Out There

Longtime readers have come to understand that Outside’s true gift is in chronicling misadventure. That’s the common thread among the stories found in Out There—those memorable tales that begin with the promise that, even if no one’s life is necessarily hanging in the balance, something may go horribly awry at any moment, and that documenting this misfortune will inevitably yield rich comedic material or a surprisingly poignant moment. Or sometimes both. Out There chronicles fringe athletes, fitness freaks, and others obsessed by ill-advised dreams. It takes us to far-flung places no sane person would want to go. What ties this collection together are the incredible voices of legendary Outside contributors such as David Quammen, Tim Cahill, Susan Orlean, Wells Tower, Christopher Solomon, Patrick Symmes, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Nick Paumgarten, and many others, who turn their subjects into literary gold and have helped to keep Outside in business for more than forty years.

Victoria Chames was one of the first women in the nontraditional profession of firefighter/ paramedic, the second of three careers in Graphic Arts, Fire Service, and Hospital ER caregiver. More than a memoir, Victory tells the stories of her challenges and experiences along this life-path, along with a deeper theme of a hidden family secret. Victory is an adventure story, a mystery tale, and a first-person window into a remarkable and unapologetic life that proves unequivocally - Girls can.