People around the world were devastated to hear of the bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team in Canada on April 6, 2018. It was a day that changed the lives of 29 families forever and one of the survivors, Kaleb Dahlgren, has written a book called Crossroads where he tells the story of his life from childhood right up to the summer of 2019. He talks about the crash and everything he has experienced and done since then but as you read through it, you will see that Kaleb is more than a Humboldt Broncos crash survivor and learn valuable lessons.
Here I'm going to share my thoughts on the book, starting with the cover. Just look at it. It's beautiful and gives me chills!
I love that the title of the book is called Crossroads and Kaleb is pictured standing at a crossroad. The photo is amazing right?! You may think that it's photoshopped but no, it is a real photo. In an interview on Humboldt radio station 107.5 Bolt FM, Kaleb said that the Nipawin RCMP helped to shut down the intersection for the photoshoot which I think is crazy and cool! Whoever the photographer was did a great job. The title is written in large font and yellow block letters which makes it really easy to read and looks good against the blue background. It is an attractive cover.
Crossroads is available in hard copy, e-book and audio format. I like to actually hold books and turn the pages but this time I got the e-book from Google Play books so it would come straight to my phone. The release date was March 16th and I thought that meant Canadian time so I would have to wait an extra day since they are behind us but when I woke up on the 16th here, it was already in my e-book library. I was so excited and started reading it on my commute to work.
Right from the start, the book pulls at your heartstrings. The first page is a dedication to the sixteen people who died in the accident. Coaches, players, a statistician, an athletic therapist and a bus driver with the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, for anyone reading this who doesn't know. When I saw the names, I said "Aww" and I got a lump in my throat and a tight feeling in my stomach which got tighter when I read the prologue detailing that tragic day. Biographies and memoirs are my favourite types of books to read and I have read so many emotional stories, but none have made me feel as emotional as this one did.
Various themes and subjects are explored including battling an illness, being part of a community and a team, working through serious injuries and overcoming adversity. This is not only a memoir, it is also a self-help book. The process of writing this book must have been difficult and emotionally draining for Kaleb. Writing alone is difficult but writing about sad things, memories and reliving a horrific accident makes it tougher and I commend Kaleb for doing this and being so open.
As I was reading it, I felt a few different emotions. I smiled, I laughed, I cried, felt pain, some joy and inspired. To be honest, there was a part which made me laugh which I feel bad about because it was not funny. It was just something unexpected.
In chapter 12, there are four pages with dates but no words on them and at first I thought there was something wrong with my phone but it is meant to be like that. Those blank pages represent the days after the accident when Kaleb can't remember anything. Five days after the accident, On April 11, 2018, Kaleb opened his eyes. This is one of the parts of the book which made me really feel something. The use of the blank pages is unique and creative.
Choosing a favorite part is difficult for me because the whole thing is awesome but I especially love the chapters where Kaleb talks about how the team spent time together when they were not playing hockey and shares his memories with the sixteen, who were all amazing and beautiful people. Reading about Kaleb and all those guys has changed my perception of hockey players.
I think it is written in a powerful voice and with so much feeling. He describes each moment in a way that we can picture it in our heads.
With all the challenges and sadness Kaleb has faced in his life, he has every reason to be bitter and could be forgiven for feeling that, but is the exact opposite. He has done a lot to help his community and so many people, like starting Dahlgren's Diabeauties, an advocacy program helping children who have diabetes, doing volunteer work and giving motivational talks. He is only 23 years old and has dealt with a lot more than most of us do in a lifetime but approaches every situation with a positive attitude and is a caring and kind person. Sadly, the accident threw Kaleb, the survivors and all the families into an unwanted spotlight. Even though this is how I got to know of Kaleb, I honestly don't think of him as a "Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor." When I hear the name Kaleb Dahlgren, I think, oh he is a Canadian student, an athlete, the person who advocates for and helps other people with Type 1 Diabetes, a motivational pubic speaker and a role model for people everywhere.
I don't want to say too much about what's in the book because people are still waiting for their copies and need to read it themselves but it truly is a great read! Once I started, it was very hard to put down. The speed at which I read a book depends on how good it is. I finished Crossroads in a few hours which means it is really good! This is a remarkable story of courage, hope, resilience and love and a reminder of how important communities and families really are. Kaleb's story has made me want to change the way I handle situations and live my life. Kaleb and the ghostwriter have done an fantastic job.
For some inspiration and motivation, I highly recommend this book! Kaleb, congratulations on the release of your book and thank you for everything you do for people. You have support from so many. Sending so much love your way!
To purchase a copy of Crossroads, click on one of these links:
Portions of the proceeds will be donated to STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service).
*Note: I haven't included any photos of Kaleb because I don't want to do that without his permission.
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