LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Former world whitewater champion Susan Norman, a 35-year Tahoe resident, will launch the release of her powerful memoir, RISK: A Life Saved by the River, at an author event and book signing at Cuppa Tahoe Bookstore and Café.

The event is on Thursday, June 26, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will include a discussion and short readings about adventure, parenting, risk, resilience, and resistance.

This fast-paced, deeply personal narrative flows between the adrenaline of elite river racing and the unforeseen currents of becoming a first-time mom after menopause and raising an at-risk child.

Both heart-pounding and heart-opening, RISK explores the emotional terrain of parenting and healing past trauma through nature and adventure.

RISK explores multiple themes ranging from Norman’s unique experiences as a female pioneer in whitewater river exploration and competition, as well as the power of outdoor adventure to build resilience and manage the impacts of emotional childhood trauma, aging, and the challenges of unexpected motherhood.

To sign up for the Cuppa Tahoe event, register at https://www.susannormanauthor.com/events/risk-book-launch-at-cuppa-tahoe-bookstore-and-cafe-sl-tahoe. Cuppa Tahoe is located in the Crossing at Tahoe Valley, 2054 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe.

About the Author

Susan lives in Lake Tahoe with her partner, son, and two dogs. She is the author of Risk, a memoir about extreme whitewater competition and extreme parenting. She began writing soon after retiring from a hydrology career with the US Forest Service in Lake Tahoe and becoming the guardian of her young nephew. A former National and World Champion in both whitewater kayaking and rafting, she continues to coach youth paddlers. She is also a board member of an environmental nonprofit, the Sierra Nevada Alliance, and increasingly involved in other local efforts in support of public lands.

Praise for Risk

“As a lifelong kayaker I was thrilled by the passages about international river running and whitewater racing–the heart pounding risks and the courage.  As a human, I was profoundly moved by the lessons in how to put together a moral, generous, and meaningful life.”  ~ Peter Heller, NYT bestselling author of The Dog Stars, The River, and Burn

“Norman’s muscular prose… Vulnerable and often wise. A truly memorable parenting story.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A testament to resilience, courage, and the healing force of outdoor adventure.” — Juliet Starrett, NYT bestselling author of Built to Move and Whitewater Rafting World Champion.