Catching the Sky

Starred review from November 16, 2015
The “Infamous Moore Brothers”—as Colten and Caleb Moore were known on the extreme sports circuit—established themselves as daredevil all-terrain vehicle (ATV) racers and thrill riders before taking ESPN’s 2010 X Games by storm on snowmobiles. They grew up poor on the dusty prairie of the Texas panhandle, far away from the snow-covered plains of the upper Midwest (where snowmobiling originated), but they eventually pushed the boundaries of mankind, machine, and gravity. In January 2013, their captivating narrative took a tragic turn when Caleb, 25, became the first competitor to die at the X Games, due to an unsuccessful backflip attempt. The accident devastated Colten, two years his brother’s junior. He sank into depression before deciding to ride again, going on to win gold (and a personal redemption) at the 2014 X Games. Colten and journalist O’Brien (Outside Shot) vividly chronicle the Moore brothers’ rise to fame, their switch from ATVs to snowmobiles, the rewards and challenges of their profession, and the dangers of their chosen sport. The tone is honest, natural, and more sophisticated than readers might expect, making this an early contender for 2016’s top sports books.

January 1, 2016

In January 2013, at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, Caleb Moore underrotated his snowmobile in a difficult flip called a tsunami indy. Caleb was separated from his snowmobile, which hit him full in the chest, and died from the impact a week later. Colten Moore, Caleb's younger brother, has written this book, with journalist O'Brien (Outside Shot), to help people understand those who take seemingly unnecessary risks to life and limb. Colten is also coming to terms with himself after the loss of his brother, best friend, and idol. The story of the Moore's lives in Texas is filled with poverty and harsh living. Both brothers turned to riding four-wheelers as a hobby; injuries, such as when Colten broke both femurs in a rural race, did not hold them back at all. Their parents, although scared for their boys' health, embraced fully their love of racing. Soon the boys were winning competitions throughout Texas and elsewhere. A switch to snowmobiles led them to the Winter X Games. VERDICT Moore's well-written memoir will enthrall fans of extreme sports, the X Games, and those trying to find their way after losing a loved one.--Jason L. Steagall, Gateway Technical Coll. Lib., Elkhorn, WI

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.