One More Step: My Story of Living with Cerebral Palsy, Climbing Kilimanjaro, and Surviving the Hardest Race on Earth

Paddock, a business executive born with cerebral palsy, and journalist Bascomb (The Perfect Mile), recount the story of the former’s quest to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and later to finish the grueling Ironman race in Kona, Hawaii. Raised in Arcadia, Calif., Paddock reveals that his parents rarely discussed his disability in his presence and later divorced. His grandfather (aka Bompa) was his father figure and his “true north,” a guiding influence who taught him to swim fearlessly and instilled in his grandson a formidable sense of determination. In his late 20s, Paddock begins to speak openly about his condition, and after a friend’s young son dies of the disease the author makes it his mission to help others. He garners the support to travel to Tanzania, where he battles his demons (including his anger at his siblings and parents) and the elements on the challenging trek to the 19,340-ft. summit. Upon his return, Paddock realizes he still has further to go on his quest to raise funds and awareness for CP and meets with Ironman legend Greg Welch to embark on a year of training for the triathlon. Each step of Paddock’s journey is described in vivid and compelling detail. Readers will cheer for this extraordinary man, whose story is solid evidence that limits fall away when confronted with resolve, service, and courage. (Mar.)