The Push: A Climber's Search for the Path

This book was so much more than I expected and I had expected an excellent book. I'm pretty familiar with Tommy's climbing history, the kidnapping and the Dawn Wall epic. Still, Tommy went so much deeper than many sports autobiographies. This book ranks in my top 10 biographies of all time. I went to Tommy's presentation at the Patagonia store in San Francisco and discovered that he is an excellent speaker as well, not flashy, but entertaining and engaging. I would say the same thing about this book-it's engaging, entertaining and excellent!

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography (thus far) of the world class rock climber Tommy Caldwell. The book is better written than most in this category, and is hard to put down. Caldwell gives fascinating accounts of his many dramatic life experiences, including being held hostage by terrorist rebels during a foreign trip, as well as his epic climbing adventures. The core of the book concerns his preparation for and detailed description of the free climb of the Dawn Wall route on Yosemite's El Cap, widely considered the most difficult free climb ever done. However, Caldwell offers the reader much more, and provides candid accounts of the highs and lows of a professional athlete's life, including the failure of his first marriage, self-doubts, and depression. The entire "journey" to the top of the Dawn Wall can be read as a path to redemption and fulfillment. Even though I am not a climber, I found Caldwell's story inspiring and memorable.

As a climber, Tommy Caldwell is an idol of mine. After watching Dawn Wall for the first time, I knew I had to get my hands on this book and read more about him. His stories are inspiring and I feel like I truly had a connection and understanding with him as I read about his “search for the path”. I have not finished the book yet, but when I am reading I have to force myself to put it down. Such a great read for climbers and non climbers alike!

One of my favorite books I have read all year! A fantastic autobiography that captures the full tragedy and richness of a life; marriage, divorce, overcoming medical obstacles, having children, and that’s not even getting to the actual push! Touching, poignant, and memorable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone

I was captured by story after story in this amazing book about an amazing climber!

I loved this book more than I thought I was going to. So many life lessons can be learned through Tommy's climbing journey. I know he had a lot of help writing the book, but nevertheless, each sentence felt well thought out and was beautifully written.

book arrived in great condition

If you loved the documentary, you'll appreciate the book.

Its another book which I considered reading after Alex Honnold's " alone on the wall" and I would say this is way better. I had seen some clips of Tommy Caldwell's climb on dawn wall but reading this book does the justice of feeling the actual thrill of being on the wall. Also I believe Caldwell's life is pretty inspiring . Every time he went through a bad patch ,he had converted that to his advantage doing extraordinary things.

So much sauce it’s a legit read.

This book was so much more than I expected and I had expected an excellent book. I'm pretty familiar with Tommy's climbing history, the kidnapping and the Dawn Wall epic. Still, Tommy went so much deeper than many sports autobiographies. This book ranks in my top 10 biographies of all time. I went to Tommy's presentation at the Patagonia store in San Francisco and discovered that he is an excellent speaker as well, not flashy, but entertaining and engaging. I would say the same thing about this book-it's engaging, entertaining and excellent!

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography (thus far) of the world class rock climber Tommy Caldwell. The book is better written than most in this category, and is hard to put down. Caldwell gives fascinating accounts of his many dramatic life experiences, including being held hostage by terrorist rebels during a foreign trip, as well as his epic climbing adventures. The core of the book concerns his preparation for and detailed description of the free climb of the Dawn Wall route on Yosemite's El Cap, widely considered the most difficult free climb ever done. However, Caldwell offers the reader much more, and provides candid accounts of the highs and lows of a professional athlete's life, including the failure of his first marriage, self-doubts, and depression. The entire "journey" to the top of the Dawn Wall can be read as a path to redemption and fulfillment. Even though I am not a climber, I found Caldwell's story inspiring and memorable.

As a climber, Tommy Caldwell is an idol of mine. After watching Dawn Wall for the first time, I knew I had to get my hands on this book and read more about him. His stories are inspiring and I feel like I truly had a connection and understanding with him as I read about his “search for the path”. I have not finished the book yet, but when I am reading I have to force myself to put it down. Such a great read for climbers and non climbers alike!

One of my favorite books I have read all year! A fantastic autobiography that captures the full tragedy and richness of a life; marriage, divorce, overcoming medical obstacles, having children, and that’s not even getting to the actual push! Touching, poignant, and memorable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone

I was captured by story after story in this amazing book about an amazing climber!

I loved this book more than I thought I was going to. So many life lessons can be learned through Tommy's climbing journey. I know he had a lot of help writing the book, but nevertheless, each sentence felt well thought out and was beautifully written.

book arrived in great condition

If you loved the documentary, you'll appreciate the book.

Its another book which I considered reading after Alex Honnold's " alone on the wall" and I would say this is way better. I had seen some clips of Tommy Caldwell's climb on dawn wall but reading this book does the justice of feeling the actual thrill of being on the wall. Also I believe Caldwell's life is pretty inspiring . Every time he went through a bad patch ,he had converted that to his advantage doing extraordinary things.

So much sauce it’s a legit read.

Wow. I knew Tommy Caldwell had a life made for a book like this. How could you tell that life story and not fascinate? But Caldwell digs deep, far beyond what was necessary to write an entertaining book. Reflections on life, death, faith, risk, beauty, love are rarely smarmy, and often revelatory--for the author as well as the reader. This is not only the best climbing book I've read, but also one of the best memoirs.

This was a gift purchase. They liked the book.

Amazing detail emotional journey! Tommy is one of my favorite climbers

Whether you climb or not, Tommy has a unique thrilling story to tell. If you just started climbing, don’t expect climbing instructions here, but if you‘re an experienced climber, you won’t feel talked down to either. Tommy is not a “cool” guy by classic standards, but his determination in never yielding to anyone else’s terms and his passion for doing what he loves, will prove he is one of the coolest people in history. This life story is riveting, personal, and relatable. Tommy will also get you motivated to get outdoors and enjoy the world through new eyes.

Very disappointed in this book even though I am a big fan of TC and wear his shoes. 30 percent of the book is unapologetic cut and paste from his first book, it was painful to have to relive the angst over the girlfriends and the kidnapped drama all over again. I have never seen this quantity of cut and paste reprinting before in a book, I felt very ripped off by the lack of effort put into this. I've followed his career, he has things to write about!!! This could very well be categorized under "young adult romance" instead of climbing. This will most definitely not earn a place on my shelf next to "Solo Nanga Parbat" and my Boardman/Tasker Omnibus.

This was really quite an incredible book. Tommy is a very talented writer, in addition to being a remarkable climber. The memoir does a very good job of mixing the personal aspects of his life with the adventurous parts in a way that lets you see how his perspectives and priorities evolved as he got older. I climb so I am already familiar with all of the climbing jargon in this book so I can't be objective, but I thought he did a very good job of defining it, and with explaining some of the history around the climbs. If anyone reads and enjoys this book, there is a documentary called Valley Uprising that came out a few years ago. It's the history of climbing at Yosemite Valley and digs deeper than this book does. This was a little before the free climb of the Dawn Wall. I don't remember if Tommy is featured in it or not, as the movie spends a lot more time in the 60s and 70s, but some of the supporting characters in his book are, like Dean Potter and Alex Honnold.

I loved this book. When I saw Tommy's interviews in Free Solo, I had a feeling I'd enjoy this book, and after seeing Krakauer's endorsement, I knew I had to check it out. And it was well worth it. One of my top reads this year, so far. The book is about climbing, yes. But it is even moreso about drive, despite incredible obstacles. Tommy's entire life journey is one of facing hardship and failure with incredible grit and perseverance, and a willingness to change and grow. Whether navigating a doomed first marriage, being kidnapped by militants in Kyrgyzstan, or a seven year obsession with arguably the hardest climb in the world, Tommy constantly digs deep and keeps going. Not only will his book make you want to spend more time in the mountains, it will make you want to chase your own passions with the same fervor. Highly recommend.

There are many negative reviews linked to this book; however, they are referring to another book of the same name and different author. The CLIMBING book The Push by Tommy Caldwell had great flow from past to present and was well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover and slowed down when I got to the Dawn Wall send because I didn't want it to end. My husband has a strong desire to climb big walls and alpine climbs, while I enjoy single pitch sport climbing (scared of heights). I felt like I was there on the wall with them.

Wow...The Push is a job well done...it is a story about climbing and life and oftentimes very intense experiences. The Push is written in such a way that anyone can embrace it whether you climb or not. I found the author to be very open and honest and details out an exhilarating account of human will, frailty, closed mindedness and open mindedness, focus, dreampower, work ethic and of individual and group growth. The Push is one of the most incredible books I've ever read...I almost hated it to end. This is an adventure and a journey not to be missed.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am not a climber, actually have zero interest in rock climbing but love to read about those who have a passion, who demand the disciplined enormous effort required to accomplish greatness. Tommy Caldwell proves over and over what it takes to achieve a goal. The fact that he devoted over 7 yrs of his life to send the Dawn Wall also shows that greatness probably always involves a small amount of "madness". Great writing, I kept wanting to return to my book to find out what's happening. Read it you will love it.

Being a beginner climber, I was looking for some read for inspiration, maybe some climbing tips. Of course, I've heard about Tommy, seen multiple videos with him but knew literally nothing about his life. The book had a high rating that's why I chose it over all others. I had no idea what to expect from a book written by a climber and I was surprised by how well-written it turned out to be. Tommy's life is fascinating. It includes incredible ascends in Patagonia and on Dawn Wall, being kidnapped in Kyrgystan, hanging out with Chris Sharma and Alex Honnald - all this makes "The Push" a great adventure book. This biography is very intimate since Tommy shares a lot of details of his personal life, thoughts on his relationships with his father and ex-wife - a lot to reflect on. But even though he mentions some training and climbing routine don't expect to find here a training program or tips - this book won't help improve your climbing techniques but will show you the world of professional climbers and get to know one of them pretty well.

This book brings to light the grit and determination needed to achieve at elite levels as well as the interplay with human foibles during certain monumental tasks. Reading this book helps to see that in the U.S. success has its costs as well as its flowing benefits all the while navigating through sometimes unscrupulous manufactures bent on profiteering from zealous but ignorant youth.

I picked up Tommy’s book right after I finished Alex Honnold’s ‘Alone on the Wall’. I personally really enjoyed Tommy’s story and his very candid and open dialogue. I appreciate that he lets the reader inside of his mind and lets himself be vulnerable. The stories with his dad are one of a kind. When he talks about his adventures, it transports me with him and I imagine the unbelievable beauty he must have seen. I must plan a trip to Yosemite, it’s been too long...

I think if you’re really interested in the Dawn Wall or in Tommy, this is a solid read. Probably not the best place to start as an introduction to climbing altogether, but that’s not what it was supposed to be. I found this to be an enjoyable extension and expansion of the Documentary, The Dawn Wall. It gave me a lot more insight into just how hard the path leading to the wall, and then completing the wall, really was.

If you love the outdoors, self competition, and the need to succeed, this book is for you. You feel the pain and sacrifice it takes to have a goal and spend years to achieve it. The glowing descriptions of nature while hanging from ropes thousands of feet in the air help soften the physical and emotional pain of each journey. Filled with passion, raw emotion, and humility, this well written book detailing the adventures of a rock climber is a page turner.

Great read. Good for climbers and layman alike. Showed the technical aspects of his climbing and training climbers will enjoy without leaving non climbers wondering what the heck he is talking about. Bravely personal and intimate with the stories about his family and personal relationships being as compelling as the climbing accounts. Much better crafted than many other climbing memoirs I've read.

Mark Twain said “Truth is stranger than fiction,...because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities.” Tommy Caldwell’s life goes beyond possibilities. We all need to be reminded to pause and use our talents, reset our path to live and give our best, build community, and while doing so just may achieve greatness that will bless and inspire ourselves and others! Isaiah 40:28-31

The story of someone raised around the outdoors. Their trials both in climbing and life intertwine to create a compelling and understandable story. Caldwell comes off as both extraordinary and relatable. Highly recommended.

Wow. As a newb-ish climber I particularly enjoyed the read. Not only did I learn a bit of cool climbing history and terminology, I got a lens into a world of climbing I'll never likely see but is infinitely interesting. But even if you don't climb there is a lot to take away here. Perseverance, perspective, and more. A genuinely great read. Hard to put down!

Thanks for the human view into a super human life of astounding accomplishments. As a wall climber and parent I truly enjoyed and gained inspiration from your words. I was cheering you on while swearing at the crowds in the meadow on the way to weekend climbs during your final push on the Dawn wall.

Great book and a nice companion to the Dawn Wall movie as it adds a ton more detail. Very motivational in an indirect manner. It's an easy read too, lots of pleasure per page. I'm a past rock climber so this area is of general interest to me.

Tommy has an outstanding gift to express himself with poise, insight, and selflessness. He describes his life in a way that brings you along emotionally. He is especially tactful in describing his relationships, showing respect and concern for how others will be perceived by his descriptions. It is obvious that Tommy is an outstanding climber. This book establishes him as an outstanding author.

I'm not a climber but read a review of this book and then purchased it to read for myself. I was totally engaged in his story. I live in Lander WY and recently Alex Honnand was here for the International Climbers Festival. It was interesting to me that a Tommy and Alex had climbed together. It gives me a great appreciation for rock climbing.

Really enjoyed this. Highly recommend to climbers and non-climbers alike. Incredible story. Tommy is so open and honest. His writing is brutally raw. It was a privilege to read his story.

This book was engaging and thrilling from beginning to end. The climbing descriptions of route, gear, methods and training were superb. The writing was too notch. Thank you and congratulations on all your accomplishments. I enjoyed reading about your family also. I highly recommend your book to anyone who loves rugged adventure and romance.

What a great reading this was. Very well written, so much that I felt I was learning every aspect of climbing. Yet I would never be one to climb like they did, it just fascinated me. So much. I thought they had to be crazy to do what he did with so many other climbers. I understood his passion in the end.

Even knowing the outcome did nothing to diminish the excitement of this awesome story. Tommy Caldwell turns out to be as good of a writer / storyteller as he is a climber. This book is well worth the time and effort for any reader who wants to understand true focus and determination.

This guy is amazing. Human but awesome. It’s a ride you won’t be able to put down! Never heard of Tommy until I watched The Dawn Wall. Wow. Had to read this, so glad I did.

Probably my favorite book I've read. So detailed, and the story telling was very captivating. Couldn't stop reading! Truly a beautiful life Tommy has lived. It's a inspiring story to a young novice climber like myself. I will be reading this again in the near future.

Tommy Caldwell is the greatest rock climber in the world, and this is the story of his greatest climb. It’s riveting. And he’s a sensitive and intelligent enough writer that even if you don’t think you care about climbing, you may well love this book.

He holds nothing back of his thoughts and feelings of the events and people in his life. Exceptional example of the will to keep pushing to overcome fears and goals in life.

I noticed a lot of the negative reviews are about another book called Push about teenagers in Harlem. Tommys book would be rated much higher if this mistake was sorted out. Almost all 4 and 5 stars.

Tommy Caldwell tells such an amazing story of grit, perserverance, devestation, hope, love and so much more. I couldn’t put it down. I had just started climbing when I read it, and it motivated and inspired me so much!

This book came in perfect condition and has a beautiful cover. I got it for my boyfriend after watching the movie together and he loved it

I am not a climber, but this book was superb. If you enjoy books about what drives extraordinary people to accomplish great things then this will be of interest. Caldwell is an interesting guy and the book is extremely well written. I hated to finish it!

I killed this book in 2 days. I love reading about outdoor adventures, but I love even more reading about the real humans that do them. I really appreciated the honesty and reality that was portrayed, and find myself really curious to know the reactions of all the characters that stood by Tommy, especially Kevin and Mike Caldwell

I fully enjoyed reading Push from start to finish. It’s well written, entertaining, exciting and inspiring. The way Tommys passion for climbing intersects with his relationships gives his story continuity, rather than being just a collection of stories about his accomplishments.

I don’t know why I put off reading this book! I really enjoyed the story leading up to the story. Love the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park so that piqued my interest in Tommy Caldwell. Would definitely recommend this book!

It is a great book! Even if you are not into climbing just like reading stories about other people adventures and life it is worth to read it. It gives a great insight into how Tommy Caldwell has dealt with the darker periods of his life, his thoughts about challenges and also about happiness. It is full of passion and very vivid.The way this book is written has also helped me to see and understand the world from a different angle and to deal with my own challenges in a better way.

Like hearing the little voice in his head while he is climbing. Lots of the scenes in the movie can be relived in the book in slow motion.

Perhaps the most honest and poignant autobiography of a world class athlete.

Slow start , but as a climber myself the story becomes engaging. The perseverance for this one route is impressive. If you climb, I’d recommend this book. If you don’t climb, you may not get it.

Really enjoyed this book! Fantastic biography with honest insights and revelations of thoughts and feelings through some serious adversity (relationships, climbs, terrorist kidnapping...). I especially found the candid discussion of his relationships with his climbing partners (Kevin Jorgensen, Alex Honnold, and Chris Sharma to name a few heavy hitters) to be very honest and beyond the typical superficial biography, while also not being mean at all, just open and refreshingly honest. This is not quite up to Krakauer and that’s the reason for 4 out of 5 but that’s pretty solid and Krakauer is a high bar. Anyway, I definitely recommend this book. Also, as of this review writing, the top rated review on Amazon is something from 2013 and doesn’t appear to have anything to do with this book. Aha! So, MANY of the reviews for this book are for the book Push by Sapphire (a VERY different book)!

loved it. TC is a BAMF

You will enjoy this book whether you are a climber or just an armchair climber like me. Well written with dramatic episodes about more than climbing. It is a good book about a life deliberately well lived.

Well told, interesting. It gets you inside the mind of one of the world's greatest climbers.

Great story. An intimate look into a man of purpose. I felt like I was there with him on his journeys. The mountains hold deep meaning for me so I feel a kinship. Really well written in my opinion.

Documents the progression and development of an extraordinarily talented climber. I enjoyed the detailed accounts of his remarkable climbs, my climbing experience just enough to have a faint sense of what he is describing. The recurring theme is his talent for single-minded focus on training and discipline. Makes the point well that the hardest climbs in the world are accomplished through work combined with talent.

This is an exceptional book, not just for climbers but for those who want to understand how to push themselves to the top of whatever personal or professional track they are taking.

Very inspirational book about not only climbing but life. The book comes across as very relatable even though his life is so unique. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend.

Great read. Like how the book is laid out

Great read! I read this after seeing the movie “The Dawn Wall.” Both were absolutely terrific. While I am not a rock climber, the story is incredible, and there are some great lessons to be learned here.

Interesting and informative book. Can't wait to see the documentary "Dawn Wall."

The review I wrote for The impossible Climb, Mark Synott, actually is for PUSH, Tommy Caldwell. Sorry for mix up!!!

Liked parts of book very much, as I have connection with certain characters in this story, however; for me- waaay too technical about climbing, (TMI) and just wanted to get on with relavant events Tommy had to share. Have not been able to finish book yet, keep putting it down as losing interest.😞

What an amazing and inspiring biography- a must read if you like climbing and perseverance

Well written and engaging, humble and honest. Tommy’s gifts go beyond climbing. Thanks for sharing your world and insights, many of which are inspiring.

Tommy Caldwell put his heart and soul into the Dawn wall, and recounts his life and relationships leading up to this epic event with heartfelt passion.

The best book written by a climber I have ever read. Tommy doesn't hold back, which gives the book unparalleled authenticity. Most public figures would be too worried about how revealing their inner soul might affect their image. Tommy doesn't seem to care about whitewashing his pain, his inner doubts, his mistakes. Incredibly honest and real throughout. I have been climbing since 1988, I know most of the people mentioned in the book, but from TC's perspective everything gained more life and color. A superb read. Side note: Amazon seems to be listed reviews for "Push" by Sapphire (1996) as reviews for this book. I guess string matching is a hard problem after all.

This book beautifully captures the essence of why climbers do what we do and what brings a person to that point.

This book was awesome. Not only is it a great story that is super inspirational/motivational, it is also really well written and easy to read. As a central Texas sport climber, I'm really only used to short limestone walls protected with bolts, but after reading The Push I feel inspired test myself on some big wall, multi-pitch climbs.

This was definitely a good book. Reading this had me very stoked to go see the Dawn Wall movie that came out recently

As someone who has only climbed up to a 10b, it was absolutely incredible to read of the difficulties of the Dawn Wall... I felt like I was on the wall with them!

At no time did this book feel like a slog, adventure after adventure. Great read thoroughly enjoyable. Difficult to put down.

Great read, Tommy is humble and kind and surpassed many struggles with grace. Nothing but best wishes for him.

A great adventure the whole story with many climbs and many falls. A story of the true endurance of life with all its pitch s.

A story of pure determination that made his goal happen. We all face our own walls. Real life stories like this help us surmount our obstacles. The book is well written and gives us insight into the minds of big wall climbers. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I expected an interesting read but this book was much more than that. It is filled with beautiful prose offering grand visions of adventure, brutal honesty about life's trials, strong lessons in leadership and perseverance. I am certain I shall reread it many times for years to come.

Tommy Caldwell opened himself to the readers with great courage. No other climbers has done this before with such intensity. This is a must read.

I'm not a climber myself but I have a lot of respect for Tommy's ability, determination and accomplishments. I read this after watching his The Dawn Wall. A great insight into the life of a living legend.

GREAT BOOK. Awesome Job Tommy. You're my hero!

One of the best climbing books I've ever read. And, I've read a lot of them. Caldwell's emotional openness is sometimes almost painful to read. As a climber, this book was both inspiring and almost impossible to put down. A real page turner. Highly recommended.

Father's Day book I did not realize until the end that this was such a good read for Father's Day. I was crying as I finished it. Good book on confidence adventure and family.

It probably helps that I am a climber myself but still... this book is a great read, naturally, but I already knew that. What I didn’t know is that it’s so honest and true and that’s what makes it really special.

Good read

I really enjoyed the read of this book. He writes like he's having an in depth conversation about his life and I just really enjoy how he lays things out and explains everything and his experiences.

Fascinating & most enjoyable read about a subject (rock climbing) I had little knowledge or experience of. Insightful, vulnerable and very honest - Tommy really bares his heart, soul and deepest thoughts.

Great book. Still reading but worth the read for lovers of rock climbing. Don't get the electronic version though. The hardback has pictures to view of his time growing up.

Freakin love this book. I didn't know you knew Chris Sharma when you were a kid, dope!

Good autobiography but annoying, angsty narrator

Tommy is the one special climber that always talked about emotions in a way I experience in the mountains. Many climbers describe how hard they train and push. Tommy also describes failing and hard times and that is what makes one strong. This book is an inspiration not only to pushing hard in the mountains but in life.

Very well written book! Even if you are not a climber, you will be moved by his efforts. As a climber, I am just even more impressed!

For anyone even vaguely connected to climbing, this is a must read about the rise of an American climbing icon. And not a bad instruction manual for any parent trying to raise someone of unique and exceptional abilities.

GOod read, lots of insight about perserverance.

cried through the whole book

I liked the idea that even though Mr. Caldwell is super talented at what he does he never takes it for granted and works so hard to be able to keep pushing boundaries. His work ethic is admirable. An enjoyable and honest read.

Although the sport intrigues me, I knew nothing about it. The book is a great read even for a general audience. Well written and engaging. I have tried other rock climbing books that got too hung up on the nuts & bolts (no pun) technical aspects which become boring if you have no idea what they are really talking about.

This book gave a great insight into the mind and life of a climber. The book reveals the personal sacrifice and determination to achieve the loftiest goal.

I love it . I feel it how he felt.

Compelling. Brilliantly written, very self perceptive journey he takes us along on. Very honest and self reflective. And what an accomplishment!

Great book

Me encantó entender como se creó un personaje tan grande como tommy a base de esfuerzo y como nunca desiste. Excelente libro

Must-read for any climber.

I throughly enjoyed Tommy's account of his remarkable life journey. Determination, hard work and the backing of the people who love him has propelled Tommy to the top of the world's elite climbers. His writing is clear, honest and insightful in his own humble, thoughtful and engaging way. Well done Tommy!

Highly recommend this read !

Push it! Fantastic read and Tommy is a truly phenomenal writer. I have read my fair share of climbing memoirs and this one took the cake.

Fantastic book, an insightful look into the tragedies and successes of one of the best climbers of all time

Great book!

Great read. A real life story with climbing as naritive. The boldest move of the book was not the 5.14 traverse on dawn wall but Tom inclussion of life's ups and downs.

I just finished the book, tears in my eyes, overwhelmed by emotions. What an amazing journey, a gripping story, so inspirational. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Tommy.

An extraordinary book that explores the development and maturation of Caldwell and his place in the mountains. It is a story of will and determination as much as a history of the Dawn Wall. His account of his relationships was particularly moving for me. If you are interested in exploring the importance of will and devotion, this is a book for you. If you are interested in American Mountaineering and Climbing, then this book is a must for you.

A must read

well worth the read

This is a fantastic book. Very well written! I will be reading this many times its so good! A must read even for non-climbers. Caldwell takes you through his life in this book. His dedication to climbing is inspiring.

A gripping and inspiring read that artfully balances personal narrative with recounting important milestones in the recent history of the sport. His descriptions let you feel the texture of the rock under your own fingertips: prepare for your palms to sweat.

A must read. Amazing and inspiring.

This guy still had some serious feels for his ex wife, when he wrote the book. The guy has done amazing things

I love how Tommy Caldwell narrates his life and gives insight into his passion for climbing and drive for success. It is inspiring.

TC is a great climber and a surprisingly good writer too!

Excellent accounting of this climbers life - his childhood that shaped his climbing career and his lifetime goal achieved. Highly recommend reading it especially if you have ever wondered why a climber climbs!i

Best book about climbing I’ve read. Even if you know nothing about climbing, this book is super inspiring and motivating.

Well written, vulnerable, insightful! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a page turner. There are evocative descriptions, soul searching perspectives, and engaging adventures.

Sincere autobiopic of an expert climber. The text is laced with humility relevant to the slings and arrows of life and climbing. You don't have to be a climber to get a thoroughly enjoyable read from this book.

Great book! Highly recommend it!

Good story. The writing was tortured.

As a climber from the sixties and seventies, these routes seem like science fiction. Adrenaline still flows reading these modern tales. Fantastic!

Outstanding. The best climbing book I've read in years. 5 stars.

It was a peek into the climbiing world. I had no idea that climbingi was so complicated. I just thought it was sport for daredevils! Too much time was spent on the final climbing event. If i were a climber the details of preparation might have been more interesting. Additionally, I didn't understand some of the terminology. All in all the book was engaging.

This is not a book about some climbing prodigy humble bragging about his accomplishments. It's a book about a normal guy who became one of the best at his sport through perseverance and a seemingly limitless tolerance for suffering. Caldwell is full of insight for both the advanced climber and for the layperson. Fantastic book, inspirational guy. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

A story of growth through adversity. It's a great example of taking the struggles in life as a way to improve, find goals, and know what is important.

A tale of a man who chooses to drive his life toward the things and people he loves, the hardships of the journey and finally to a welcomed recognition.

well written adventure story

I hated to finish this book. Each chapter was so thoroughly enjoyable I was sad to see the words on the pages eventually come to an end. As a climber I'd say this was the best "climbing" book I've ever read. But to be honest much of this book was not about climbing at all and would have relevance and meaning for anyone who can relate to struggle, adversity and our deep love for those who are closest to us. I'd recommend it to anyone with a pulse.

Brilliant and Inspiring! Could not put this down! Extremely well written.

Tommy Caldwell is a great writer, kept me interested the whole time. It is definitely more interesting if you love Rock climbing as well.

Terrific read. I know next to nothing about this life and found it fascinating. Watching climbers has always been attractive and puzzlingly at the same time. I'm glad Caldwell wrote the book but also sad that some of the mystery has been lifted.

One of the world's premier rock climbers, Caldwell has written an intensely personal account of his life with a raw authenticity and riveting stories.

So good! Well written, personal, insightful, sad, a lot of things. I loved every minute of this book.

Inspirational and moving.

9/10 really cool, little slow in places but rad emotive moving tale

Ok but a bit drawn out. Uses the same theme over and over again.

Bought this for 3 rock climbing grandchildren. They all haven't finished it yet but were fighting over who got to read it first. My son-in-law and grandchildren totally know who Tommy Caldwell is. Delivered in a timely manner at lower cost than book store.

I have not yet finished the book but so far it has been a really good read

This book is fantastic! Caldwell is an excellent writer that will have your adrenaline pumping.

I came into this thinking it'd be just another mediocre yet enjoyable for people who are interested in climbing climbing book. After a few chapters, I knew I was wrong. Tommy Caldwell is an insightful and gifted writer. His book is highly readable and honest. I would imagine that even non-outdoorsy folks would enjoy this book. Kudos to Tommy and his team on a job well done.

Great book! I struggled to put it down!

Clean clear direct

Fantastic book. Quite a story, well written and paced.

Excellent read. Totally devoured this book!

An incredible journey that is truly inspirational to anyone who reads it. This book reinforces the theme of making the impossible, possible through perseverance, dedication, and pure love. It also tells how experiences change our perspectives on life and sometimes push you in the direction of greatness. Prepare to be amazed and humbled! Wonderful book!

I gave it to my son for father's day but read a bit of it before giving it to him. Looks great. I heard Caldwell interviewed on NPR and that's why I bought the book.

Great book

Amazing

Great book! If you enjoy hiking, climbing or reading about adventurous folks give this book a read. I heard the author interviewed on NPR and found his story so fascinating I bought the book right away. Very interesting.

Nice read for outdoor enthusiasts. Yosemite is one of my favorite places, makes you feel like you are there.