“A Single Step” was published in the UK nine years ago under a different title, “Out On A Limb.” Now published in the US, Heather Mills McCartney’s memoirs have been updated to include her recent history with Paul McCartney. The book concludes just prior to their June 2002 wedding.

More cynical fans may suspect that the timing of this publication is intended to ride the jet stream of this much publicized relationship. However, there is also a higher purpose here. The more unexpected element about “A Single Step” is the degree of commitment and passion that Heather demonstrates towards her work with land mine victims and amputees. Heather Mills McCartney stresses an independence and a sense of purpose throughout this book. She’s determined to be perceived as her own person and in light of the accomplishments detailed in “A Single Step,” she’s entitled to that recognition.

The earlier details of Heather Mills McCartney’s life have been the subject of tabloid journalism for the past 3 years. Some of the details are indeed cringe inducing, due to the dysfunctional nature of Heather’s upbringing. Heather was raised by a physically and emotionally abusive father and a remote, detached mother who left the family home when Heather was nine. Heather assumed responsibility for the care of the rest of the family and as a result developed into a precocious girl who grew up much faster than others in her peer group. One would expect this part of  “A Single Step” to be a bitter tirade against her family. However, given the perfect opportunity, Heather avoids this obvious trap and instead details her family circumstances in a  frank, matter of fact manner. At times, she exhibits understanding, even empathy towards her parents. Her response to these circumstances was to take ownership of her emotions and become responsible for her life decisions.

On the road to independence, young Heather is assaulted by a swimming instructor and is later threatened by a female colleague who develops an attraction to her. Certainly, there are similar dramatic elements within the pages of  “A Single Step” but again, as the book unfolds, it’s true purpose is revealed. These early life incidents merely set the stage for what is to come.

Heather’s unique upbringing seemed to develop a innate sense within Heather of what she didn’t want in life and led to her seeking fulfilment at an relatively early age. At first, her focus was on the more materialistic aspects: money and success. These pursuits led to a successful career in modelling. However, a cathartic trip to Croatia, where she witnessed the effects of war and it’s casualties led to a heightening of her social consciousness. At first, Heather wasn’t sure what her contribution should be, but was determined to assist in a meaningful way. It’s this individual search for higher meaning and purpose which distinguishes “A Single Step” from the vanity project that many people might assume it to be. At first, Heather assists in providing volunteer aid, (food and supplies) then following her accident in 1993, she initiates the concept of supplying prosthetics and artificial limbs to land mine victims.

Heather had been aware of the damaging effects of landmines on previous encounters, however, her accident provided her with additional knowledge and empathy in the provision of this much needed service. Not only did Heather prove that life did not have to be lessened in any way due to an acquired disability, she demonstrated that the experience can be used to one’s advantage if you have the spirit and perseverance to apply yourself.

Along with the needed professional support, Heather was able to demonstrate that she could provide the service in a way that she couldn’t have done prior to her disability. Her knowledge of prosthetics through her own experience and her understanding of the psycho-social effects of becoming an amputee broke down many barriers while interacting with clients. Later as a motivational speaker, she was able to heighten the public’s awareness of these same issues. It was in her more public role, that she first encountered Paul McCartney.

The last four chapters of  “A Single Step” details Heather’s meeting and subsequent courtship with Paul McCartney. These pages provide a unique glimpse into McCartney’s personality beyond the public persona. It’s a more ‘human’ portrait than what you’re likely find elsewhere, from a person who’s now become qualified to supply that kind of insight. There are also a few touching examples of her encounters with George Harrison during the final years of his life, including comments on his 1999 attack and her witnessing of Paul’s last visit with his long time friend.

While consolidating her humanitarian efforts, these chapters provide a glimpse of Heather’s life within what has become a media fish bowl. It does suggest that Heather’s somewhat testy attitude towards the media may be due to a protracted period of adjustment. She was handling a degree of public exposure prior to her relationship with McCartney. However, what’s described in this part of the book is certainly more intense. These aspects alone will make this book of interest to Beatle fans.

Many people have been quick to judge Heather Mills McCartney. She has been painted as a brash, egocentric, self absorbed, opportunist, who is merely using her relationship with Paul McCartney (as well as her various causes) in an endless search for fame and attention. I admit to having had some of these misgivings. Yet, the portrait painted within the pages of  “A Single Step” is one of a resilient, courageous, pragmatic woman, who pursues life with elements of drive, determination and adventure. “A Single Step” details her commitment to her causes and her passionate efforts to improve the circumstances of those less fortunate.

The question that needs to be answered is: Who is the real Heather Mills McCartney? The person whom the media portrays or the person who emerges in the pages of  “A Single Step.” Or more likely, will there be more insight about this undoubtedly fascinating individual as time and experience allows for a more balanced view.

Possibly, we need to pause, not rush to judgement and give Heather Mills McCartney a chance. In the meantime, “A Single Step” is a good starting point.

Update - November 18, 2002: There is a live chat sceduled with Heather Mills McCartney this evening at 8pm ET; AOL Keyword: Live.

Purchase Links: amazon.com ; Barnes & Noble.com ; Chapters.ca .

From the Publisher:

Heather Mills was already a recognized leading land mine activist and a successful model
and businesswoman when she and Paul McCartney fell in loveand made headlines all over
the world. Her story is extraordinary by any standards, a rags-to-riches account of a
remarkable young woman with unusual strength and courage, compassion and humanity.

When her left leg was amputated just below the knee in an accident with a police
motorcycle in 1993, it would have been tragic under any circumstancesbut was doubly cruel
for a professional model whose livelihood depended on her looks.

But Heather Mills had come too far, and worked too hard, to let becoming an amputee wreck
her life. Years of setbacks and traumas had given her the drive and determination needed to
cope with this disaster too. Before she turned sixteen she had been arrested, run away from
a broken home, joined a carnival, and held down a succession of menial jobs in London.
Dealing with losing her leg was merely a new challenge for her.

In A Single Step Heather Mills McCartney speaks about her commitment to medical relief
work, describing her travels and the moving encounters she has had with others who have
lost limbs. She also tells of her first convoy of artificial limbs to amputees in Croatia, which
she organized in 1994, and the foundation she created that brings life-changing prostheses
to men, women, and children in war zones around the world. To date over 27,000 people
have been helped.

Told in a wonderfully vivacious, candid voice and illustrated with sixteen pages of personal
photographs, A Single Step is the story of a remarkable woman who proves that adversity
can help a person grow in surprising and rewarding ways...and that love can come when
least expected to change both destinies and hearts.