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The Hard Parts cover art

The Hard Parts

By: Oksana Masters
Narrated by: Cassidy Randall, Emily Tremaine, Oksana Masters
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Summary

The remarkable and inspirational story of Oksana Masters, who was born with radiation-induced birth defects and suffered appalling abuse as an orphan, before being adopted and moving to the US, where she went on to triumph over her challenges to win ten Paralympic medals in four different sports.

Oksana Masters was born in the shadow of Chernobyl, with one kidney, a partial stomach, six toes on each foot, webbed fingers, no right bicep and no thumbs. Her left leg was six inches shorter than her right, and she was missing both tibias. Relinquished to the orphanage system by birth parents daunted by the staggering cost of their child’s medical care, Oksana encountered numerous abuses, some horrifying. Salvation came at the age of seven when Gay Masters, an unmarried American professor who saw a photo of the little girl and became haunted by her eyes, waged a two-year war against stubborn adoption authorities to rescue Oksana from her circumstances.

In America, Oksana endured years of operations that included a double leg amputation. Still, how could she hope to fit in when there were so many things making her different? As it turned out, she would do much more than fit in. Determined to prove herself and fuelled by a drive to succeed that still smouldered from childhood, Oksana triumphed in not just one sport but four—winning against the world’s best in rowing, biathlon, cross-country skiing and road cycling competitions.

This is Oksana’s astonishing story of journeying through a series of dark tunnels—and how, with her mother’s love, she finally found her way into the light. Her message to anyone who doesn’t fit in: you can find a place where you excel and where you have worth.

©2023 Oksana Masters (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc

Critic reviews

"Gripping, powerful and inspiring." (Tony Hawk)

"Heart-wrenching and extraordinary." (Ariana Neumann)

What listeners say about The Hard Parts

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Inspirational and beautiful

A beautiful memoir.
Moving story of a strong and determined woman, overcoming the odds. And the selfless love and courage of a mother whose unconditional love and support opened the doors to so much.

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Beautiful and heartwrenching

Absolutely loved this audio book. Utter respect for Oksana and overcoming her past traumas and her amazing strength as an Olympic athleticism. An inspiring listen.

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