Athena Rising, A Memoir Paperback – June 27, 2020

Athena was the Greek Goddess of wisdom and was portrayed as a warrior goddess of intelligence, strength, and courage. In this century, she has become an emblem of women's empowerment. Heather Bond would probably not lay claims to these titles, as she was simply living her life in the best way she could in the fields where she was graced with natural talent amplified by hard work- as a world class athlete in several sports, as a risk taker, as a forest and city fire fighter and stunt woman. And she was a daughter to an amazing mother and father who raised her to be independent, self sufficient and dauntless.Her career dreams brutally ended after an preventable accident which was the result of gender discrimination and vindictiveness on the part of her commanding officer in a fire department, Heather and her mother undertook a spiritual journey to India which resulted in serious of challenges to their life and well being that could never be anticipated. It is so touching to learn how mother and daughter navigated these challenges together; their previously strong bond becoming even more strong.Heather alternates her life story (which centers mostly on her time in India with her mother) with stories of her prior life experiences, which are also hair raising to those of us who are not gifted with her grit and talents and in careers most of us would not be capable of doing. Put together, this is a totally compelling, emotionally gripping and suspenseful read. Vivid, colorful, even humorous is spots, Heather's book is indeed a modern day account which earns the title of Athena Rising and is testimony to the revival of the human spirit and family bonds in circumstances almost beyond our understanding. And it has an unexpected ending that will warm your heart even though it comes from another somewhat brutal experience upon her return.

Heather explores a family trip to India gone awry. There are really three parts to this book. The, mostly, pleasurable experience of being a tourist in India. For what it is worth, I think she made the right choice in her initial decision to get the 'best driver'...just from personal experience traveling through India on business.Then, all of a sudden the pleasure turns into a freaking nightmare! How did it happen? That is my question. I do not want to give anything away, so will not go into details...it is just baffles my mind (and I'm sure Heather's) how she made it so far into her trip before this happened. Anyway, she provides a sobering description of life of Indian women in prison - the acts of submission, the type of food, sleeping quarters, everything in vivid detail. Then it is all over.She is back home and it takes some time for some of the tension that built throughout her adventure/misadventure to be addressed. I feel that last part is the most emotional section of this story. Heather deeps dives into her soul in a couple of areas (ego versus brother, self versus 'lover', etc).Once finished, I just said "WOW". I think you will too.

Having been best friends with the author's mother for 57 years, I thought I knew what to expect when opening this book. I was wrong! Heather Bond's mesmerizing account of her life and adventures, and particularly all of the pleasures and pitfalls of her trip to India with her mother, is excellent and well written. It is crisp and fast-paced, yet chock full of emotion, strength, vulnerability, accomplishment, love, enlightenment, terror, and reward. Her descriptions of their surroundings at every turn make the reader feel like they are along on every aspect of the adventure. The accomplishments of the author are so astounding that they might not be believed if I didn't know her personally, but she conveys her amazing experiences, fraught with a lot of hard work and dedication, with just the right balance of humility and gratitude. I have never read a book in only two days before. This one I could not put down!!!

Heather Bond has lived a truly extraordinary life, putting her own life before others countless times as a firefighter, training with Navy SEALS, and being willing to place herself in the kinds of danger most of us can only imagine. She handles a life-changing injury with grace and finds new ways to push her mind and body to their fullest potential. On top of that she and her mother had a terrifying experience when they were accused of terrorism and detained in India. Throughout these experiences she remains clear headed and positive, always working toward solutions never stuck or overwhelmed by fear. She is an inspiration and this book is a great window into the life of an incredible person.

I personally met Heather in November 2016 in Santa Barbara experiencing the same True North Compass guide. This book shows such strength, perseverance, and how God/universe watches over us. The format I love as each paragraph stands out on its own. So much easier that way. A sit on the Edge of your seat kind of book. Each layer of our lives makes us who we are today and this book makes you realize how much we can endure with the right mindset. I would travel with Heather Bond anywhere.

Athena Rising takes you on an adventurous and emotionally filled journey through a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments and heartbreak. But nothing as incredible as a mom and daughter dream getaway through India that catapults them from wandering tourist to unintentional terrorist. Heather Bonds attention to detail and heartfelt struggles while jailed in an Indian woman’s prison is captivating and leaves you wanting more. Athena Rising is a must read for anyone with an adventurous spirit or a desire to conquer ones self doubts and fears.

A tale of trials—physical, legal and spiritual—across continents, rugged terrain and her own backyard. In this memoir, Heather Bond brings the reader along as she faces the trials of her life with equal parts grit and Pollyanna naïveté. A heroine of her own making.