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I Had to Survive

How a plane crash in the Andes helped me to save lives
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( 2,081 ratings, 260 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I Had to Survive by Pablo Vierci and Dr Roberto Canessa is a gripping memoir recounting Canessa's experience as one of the survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash. Driven by the will to live, Canessa treks through treacherous terrain in search of help. The book delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might find this inspiring tale intriguing if you enjoy riveting real-life survival stories that delve into the resilience of the human spirit. This book offers an intimate perspective on overcoming extreme adversity and finding hope in the face of unimaginable challenges.

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A gripping and heartrending recollection of the harrowing brink-of-death experience that propelled survivor Roberto Canessa to become one of the world's leading paediatric cardiologists.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On 12 October 1972, a Uruguayan Air Force plane carrying members of the 'Old Christians' rugby team (and many of their friends and family members) crashed into the Andes mountains. I Had to Survive offers a gripping and heartrending recollection of the harrowing brink-of-death experience that propelled survivor Roberto Canessa to become one of the world's leading paediatric cardiologists.

Canessa, a second-year medical student at the time, tended to his wounded teammates amidst the devastating carnage of the wreck and played a key role in safeguarding his fellow survivors, eventually trekking with a companion across the hostile mountain range for help.

This fine line between life and death became the catalyst for the rest of his life.

This uplifting tale of hope and determination, solidarity and ingenuity gives vivid insight into a world-famous story. Canessa also draws a unique and fascinating parallel between his work as a doctor performing arduous heart surgeries on infants and unborn babies and the difficult life-changing decisions he was forced to make in the Andes. With grace and humanity, Canessa prompts us to ask ourselves: what do you do when all the odds are stacked against you?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I Had to Survive, by Pablo Vierci and Dr Roberto Canessa, is described as a haunting and deeply moving memoir.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472124173

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Constable

Illustration: Illustration details: 8 pages (black and white)

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Dr. Roberto Canessa made history in December of 1972 for being one of sixteen young rugby players who endured months of severe cold, injuries, starvation and isolation after their plane crashed into the snow-capped Andes - an event that inspired the film Alive. He is a renowned paediatric cardiologist recognised worldwide for his work, particularly with newborn patients and patients in utero, at the Italian Hospital of Montevideo.

Pablo Vierci is a native of Montevideo, Uruguay and also an Italian citizen. He is an award-winning author, scriptwriter and director.

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