Jeremy Renner’s Courageous Memoir, My Next Breath

On April 29, 2025, Jeremy Renner, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, released his debut memoir, My Next Breath, published by Flatiron Books. The 224-page book chronicles the harrowing snowplow accident on New Year’s Day 2023 that nearly claimed his life, leaving him with over 38 broken bones and a transformed perspective on existence. Renner’s memoir is not just a recounting of a near-fatal incident but a deeply personal exploration of resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure unimaginable adversity. Through candid prose, Renner invites readers into his journey of survival and recovery, offering a narrative that resonates with anyone facing their own challenges.

The memoir details the catastrophic moment when Renner, attempting to save his nephew, was run over by a 14,300-pound snowcat near his home in Reno, Nevada. Pronounced dead at the scene and given little chance of survival by paramedics, Renner’s survival hinged on his focus on “just breathing,” a mantra that became the cornerstone of his recovery. He describes the excruciating pain as feeling like “being on fire, drowning, and struck by lightning” simultaneously, yet his determination to keep breathing pulled him through. My Next Breath captures this raw intensity, blending visceral accounts of the accident with reflections on the emotional and physical toll, making it a compelling exhibition of human endurance.

Writing My Next Breath was a cathartic experience for Renner, who initially hesitated to share his story but found healing in revisiting the trauma word by word. The memoir transcends a mere retelling of events, serving as a “call to action” and a source of companionship for readers navigating their own struggles. Renner’s straightforward tone, honed by his history of charity work and candid public speaking, translates powerfully onto the page, aiming to inspire others to find strength and purpose in adversity. His promotional efforts, including book events in New York and Pittsburgh and a narrated Audible version, reflect his commitment to connecting with readers on a personal level. 

My Next Breath is a story of profound transformation, exploring the interplay between vulnerability and strength, despair and hope. Renner shares how the accident stripped away his “callousness,” leaving him with a renewed sense of gratitude and a youthful sensitivity to life’s fragility. He no longer experiences “bad days,” finding solace in each breath and step forward. Priced at 29.99 dollars and available for preorder, the memoir has been praised as a gripping and inspiring narrative, with Renner’s journey offering universal lessons on overcoming odds. As he embarks on this literary endeavor, Renner’s story stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging readers to embrace their next breath with purpose.