Library Journal:
Phinney, Davis with Austin Murphy. The Happiness of Pursuit: A Father’s Courage, A Son’s Love, and Life’s Steepest Climb. Houghton Harcourt. Jun. 2011. c.256p. photogs. ISBN 9780547315935. $25. SPORTS
“Cyclists are wired differently. Often driven through pain by pain (calling broken collar bones or stitches rites of passage), they turn desperation into motivation and find stores of energy in the recesses of their will. After fighting his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2000, former pro-cyclist Phinney decided to approach the disease the same way he approached racing—by digging deep and battling the “Body Snatcher” head-on. He recounts his racing career (Tour de France sprinter, etc.) and family life in light of Parkinson’s with particular focus on his relationship with his father (who battled cancer) and his son, Taylor (a Team USA Olympian cyclist). Essentially writing about identifying what drives you and maintaining perspective through adversity, Davis never sugarcoats his story or swells to proselytizing. With humor and levity, he leads by example and comes off all the more genuine and inspirational.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS:
THE HAPPINESS OF PURSUIT
A Father’s Courage, a Son’s Love, and Life’s Steepest Climb
Author: Phinney, Davis
Author: Murphy, AustinReview Date: June 1, 2011
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 256
Price ( Hardcover ): $25.00
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ): 978-0-547-31593-5
Category: Nonfiction“Renowned bicycle racer and founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation gives the gift of life.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease would hit anyone like a ton of bricks, but for Phinney, who was known on the professional-cycling circuit for his speedy sprint finishes, the impending loss of his fit, 40-year-old body seemed especially unfair. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Phinney coupled his talent for endurance with the “never give up” philosophy he learned from his father’s courageous battle with cancer, and that resilient style emanates throughout this memoir. A sprinkling of mild expletives, humor and some parenthetical asides make the author’s voice immediate and real, as he describes how he went from being the first American to win a road stage in the 1986 Tour de France to a broadcaster at the height of his career who was unable to hold a microphone. More than 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s—a disease with no known cure—but symptoms can be managed through diet, exercise and treatment options, such as medication or deep brain stimulation, an operation which Phinney underwent. Now 51, the author celebrates each day with his wife and children, and his son’s rising career in the bicycling world is yet another triumph.
An inspirational story for anyone, especially those living with Parkinson’s.”
“As a cyclist, Davis competed with both tenacity and grit, determined to not only beat his fellow competitors, but to beat the course itself. Now, in his fight against Parkinson’s Disease, he barrels down the path of his most challenging race yet.In this touching personal account, Davis provides inspiration to the millions of families worldwide-mine included-who join the Phinneys in never giving up hope that we’ll find a cure for this disease.” - U.S. Senator Mark Udall
The Happiness of Pursuit tells the incredible story of Davis Phinney, one of the most talented riders of his generation, with a career marked by many successes. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease he faced the challenge with the same determination, courage, and willpower he demonstrated as a world-class bicycle racer. For Phinney, every step in his son Taylor’s cycling journey has been a great joy, a victory, and perhaps a fulfillment of destiny.” - Eddy Merckx, former professional cyclist and five-time Tour de France winner
Davis Phinney is one of my heroes. This book explains why.” - Rick Reilly, author of Sports from Hell
He won more bicycle races than any other American. Then Davis Phinney faced the onset of Parkinson’s disease, which again called on all of his courage as a winner to fight his newfound enemy. The Happiness of Pursuit is a true story of a famous family who has experienced every emotion. A great read.” - Phil Liggett, “the Voice of Cycling”
The test of a true champion is not when things are going well, but when they are not. How they meet and overcome the challenge, and never give up. Davis Phinney’s book lets us see and feel this. A true champion. A remarkable life. Thank you for this gift.” - Patrick Dempsey, actor and cycling aficionado
Davis Phinney always brought great intensity to his racing, which propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport and which now drives him as he confronts his disease. The Happiness of Pursuit is a fabulous story of courage-a must-read.” - Jim Ochowicz, general manager, BMC Racing Team
What happens when you take an amazing family of athletes and bring in one of America’s best writers to capture their stories of achievement, perseverance, and hope? You get an instant classic.” - Bob Babbitt, cofounder and editor in chief, Competitor
Davis Phinney and Taylor Phinney. Father and son. They have in common an incredible drive to succeed. The Happiness of Pursuit shows how a father and son can become an unbeatable combination, building a strong relationship by conquering challenges both on and off the bike.” - Axel Merckx, former professional cyclist and current team director of Trek-Livestrong U-23
I am one of countless people inspired by the remarkable courage and optimism that have characterized Davis Phinney’s career in cycling and his approach to living with Parkinson’s disease. The Happiness of Pursuit introduces us to those who have inspired him – from passionate spectators on a mountain roadside in France to his son, a second-generation champion racer. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever dug deep for strength to reach the top of their own mountain, wherever and whatever it may be.” - Michael J. Fox, actor, Parkinson’s disease activist, and author of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future
The cycling talent scouts’ salivary glands went into hyperdrive when they saw Davis Phinney for the first time. But what they slowly came to understand was that the era of the pedestaled despot was over. The untouchable tyrants like Hinault, Saronni, Moser, and Roche would have to yield to more democratic leaders. Davis Phinney heralded a more open, clean, and passionate sport that we now see having worldwide appeal. It was my great fortune to have been a teammate of Davis, who is one of the cornerstones of my personal passion and enjoyment of our sport.” - Bob Roll, cycling commentator
