I have just finished reading this book and I have never felt compelled to write a review before. This book is about two people whose lives become changed beyond recognition for a period of time. Even though you know what happens you still get completely caught up with their roller coaster of emotions and feel like you are actually sitting talking to them in a comfy old chair. Mindy has the strength of many and I can only hope to be half the person she is. Richard, although I do not know him or have never met him, is Richard. You really feel like you know him well, especially if watching Top Gear.

I am just glad that Richard was lucky enough to survive (and recover) to tell the tale.

Enjoy the read you will not be disappointed.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The accounts of his full life give you the understanding of how he became such a "Petrolhead". His childhood, his teens, his radio interview and the Top Gear interview (This one has you gripped). Then the day of the accident, how it all went wrong and we can all learn not to push our luck too much. After the crash wife Mindy writes her accounts from receiving the phone call, and organising her now chaotic life with Richard in critical condition, and her entire family. Her story was an inspiring and breathtaking experience. The trials of relationships strained, and her unbelievable will to carry on. Her children not all understanding everything. The Top Gear Staff, the Hospital Staff at Leeds Infirmary and Bristol, all take part in rebuilding a man who has quite honestly gripped the world with his charisma and humour. If you don't read this story, you will miss out on something that can touch us all and inspire us to be a little more positive.

What a wonderful and humbling account of Richard and familys' strength and unity in times of extreme stress. He has three angels looking out for him and people who care. I could not put this book down. I'm sure it took great courage for both Richard and Mindy to write about their accounts, and should be proud! Hamster is brilliant!

Whether you're a fan of Richard Hammond or not, this will be one of the best books you'll ever read. It's got the most moving words by both Richard and Mindy, but will also make you laugh out loud!
You can't put it down and once you've read it you want to read it again and again.
Best book I've ever read!

It was a bit of a slow start for me. I love biographies, but the first few pages were a bit of a struggle. But boy o boy, how glad I am that I kept reading. This must be one of the funniest and honnest biographies that I have read in a long, long time. Mindy did an amazing job with her writing and Richard was more then honnest in what happened to him. It might not have been a life biography, but together they did an incredible job in writing down what happened those days around the accident. You can not help liking Richard, but after reading this you just love him. My praises to Richard and Mindy !

Could not put it down. i'm not the quickest of readers i read it within 3 weeks.

What a read! I sort of agree with the previous reviewer, that it would have been nice to know more about his younger days, times at the radio stations and life before 'Top Gear'. But it is incredibly well written. It's a very well crafted book...going from Richard's account of his early days, then the next few chapters being written 'brilliantly' by his wife, Mindy and the end chapters written by both of them to give their own versions of the weeks following his awful accident.

Anyone who loves 'Top Gear' and the Hamster will definately enjoy this book. You will have tears in your eyes and also have moments of joy too! This was a very honest book and I think it comes across what a great guy he is and what a lovely family he has.

I can not imagine what Richard and his family went through....but I must say I'm jealous of Mindy, for being married to such a wonderful guy!

Tiffany (Stoke-on-Trent)

I really like Richard Hammond, but have to say I found this book less than riveting. For me there was far too much about his recovery from the accident and not enough about his life before joining Top Gear and his life with the Top Gear team.

The loveable Richard "Hamster" Hammond's book is a wonderful read. Put together along with his wife Mindy this book tells of Richard's rise to fame in Top Gear, the day of the jet car crash and his recovery aswell as his wife's side of the story during his recovery. This book made me laugh and cry and i just couldn't put it down. The emotions of a family trying to stay together and two people falling in love again after they nearly got parted forever this truly is an inspirational book for those who have also experienced a loved one who has suffered a similar problem. For whatever reason you ponder whether or not you should buy this book STOP PONDERING NOW AND BUY IT !!! Believe me you won't regret it.

I think so far this book is incredible. I read the first two pages and already I felt emotional and wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting. I haven't finished it completely yet, but the fact that I already think it is outstanding enough to write a review about it really says a lot. The way it is written is superb and the emotional memories are great. The book has been written very well and I think you'd be crazy not to buy it for just £6.99!
I mentioned that this book is emotional, and yes it is. But it is also witty and hilarious. Very hard to put down.