Snowboard (which he came to affectionately name "Burton") At the end of his ordeal Eric's feet were frozen into his boots, he'd lost 40 lbs yet ultimately found himself.

For the most part this book follows Eric's 8 day ordeal, lost in chest deep snow and freezing conditions. He evades wolves, hunger, thirst, hypothermia and exhaustion as he climbs over a mountain range in the hopes of finding a rangers cabin and rescue. Throughout we're also given flashbacks into his life, unfortunately there's very little included here regarding his professional hockey career but he doesn't shy away from his descent into drugs or character flaws.

Well written and introspective you get a complete feel for the loneliness, cold and utter frustration Eric is forced to endure and by his day 7 I couldn't put this book down. As Eric awakes to yet another day on the frozen mountain and realizes he's dieing. Suffering from exposure, frostbite and hunger he's so far gone that he can no longer lace his boots and thinks he's in a video game, searching for the reset button. Then he hears a helicopter.

There are some bittersweet moments here involving "Burton" the snowboard, which over the week has saved his life, become a tool, a weapon and his best friend. (Think Wilson in Castaway) And the sadness Eric feels gazing out the helicopter window as Burton is left behind during the rescue is heartbreaking. Eric of course spends a long time in hospital trying save his frostbitten and dieing feet and also in rehab after he loses them. These chapters are alternately motivational and heartbreaking as Eric sinks into depression and drug addiction once more. For a man whose entire life had been based on athleticism to loose his feet his whole world is going to have to change. Eric ultimately rises to the challenge, learning to walk and even snowboard again. The ending chapters are a little vague and felt rushed to me; with Eric finding god and coming to terms with himself and his new reality. If you like adventure stories though this is a definite recommended read.

There's also 8 pages of photographs including a couple in the Blackhawk helicopter directly after his rescue. I found these pictures particularly disturbing as you can see the "animal" Eric had to become to survive 8 days on the mountain.

http://www.ericlemarque.com

What a compelling story of overcoming the odds. This book is extremely well written! This book is all to read it has a large range of demographics...
Apparently, The NHL, Oprah Winfrey & Wayne Gretzky have endorsed this book. I see why!

This is the most astonishing story I've ever heard, let alone read, this former pro & Olympic hockey player story will mesmerize you.

Read this book; it is for everyone & you will love it!!!