New Book
The Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker and writer Alexi Pappas shares what she’s learned about confidence, self-reliance, mental health, embracing pain, and achieving your dreams.
“Heartbreaking and hilarious.”–Mindy Kaling – “A beautiful read.”–Ruth Reichl – “Essential guidance to anyone dreaming big dreams.”–Shalane Flanagan – “I couldn’t put it down.”–Adam Grant
run like a bravey
sleep like a baby
dream like a crazy
replace can’t with maybe
When “Renaissance runner” ( New York Times) Alexi Pappas–Olympic athlete, actress, filmmaker, and writer–was four years old, her mother died by suicide, drastically altering the course of Pappas’s life and setting her on a search for female role models. When her father signed his bereaved daughter up for sports teams as a way to keep her busy, female athletes became the first women Pappas looked up to, and her Olympic dream was born. At the same time, Pappas had big creative dreams, too: She wanted to make movies, write, and act. Despite setbacks and hardships, Pappas refused to pick just one lane. She put in a tremendous amount of hard work and wouldn’t let anything stand in her way until she achieved all of her dreams, however unrelated they may seem to outsiders. In a single year, 2016, she made her Olympic debut as a distance runner and wrote, directed, and starred in her first feature film.
But great highs are often accompanied by deep lows; with joy comes sorrow. In Bravey, Pappas fearlessly and honestly shares her battle with post-Olympic depression and describes how she emerged on the other side as a thriving and self-actualized woman. Unflinching, exuberant, and always entertaining, Bravey showcases Pappas’s signature, charming voice as she reflects upon the touchstone moments in her life and the lessons that have powered her career as both an athlete and an artist–foremost among them, how to be brave.
Pappas’s experiences reveal how we can all overcome hardship, befriend pain, celebrate victory, relish the loyalty found in teammates, and claim joy. In short: how every one of us can become a bravey.
Reviews
“Alexi Pappas is a genuine and vulnerable narrator, and as she fledges from nest after nest, she makes plenty of falls. Like any story about real human growth, hers is not linear or neat. But through it all she stays open to what comes next–as good a description of what it means to be brave as I’ve ever heard.” –Alison Bechdel
“I’ve always believed that your greatest tragedy can become be your greatest strength, and Alexi is living proof. Be brave, read Bravey, be a Bravey.” –Jay Duplass
” Bravey is at once a memoir of an inspiring young life-in-progress, and also a practical how-to manual of willpower and overcoming. Wish I could have read it as a younger person!” –Richard Linklater
“Alexi not only has a powerful way with words, but also uses the stories and lessons in this beautiful book as an intimate view into who she is. If you read this book, then you know Alexi, and knowing Alexi is truly a gift.” –Mary Cain
” Bravey heralds the debut of a skilled memoirist. In heartfelt, vibrant prose, Alexi Pappas gives us her captivating life story. A beautiful read that is sure to resonate deeply.” –Ruth Reichl, New York Times bestselling author of Save Me the Plums
