This post is part of a series recommending narrative, longform journalism and nonfiction pieces.
Is it worth it?
It could be anything. A dive into alligator-infested waters, a move away from everything you know, a climb up a stretch of rock others have labelled unclimbable. Is it worth the risk?
Sometimes, we step up to the forks in life’s road and decide to do what terrifies us, because our decisions shouldn’t be driven by fear. Right? But why do we fear things in the first place? Couldn’t there be a seed of truth buried deep in that overwhelming sense of fright?
These recommended reads all have an aspect of risk. Decide for yourself whether the decisions were worth it.
Unclimbable by Eva Holland, SB Nation
Eva Holland’s knee was in bad shape when she went to the Cirque of the Unclimbables, a trip she’d been anticipating for quite some time. Three Colorado College graduates had just received a grant for a similar trip, also the Unclimbables, when their good friend died in an avalanche. To go or not go? And if they go, how hard should they push?
The Friend by Matthew Teague, Esquire
When Matthew Teague’s wife was dying of cancer, a mutual close friend of he and his wife decided to move in and help. This piece is a heartfelt account of Teague seeing the friend give up nearly everything to meet the needs of him and his wife.
My Dad Tried to Kill Me with an Alligator by Harrison Scott Key, Outside
Lighter and more humorous than the previous two, this piece examines fatherhood through the lens of Harrison’s terrified childhood and, toward the end, his own fathering experience. A fast-paced read that will make you laugh. Unless you’ve decided not to.
And for a fairly accurate (and hilarious) portrayal of the consensus on truth in nonfiction:
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Truth in Nonfiction But Were Afraid to Ask: A Bad Advice Cartoon Essay by Dave Gessner
No description needed. Just go read it. Seriously.
Meredith Sell 