Burnt

A Memoir of Fighting Fire

By: Clare Frank

Narrated by: Clare Frank

Burnt is a book about finding your calling, even if it's an unexpected one. It's about finding your home, even if you aren't immediately welcomed. And it's about reaching the top and making a difference, even if you don't look like you fit in.

When Clare Frank was seventeen years old, she became a firefighter in Northern California. Clare was five-foot-two and officially too young to join the service-she left her birthdate blank on her paperwork, hoping no one would notice. And she didn't look like her peers, who sported an Adam's apple and a mustache. But her brother was a firefighter and loved it, so she thought she'd try it out, too. Very soon, she knew she had found her calling.

Burnt is Frank's inspiring, richly detailed, and open-hearted account of an extraordinary life in fire. It chronicles the transformation of a young adult determined to prove her mettle into a scarred and sensitive veteran, grappling with the weight of her duties as chief of fire protection-one of the highest-ranking women in Cal Fire history-while record-setting fires engulf her home state.

She masterfully mixes irreverence and awe, taking listeners inside firehouses, on daily calls, and along to gigantic wildfires where antics and dark humor balance terrifying risk, trauma, and a sense of almost holy responsibility. Burnt is an unforgettable memoir.

©2023 Frank Endeavors Ltd. (P)2024 Tantor

Heartfelt account of a brave life of dedication

This account of the life and career of a pioneering firefighter was engrossing, humorous and humble-and her bravery and stubborn nature carried me along with on her adventures. I am lucky to have gotten to share this book with several of my family before I actually read it-now it goes to the rest of them! Thank you Claire Frank!

Great book

Well written. Enjoyable read. made me reflect on my job and the roles I do play and what my future can hold.

Great insight to firefighters

wonderful entertaining insight into the life of a firefighter. The challenges of firefighting, the training and journey. Not the focus but also interesting in a woman's journey in this profession!

My new favorite book

I loved everything. every little part. And I especially liked listening to the audiobook and hearing the authors voice. I feel like we are good friends now and I appreciate her so much.

The narration is the best I’ve ever heard - so engaging!

This is one of the best books I’ve ever listened to: honest, hilarious, inspiring and an amazing life story!

What an exceptional career and person

From start to finish, Clare's story caught my attention. I thoroughly enjoyed the insights into the firefighting profession, firehouse, hierarchy, command structure, training, and fires themselves. Clare also did an excellent job with the narration. Superb book and well worth reading.

Badass

As a woman in a male dominated industry (aviation) Clare’s experiences resonated so clearly. I loved this book and found a kindred soul in her writing. Brutally honest and authentic. I cannot wait for her next book!

Even better the second time around.

I read the paperback when it came out and loved it. When I heard Chief Frank was narrating her book I knew I needed to listen. To hear her words in her voice and inflection. She did not disappoint and the sarcastic sense of humor so many of us firefighters have came shining through.

If you have ever wondered what goes on in the head of a firefighter, this gem is a little peek inside our world.

Thank you

Your book makes me wish I served on one of your crews. As an aspiring female firefighter in WA, thank you for sharing your story. I hung on every chapter and it’s meant so much to hear your experience. The “impulse of delight” is truth.

A bravely stubborn woman

An important memoir by a woman firefighter. The jumps back and forth in time were a bit confusing and didn't appear to advance the story.