Climbing Books

Johnson's book is an excellent resource for anyone with rotator cuff issues. It is well written and easy to understand.

This book, written by a Physical Therapist, explains and shows the muscles involved in the rotator cuff more clearly than any other anatomy book I've picked up on the subject. He explains what muscles you are strengthening for each exercise. Stretching, very much like yoga stretching, is also included. If I could talk to the author, I would ask him to look up Supported Headstand as a very effective treatment for RCS, too. This is thoroughly explained in volume 16 of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy in a research article entitled Headstand for Rotator Cuff Tear: Shirshasana or Surgery.

So easy to understand! I know have a good knowledge of how the shoulder works. The exercises are very helpful. Got me closer of achieving zero pain. Hardly have pain anymore, mostly tight or a little uncomfortable but that's better than chronic pain ay!! It only takes around 3-4 hours to read. DO IT IF YOU KAIN'T TAKES NO MORES!!

I was afraid I would never be able to lift weights again. Both of my shoulders were in pain, even causing me to have to lie on my back to sleep. I read this book carefully, and have followed the exercise exactly as he directs, and I have zero pain in my shoulders now ! Zero ! And I'm back to lifting weights !
I can't tell you how impressed I am with the research that went into Mr. Johnson's work. He only goes by scientific evidence based upon peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials. This stuff really works!
By the way, I had the same experience with my back problems after reading "Treat Your Own Back" by Dr. McKenzie
Thank you Mr. Johnson!
Ken
Los Angeles, CA

I hurt my rotator cuffs doing some bag work. I waited a long time (I'm a guy) to go into an ortho. He gave me the advice to work on my posture, lose weight and a photocopy of some exercises to do. Told me that how I injured myself didn't matter, fixing it was what counted. Well, posture and losing weight solved that problem.

Had a completely different feeling problem. Went back after eight months of worsening pain. Same diagnosis, they told me it was "referred pain" which was why it felt completely different. Same exercises. You can find them all over the internet.

Didn't do much for me. I slowly got more or less better on my own. But, I had nagging pain every morning, the exercises and stretches did nothing for me.

Rather than go back, I decided to try this book first, based on recommendations from a friend I followed up.

First, the explanations aside, the core of the book is short. You are only going to do about four exercises and four stretches at any one time. There are routines for severe to very mild problems (beginning to advanced).

Second, the explanations made sense and I've been able to apply them to a few other areas.

But, it has been less than a month and I'm waking up pain free from time to time, the first time in a very long time.

Would I pay this much for a paperback? Not usually, but it was a lot better than blowing half a day off from work seeing the ortho sports med guy again. Would I buy a book when the internet is swimming with essays, charts, etc.?

Well, but for the fact it works and the free stuff didn't, no. But the free stuff doesn't quite put it all together the way this does and it didn't quite do the trick.

If you've got pain, if your doctor's routines haven't really done much for you, if the internet hasn't led you anywhere new, you might really want to try this book. It has details on how to do things, number of repetitions, how long to hold the stretches, etc.

Simple? Yes. Five to ten minutes a day simple, but just the right five to ten minutes a day have made all the difference for me.

Kelly's story is one of humor, laughter, pain, tears, and totally inspirational. Ever feel down and out? Read Kelly's story - it is uplifting knowing that one can reach death's portal, only to turn back and say "I've got mountains to climb." When you think things can't get any worse - read Kelly's story. Life gives each of us obstacles to overcome. Kelly has done so with grace, good humor, determination, with a husband encouraging her every step of the way, and with gratitude for the gift from a donor.

Thank you Kelly and Craig for such a wonderful, inspirational account of your lives. This has truly changed me in a very positive way. My priorities and outlook are back in the proper perspective. I do not know that I would have handled everything as positively as you two, and pray I will never have to find out.
This book should be read by everyone. It provides a very unique perspective into personal motivation, unbelievable drive, and magnificient teamwork.
WONDERFUL !

I have just finished Kelly's book The Climb of My Life and am left truly inspired... It is an amusing, poignant, and motivating read that reminds us all that each life is to be cherished and lived to the fullest capacity. Insightful and inspiring, I have mentioned this book in many discussions, as I feel any and every person can benefit from reading Kelly's story. One of the many sentiments I want to incorporate into my own life is greeting your loved one at the end day with "what was the best part of your day?" automatically creating a positive round of communication as opposed to the typical "how was your day?" which often leads to dwelling on the negative. I have taken Kelly's book to heart - I catch myself referring to Kelly and Craig's attitude "well, it could have been worse" when I encounter trivial irks, and then find myself consciously acknowledging how great life truly is. Kelly's personal narrative left me smiling, my eyes misty, and a genuine tug at my heart. Her emotional and physical strength is truly admirable, as is her adoring husband who never let her give up.

It's not every day...
It's not every day you come across two people with such unconditional love and devotion for each other; it's not every day you come across someone who is able to embrace courage, hope, and determination with death staring her in the face; it's not every day you come across someone who has turned "giving back" into their main mission in life; and it's not every day you come across someone who has not only been given a second chance at life via a heart transplant but has lived a life which most can only dream to attain.

"The Climb of My Life" is a well written, captivating journey that will be hard to put down. It reveals to the reader, through humor and tears, how Kelly has faced adversity and pursued her journey. I am inspired by her courage and strength to step out beyond my boundries. Thank you Kelly for this.

This is an amazing story about medical miracles, undaunted courage, steely determination, steadfast love, and ultimate triumph. While most of us won't face the sorts of challenges described here, there are many lessons to be learned. The inspiration of Kelly's story is a gift. If you want an exciting story about real adventure, this book is for you. If nothing else, this book should inspire every one to become an organ donor.

This book is not terrible. I found it to be cliche at times, and it definitely contained a number of gender stereotypes, which the author would include and apologize for, which I found to be somewhat annoying. It's a quick read, so at least I didn't feel like I was wasting a lot of time. I have read a lot of books on women in corporations, and I didn't think this one was particularly new or innovative, and at times, the writing was poor. At the end of every chapter, there were exercises, and I did think those were helpful. For example, one suggestion was to write one hand written thank you note per week - not particularly innovative, but it is a good practice, I think, and a good reminder to do that.

In all, I think Lois Frankel's books are much better written, with much better advice.

It was a pleasure having Kathleen Archambeau host a recent Bank of America Diversity Brown Bag event in Concord, California that featured "Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels". The buzz continues among male and female associates about Kathleen's book because it is not only a practical educational reference but an actionable guide for dealing with work/life balance. The book supports a core value we have taken to make our workplace a family friendly environment through inclusive meritocracy.

"Climbing the Corporate Ladder..." is a practical guide to career success. Extremely well-written. Inspires lots of "ah-ha" moments. Helps young and seasoned professionals remember to find a better work and life balance. Encourages readers to consider success from all angles. I loved it!

Not just for women. Kathleen provides important tips that all men can use to further their own careers. Provided in an easy to read and use format.

Full of insight and inspiring stories that will make any woman, regardless of her chosen field or career path, search her heart for the answers she needs to live a rewarding and fulfilling life. This book brings light and awareness to the often difficult and confusing choices we make along our journey through life. With humor and wit, Kathleen challenges us to look into the deeper parts of ourselves to identify what our true hearts desire is and then guides and empowers us with tools to achieve it.

this is a fantastic read, if you have ever climbed any mountain this would probably interest you

I'm not sure, but I may have been one of the pilots on the C-130 that helped to coordinate the rescue of the team off of Mt. McKinley. Rescue 489 sounds like one of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron's aircraft. And, I recall dropping (parachuting) a couple of radios on the emergency frequency to a climbing team that we helped rescue. The aircraft commander and I are discussing this particular rescue as "I speak."

As I recall, the person from the expedition that was talking to me was very very reluctant to leave the climb, finally asking what it would cost. When the team was assured that there would be "no cost," things did change... :-)

On the rescue that I'm describing, perhaps the one covered in this book, the Army Huey helicopter had difficulty landing at such a high elevation, and carrying out such a load. I watched as the helicopter lifted off, and it had to dive down toward the base of the mountain to get into more dense air, and to gain associated lift. On the way back to the airport, we slowed the C-130 down, and lowered the flaps, so the Huey helicopters could fly on each wing tip...

I loved how suspenseful it is when they are trapped in the snow cave for a week. I would definetly recommend this book to anyone about the age of 12. It is kind of challenging.

this was an awesome book. it was so suspensful i couldnt put it down it was like my fingers and eyes were glued to the book.i had a great time reading it.the people in this book went through alot of bad luck.im not going to describe it though for those of you review readers who havent read the book.this book was the complete oppisite of a waste of time and i highly recommend reading it because there is so many bad things happening like death, frostbite, and wind speeds i didnt even know were possible that its amazing anyone could have survived a adventure such as that.this was a good book i highly recommened it for anyone looking for a good time , or anyone who hasnt read a good book lately, or ,OH THE HELL WITH IT! I recommened this book to anyone, anywhere, anytime!

This book is incredible. You cannot put it down. A great gripping TRUE story!

My husband doesn't typically cry. He's not opposed to emoting and doesn't think real men don't cry. He just doesn't find much to cry about, so when he tried to read a passage aloud to me from Forget Me Not, but couldn't make it through for the emotion clogging his throat, he got my attention. Likewise, when my sister spotted the book lying on my coffee table and picked it up to take a quick perusal but ended up having to take it home because she couldn't put it down, I took note. Their reactions to Lowe-Anker's book paralleled my own. Although our reactions were similar, the reasons were different. My husband was moved beyond words by the Lowe boys' loss of their father, whereas my sister was hooked by sheer adventure: "Why read somebody's made-up story when this adventure is so amazing and it happened to real people!"

I read memoirs and biographies for their lessons on living. Lowe-Anker's memoir offers a look at the human spirit and its capacity for compromise, empathy, patience, trust, and forgiveness. Although this story is primarily supposed to be about Alex Lowe, I was drawn to the story of the plucky young woman who chose him as her mate and was struck by the tragedy of suddenly losing him. To be able to, to want to move on into a new marriage is a testament to the depth of love Alex and Jennifer shared. Long before I read this book, I happened across an image of one of Jennifer's paintings in a magazine. There were two horses; both were running, and launching herself midstride from one horse to another was a cowgirl. Now I understand the painting to be a leap of trust and faith in both the journey of a new relationship and in the heart of her new partner.

Forget Me Not is a book that braids the strands of relationships, discovery, adventure, love, loss, and courage into a story you won't be able to put down.

I loved this book, I couldn't put it down! Jennifer's story of adventure and being in love with such a dynamic man is a wonderfully written book.
It is a very personal, descriptive and objective memoir. I think that both men and women would enjoy this book, it is about adventure and risk and love and lessons and hope and being strong. I think Jennifer's writing was wonderful, the way she described the travels and the personalities were so well done. I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves adventure and that has been in love and knows what it is like to support someone in what they want to do.....no matter the risk. The cover is a little off putting, it doesn't say adventure so look past the pretty cover and know this will have you on the edge of your seat as you read this amazing story of love and adventure and loss...........
Please pick this one up!

Twenty eight October 1996 Alex Lowe speaks in Houston, Doug Scott in Sante Fe. Sante Fe a more enticing destination especially with a stop in the Guadalupe Mountain on the way I drove to Sante Fe enjoyed Doug's "Seven Summits" presentation and had a few beers with him and others at the Cowgirl Bar. In 1982 Doug and another Alex, Alex MacIntyre, climbed Shishapagma and collaborated on a book about it, THE SHISHAPANGMA EXPEDITION. The book would be published posthumously in Alex's case as this Alex was to die soon on Annapurna. Doug Scott who had survived a high altitude bivouac on the west face of Everest with Dougal Haston and climbed within a few feet [honoring the sacredness of the mountain] of the summit of Kangchenjungna with Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker. Dougal, Peter, and Joe would soon all die in the mountains. And on K-2 Doug would see his ropemate Nick Estcourt swept to death in an avalanche which would no doubt have killed him to if not the 5mm rope connecting them not have broken. Doug Scott who I understand prepares for every expedition as not to come back but somehow always has. Alex Lowe who promised to come back and finally could not. Alex Lowe would never write a book but thanks to Jennifer we have many of his letters. Poignant letters bimming with hope and love of Jennifer and people and mountains and his three young sons. From the Trango Tower he writes of the little Alpine Forget-Me-Nots imploring Jennifer to come up with an idea of a painting typing together the flowers and their Love. One wonders if Jennifer could bare to create such a painting. She, thankfully, has created the took and in FORGET ME NOT she writes of the 18 years Alex and she were together although because of Alex's involvements in expedition months adding up to years they were apart. She tells of the early years when she joined Alex on climbs and of their itinerant life working on a seismic crew: of times spent at Camp 4 in Yosemite, climibing in Alaska, climbing in Europe. She also writes of her development as an Artist, visiting the Lourve while Alex put up hard routes in the Chamonix. And she remembers soloing the Skyladder and going on the summit on Andromeda experiencing the risk, serenity and joy of climbing before finally becoming more like Hector's wife and devoted mother Andromechea in the book of Hectors death, the Iliad. Alex not unlike Hector tragically compelled to risk [duty] and adventure but albeit more so equally tied to Jennifer, Max, Sam and Isaac. An imaginative and impulsive father who engaged his sons in everything from tadpoles to homework. A world class climber who claimed his greatest climb was summiting the Grand Teton with his son Max. How could it be otherwise than through tears we read of Jennifer receiving words from Shishapangma that Alex was missing under tons of ice and snow. Alex, David Bridges, and Corad Anker had been crossing a face, the slope above avalanched, Alex and David had run down the mountain, Corad across. Alex and David were buried, Conrad although injured survived. We read of Jennifer being comforted by her mother and the monumental strength of her sister Jan, both of whom were to die and the next few years. Especially poignant is the picture Jennifer gives us of picking 3 year old Isaac up wishing to join him in the imaginative world of his sandbox. Later as Jennifer we learn more of the depth of Conrad. Alex had written of Conrad as one would imagine Enkidu would have written of Gilgamesh in that book of friendship and death, possibly the oldest story in world. Conrad who would become the tender and compassionate husband of Jennifer and father for Max, Sam and Isaac. Jennifer had written of seeing snow geese giving her a sense of Alex and of the affirmation of life which came of it, of continuing to fly, now with the companionship of Conrad, Max, Sam, and Isaac.

I devoured this book!! I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone. It was a nice read, and it surprisingly did not make me cry as much as I was afraid it would (Maria Coffey's Where the Mountain Cast Its Shadow made me pretty much cry through the entire book). Very interesting, touching story. I really enjoyed hearing about how they met, fell in love and all of the adventures they shared together, and how she handled her life while her husband was away doing what he loved while she continued to do what she loved (she is an accomplished artist). It was sad knowing how he died and how hard it must have been for her to break the news to her children, that part really got to me. Overall I think it shows just how strong of a woman Lowe-Anker is - how she almost lost it all but was able to keep going forward and putting one foot in front of the other and was able to find love again. Great story, you should really check it out!

I loved this book. I could really relate to it, as my husband spent time with Alex Lowe on one of his climbs. Small world. What an amazing climber and man Alex Lowe was. May his spirit live on in all of us. Jennifer is such a strong woman and I can relate to her, being the mother of boys also. I also met Jennifer at Mountain Film in Telluride, CO and had my books signed. It was an honor to meet such a respectable woman, then to read her story, was even more impressionable!

This is a well written and well illustrated guide for someone new to visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The dozen or so routes we did in this book were all challenging and enjoyable. There are thousands of routes in the Park, but this is a swell introduction for the traditional climber. At this price I don't see why any climber visiting the park wouldn't have a copy. The photographs and maps are the best I have seen in any book.

First of all, this book is written by some really nice people. This book is void of the elitism that usally comes with a guide book to an area like this. My wife and I have been to J-tree many times but this was our first year with this book. It truely enhanced our time there. The full color pictures are great, and they took all the pictures from such logical places that if you are following a road or trail and find yourself needing direction, you look up and see exactly what is in the picture for the climb you are looking for. My wife and I found ourself laughing on one climb when we were looking off in the distance for a rock formation and spotted the tree 6' in front of us that was also about 6' in front of the camera lense in the picture! And there are climbs that real people can do! I notice in other guide books the only highly rated climbs are 5.12 and up! Get this book, you won't be dissapointed. I only wish I could meet the authers and tell them of my appreciation.

Sometimes, as the saying goes, less is more. This book is a classic example of producing a user friendly rock climbing guide to one of the premier cragging areas, by limiting the scope to climbs that most people who go to Joshua Tree actually enjoy. As the title stipulates there are no 5.12 sphincter squeesers here, just interesting traditional climbs (no bolts for the sport freaks).

Each climb is photographed in color with a graphic overlay clearly showing the route. Most of these routes are short, single pitch climbs that encompass a wide variety of problems with the emphasis on classic crack climbs. Approach info and the maximum protection requirement is noted along with a very abreviated strategy for the climb. Information on lodging and camping along with dining options are covered pretty well, though the surrounding areas offer a lot more variety than the book indicates.

If you're a beginner/intermediate climber and aspire to climb in JT, this is the guide to get.

This book is the best non comprehensive climbing guide book I have ever seen. The highlights are:

- Full color photos of the routes
- Both approach photos as well as close up route photos, making it easy to find the rock and specific route
- Full park map with relative camping and route locations listed
- Very good beta on each and every route (includes sun/shade, rack suggestions, etc), usually about a page per route not including another page for photos.

So basically if you're interested in the 5.5 to 5.9 trad routes in Joshua Tree you'll love this book, simple as that.

Wow! Great book, color detailed photos of routes, sun/shade orientation for all routes & basically all the info that one needs to have a memorable trip in Joshua Tree. Also great to have a book that has a focus on climbs under 5.10. All in all this is the most informative climbing book I have ever purchased. Would have been happy paying twice the price I paid for it.

I thought this book was very sad. I really felt for him while I was reading it. I met Chad Gaines in person and I think he has overcome a lot of obsticles in his life. Best luck to him and his family!!! Also Best Wishes with your next book!!

I thought Voices From a Locked Room wasn't a bad book at all. It could have used a little more proof reading, maybe hire an editor for your next one. But all in all, I thought this was a good book. Keep up the good work. You will have bad reviews along with the good, but keep in mind, it wasn't that bad if they published it. Right? Be proud of what you can accomplish and ignore the people who are against you. Also remember, some criticism is not always bad. ;)

I also agree that the author needed some proof reading on this book, but all in all it took alot of courage for this young man to tell his story. I was disappointed when I learned (via his website) that he had to stop production of his book, so that his family would leave him alone. I met this young author at a festival this past summer and was also able to hear him speak. He has overcome alot of adversities to get to where he is now. I was looking on amazon to see when his next book would be coming out. I was shocked to see all of the negative comments, that were obviously from family members who don't want his story to be told. It seems to me that still today, that this young man is having to overcome alot of obstacles. Maybe he is not going through the physical abuse anymore, but now it seems that he is having to go through alot of mental abuse in order to just succed with his life. Keep up with your writing and don't let others get in your way. Also, maybe someone could help you on your next book. Not everyone has the capabilities of writing a book, so kudos to you for attempting this endeavor.

Voices From a Locked Room was very action packed from the first page. The content is very daring of a new writer but I was looking forward to reading the second part when I heard it was pulled from the stores. Voices From a Locked Room takes you to so many places and so many different times in ones life that I wish everyone would read it! It is a hard lession for all of us to be learned about child abuse and the streets.

I didn't know what to think after reading voices from a locked room because I knew Chad as a little boy. It broke my heart to find what I always thought was true. It is very upsetting to know his mother or family for that matter were never charge with a crime for abuse. I just thank God that Chad has now turned his life around. In our town, things like this are sometimes never told or talking about. Chad has wrote a mind blowing book to help others talk about abuse and other things in life that we are afraid to talk about. Great Book for any parents.

I find the teachings in "Awake In This Life" to be very helpful. Michael's insight and ability to elevate my understanding of myself and the universe is profound. This is a must read.

In AWAKE IN THIS LIFE, Michael McAlister conveys the essential message of non-duality in clear and refreshing ways. Like Eckhart Tolle, Nathan Gill, Stephan Bodian, and other contemporary teachers in this tradition, he emphasizes that our normal internal sense "of being a distinct and separate 'I'" is not the full story of our reality. He points the way of the pathless path (the "Mountain of Spirit") toward boundaryless awareness and recognition of our deep unity with everything. The goal, he says, is to live each moment as consciously as possible--to uncover "that which is always and forever whole."
With wisdom and humor, McAlister gently challenges us to see the mental conditioning that makes us unconscious of our limitless true nature. His discussion of our habitual grasping and avoidance patterns, and of our mistaken identification with thoughts and feelings, is particularly helpful; when these limiting egoic tricks are seen through, we begin to live the full truth of what we are.
This book will resonate with anyone who yearns to live from, and embody, a place of spaciousness rather than of limitation and separation; I highly recommend it.

This is a great book. It is well written and doesn't miss a thing. Not a single word is wasted. This book is a must read for anyone seriously interested in the spiritual journey. I'm sure you will refer to it again and again! :-)

What a breath of fresh air to read personal stories and anecdotes about the author's ups and downs along the path. This book provides information on many levels that will allow the reader to take something new from it each time they read it. And the humor and gentleness injected into the writing comes shining through!

This book is written from the point of view of someone who started like all of us - a bit cynical, a bit arrogant, a bit impatient, but searching for some meaning in life - and found what he was looking for by sitting still, shutting up and watching what happens. Anyone can relate to this journey and this book gives hopes to the rest of us that enlightenment isn't some special thing you can only achieve in a serene Buddhist monastery.

We usually cautiously enter a memoir/autobiography work such as this. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a decent writing style, excitingly detailed stories, and a sharing of intimate knowledge.

The many epics in Jim Whittaker's life were outlined with sufficient detail to describe the epic, but not so much that it forced us to skip the remainder. I suspect that few secrets were not revealed about the Whittaker family.

There were numerous color and black and white photos in the hardcover edition to help support the memoir, with a focus on the epic adventures and less on early family life.

We give this work a rare five stars.

An incredible book. Not because of his achievments (which are very impressive), but because he shares his wisdom regarding life. This comes from a man who's seen it all, and has seen life's ups and downs. Highly recommended.

Jim Whittaker began his life with only one real difference from most of us and that is that he had an identical twin. However from almost the day of his birth onward, his life accelerated beyond what is normal for most of us.
Mr. Whittaker enjoyed some luck in his life, particularly his ability to meet and mingle with some very powerful, influential and skilled individuals. He also enjoyed the benefit of his own hard work - from his days at REI to his climb on Everest and his efforts to put Americans on top of K2. He also had his share of bad luck, a divorce and a bankruptcy. This makes this story so much more entertaining because it is real, it is personal, it is something that could have happened to almost anyone with the drive and love of the mountains that Mr. Whittaker possessed.
The accounts of his alpine adventures, whether on Mt. Rainier or Mt. Everest or K2, are gripping, well written and harsh reminders of why mountaineering is not a sport for the faint of heart. Jim lost many of his close friends through out his life and the mountains claimed many of them. Despite any set back however, he pushed onward. This drive doesn't appear to be the result of a lust for glory or wealth but simply an extension of the man himself. In my opinion, his greatest successes are not the mountains he climbed but the peace and love of nature, family, and the mountains that he has helped others find.
This book is well written and easy to read and the pictures included are breathtaking (I wish there were more!). Reading this text will almost assuredly add a name to your list of personal heroes.

One of the truly great climbing books! The work describes this American Hero's life philosophy of learning and truly living. It describes how to take on an acceptable amount of risk and gain from the experience. I found valuable Jim's philosophy (who I met and idolized as a kid) translated into a world well beyond the mountain - into his political friendship with the Kennedy's, his professional life at REI and Magellan GPS; as well as his efforts to foster nothing short of world peace. I kept finding myself wondering if there was anything Jim had not taken on!

The writing is considerably less melodramatic than a great number of climbing/travel logs, which is refreshing. Straightforward and clear, even when discussing the inevitable loss of life involved in mountaineering.

A memorable quote follows: "It's about making the most of every moment, about stretching your own boundaries, about being willing to learn constantly, and putting your self in situations where learning is possible - sometimes even critical to your survival. Being out on the edge, with every-thing at risk, is where you learn-and grow-the most.

I'm a 20 year old guy about to graduate from college, and have thus been thinking a lot about the future and how I want to live my life.. I just finished reading the book and wrote in my journal about it, which will sum up how I feel about it pretty well:

Wow... I just finished reading a really good book, a book that has brought together and solidified a lot of the things I've been thinking about the past few weeks. The name of the book was "Life on the Edge" by Jim Whittaker, the first american to reach the summit of Everest. When Chris and I went to the bookstore for our weekly visit, I was looking for an true-life adventure book, but I also wanted something that had a sense of "living" to it as well. I read "Into Thin Air" and it was like a drama novel, seeming almost like fiction. "Life on the Edge" hits much closer to home, describing the realities of a life well lived.

Spellbinding. The introduction, written by a different author, presented a history of exploration in Ethiopia in relatively dry mountaineering terms -- typical "stiff upper lip" and all that. I was prepared to wade through a pedestrian account of a climber in a remote corner of the world. What I found, however, was the sheer joy and exuberance of a young climber rediscovering a forgotten gem. The climbing, though superbly photographed and described, takes a back seat to well-limned essays about Ethiopia itself, and the author's incredulity at the history, beauty and current state of the country and its people. Highly recommended for travelers and climbers alike.

This book is cool! Burhardt's photos and text capture the collage-like qualities of true adventure. Along with Burhardt and her intrepid companions, we get to feel our way through the colors, textures, people, and, of course, rock of Ethiopia. What a place, what a journey, what a story.

The incredible photography is what first grabs you - and indeed, it's published as a beautiful coffee-table style book. But once you start reading the text, it's hard to stop. Burhardt is a gifted storyteller and a poetic wordsmith. She shines an insightful light on a country that is so rich and complex - and so misunderstood. You will feel as if you are living the adventure with her - which is the sign of any great read.

I am neither a rock climber nor an adventurer so when a friend sent it to me, I wasn't sure it was my kind of thing... but wow! Its a great read! The pictures alone are well worth the cover price, but it is
Burkhardt's writing that is really fun and compelling, and often downright funny. Initially I wasn't aware that the intro was written by someone else and was a bit bored by mundane geography and geology facts, but within the first paragraph of Majka's writing she had me laughing out loud at her childhood impressions of Ethiopia via dinner table commands to finish her food due to African famines and singing all the verses of We are the World out loud with her friends. That was my first impression as well and I didn't know much else about the country today until I read this book. The rock climbing shots are amazing and the photos of the locals are truly beautiful. My favorite part of the story was a hair- raising tale of the climbers ascending some gnarly vertical spire only to get to the top where a bunch of village kids met them after scrambling up the back. I learned alot about Ethiopia and rock climbing, but mostly I enjoyed Majka's stories and Rogel's photos. I read it in one long sitting and leave it out on my coffee table to thumb through the pictures over and over...!

This is an amazing book. Both the writing and the photography are incredible - you get a real feel for the experience of climbing in a gorgeous and rugged landscape, and at the same time you learn a tremendous amount about Ethiopia and its people.