Headwinds: The Dead Reckoning of the Heart

In this uneven memoir, Reis describes the ups and downs of his fascinating life. Though born with physical disabilities, he became a skilled Little League player. Though he hated school and considered himself an "intellectual lightweight," he's now a professor of human services at Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. At the heart of the book is the story of how Reis%E2%80%94who suffered from low self-esteem%E2%80%94decided to bike solo across the U.S. the summer after his college graduation. The author recalls that journey throughout the book, sometimes with humor, sometimes with travelogue descriptions, and occasionally with confusing detours. The last quarter of the narrative is the strongest, with Reis documenting his chops as a professor and describing topics and exercises he employs in his popular college courses. But the book fails to completely explain why Reis's cross-country bike trip%E2%80%94a magnificent accomplishment, certainly, but one that occurred 30 years ago%E2%80%94is responsible for his self-confidence today.