Goodbye, Papa Golf: The Riskiest Thing I Do — A Memoir of Flying, Family, and Self-Discovery

Goodbye, Papa Golf is an award-winning memoir that invites readers into a gripping journey of courage, loss, and renewal. It’s not only a story about flight or running; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to improvise, rebuild, and soar again. Recognized with the 2024 Joseph C. Lincoln Memorial Award for Literature and a surprise #1 New Releases top seller, this memoir has resonated with readers worldwide.

As a 14-year-old boy, the narrator learns to command the skies as a glider pilot, feeling the hush of wind, the whisper of thermals, and the gleam of sun on the instrument panel. He becomes a top sailplane racer, chasing the horizon while navigating the shadow of an All-American father whose expectations loom large.

Everything shifts after a violent crash on the national stage, upending that ascent. In the wake of failure, the author confronts fear, rebuilds his sense of purpose, and begins an extraordinary journey toward self-discovery—becoming a Boston Marathon veteran, a husband, a father, and a man transformed.

Why this story resonates

This memoir transcends aviation and athletics to tell a universal story of resilience, love, and redemption. It invites readers to imagine how small, deliberate choices can reshape a life, even after the hardest setbacks.

• Be inspired to pursue dreams with persistence and patience
• Gain a nuanced view of redefining success beyond traditional milestones
• Explore how fear, loss, and doubt can become stepping stones
• Feel connected to a family-centered narrative that grounds lofty ambition in everyday care

What you’ll experience while reading

• Immersive sensory scenes of cockpit wind, grass airstrips, and the roar of competition
• Crystal-clear pacing that blends aviation, sport, and personal growth
• A global, award-winning voice with universal themes that resonate across cultures
• A story that invites reflection without promising guarantees—just possibilities

Whether you’re drawn to adventure, sports, or stories of transformation, Goodbye, Papa Golf offers a memorable journey through determination, family, and the human spirit’s capacity to soar beyond limits.