Alexi Pappas - Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas

This is not only an inspiring look inside the mind of a gifted athleteits an arresting debut by a gifted writer. Alexi Pappas reveals how we can find the courage to face our fears, the grit to achieve our goals, and the resilience to bounce forward after failure and heartbreak. I couldnt put it down.

Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Originals

Vulnerable. Honest. Powerful. Bravey is the kind of book I want to tell my friends about, recommend to strangers, and one day encourage my daughter to read. Pappas is an incredible storyteller whose willingness to delve into the scary parts of life makes Bravey an important read.

Allyson Felix, Olympic gold medalist

Bravey is at once a memoir of an inspiring young life-in-progress and a practical how-to manual of willpower and overcoming. Its about dealing with the life youre born into and have little control over, and the larger quest for the greatest expression of oneself. Bravey is also a unique articulation of the necessary dual tracks of visualizing a reality and imagining your life into existence, along with all the hard work and the commitment that is required. Wish I could have read it as a younger person!

Richard Linklater, Academy Awardnominated director

Like a sort of human Mbius strip, Pappas has the ability to turn the pain and loss shes experienced in her life into a tool for repairing that pain and loss. And then to repair yours. Or rather, to help you repair yoursshe has strong feelings that we all need to learn things for ourselves. This is no glib, triumphal memoir of overcoming adversity. Pappas is a genuine and vulnerable narrator, and as she fledges from nest after nest, she makes plenty of falls. Like any story about real human growth, hers is not linear or neat. But through it all she stays open to what comes nextas good a description of what it means to be brave as Ive ever heard.

Alison Bechdel, New York Times bestselling author of Fun Home

Bravey heralds the debut of a skilled memoirist. In heartfelt, vibrant prose, Pappas gives us her captivating life story. A beautiful read that is sure to resonate deeply.

Ruth Reichl, New York Times bestselling author of Save Me the Plums

Bravey made me laugh out loud, brought me to tears, and gave me so many mantras I now live by. Pappas not only has a powerful way with words, but also uses the stories and lessons in this beautiful book as an intimate view into who she is. If you read this book, then you know Alexi Pappas, and knowing her is truly a gift.

Mary Cain, World Junior Champion runner

If you need a shot of courage, resilience, and motivation, look no further than Bravey. Pappass fearlessness and inner power offer a guide for how we can all step into the lives we most desire. Honest and propulsive, Bravey shows how we can overcome past traumas to run whatever our race might beand we know we will have Alexi rooting for us.

Tara Schuster, author of Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies

With Bravey, Pappas tells a story of persevering through hardship, finding your footing as a leader, and harnessing the unrivaled power of teamwork. Her book, which is candid, funny, and real, offers practical guidance to those looking to forge through obstacles, build their teams, and become leaders in their own lives.

Abby Wambach, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wolfpack

I think there is a reason why we encounter certain books in life. I was awed by Pappass beautiful memoir, Bravey. It resonated so deeply with me that at times it felt like Pappas was inside my own head. Her story shows us how to build mental strength and what it means for superheroes to make their own capes. Bravey offers essential guidance to anyone dreaming big dreams.

Shalane Flanagan, Olympic silver medalist, NYC Marathon winner, and New York Times bestselling author of Run Fast. Eat Slow.

Pappass heartbreaking and hilarious book inspired even me to want to put on some sneakers and run.

Mindy Kaling, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Why Not Me?

Pappas has turned unimaginable loss and pain into an engine for empathy, uniqueness, and excellence. Ive always believed that your greatest tragedy can become your greatest strength, and Pappas is living proof. Be brave, read Bravey, be a Bravey.

Jay Duplass, filmmaker and co-author of Like Brothers

A celebrity running memoir on the outside; on the inside, an instruction manual for thriving based on a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom. Add writing to Pappass domains of success.From the first page, Pappas is vulnerable, honest, and courageousnot to mention funny. Whether writing about social awkwardness, professional disappointments, or her mothers suicide, she maintains a buoyant spirit that becomes wonderfully contagious.Inspiring, yes, but more to the point: genuinely empowering. An utterly winning collection of personal essays.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

I have spent the majority of my life making people laugh. Well, at least trying to. I remember when I was around seven years old, I was playing with a friend when she got hurt and started to cry. I felt so uncomfortable in that moment of seeing her in pain that I immediately thought of the quickest route to avoidance: laughter. I proceeded to do a goofy voice and threw in a pratfall for good measureand lo and behold, it worked. She forgot her pain, and I didnt have to deal with what pain feels like. Avoiding feelings like pain and sadness came naturally to me.

If I had to guess, I would probably attribute this to my own childhood trauma, having lost my mother to breast cancer right before my seventh birthday. Just a hunch. Its safe to say most comedians share this wildly attractive trait. You know that old chestnut about how comedians all have the same black hole in their hearts due to sadness? Its probably true.

Comedy is a wonderful avoidance tool that I would highly recommend if youre not up for feeling your feelings. Its a mask you can wear, a suit of armor you can don to protect the very mushy parts of your insides too fragile to embrace. But I think the most interesting part about comedy is that it is a manipulation. A sleight of hand to distract you from the dark, ugly stuff. This tool has served me well over the years, but there are just some things in life you cant throw a joke at. You have to face them head on.