Description
Book Synopsis: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • This gripping and triumphant memoir from the author of The Mountain follows a living legend of extreme mountaineering as he makes his assault on history, one 8,000-meter summit at a time.
“From the drama of the peaks, to the struggle of making a living as a professional climber, to the basic how-tos of life at 26,000 feet, No Shortcuts to the Top is fascinating reading.”—Aron Ralston, author of Between a Rock and a Hard Place and subject of the film 127 Hours
For eighteen years Ed Viesturs pursued climbing’s holy grail: to stand atop the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, without the aid of bottled oxygen. But No Shortcuts to the Top is as much about the man who would become the first American to achieve that goal as it is about his stunning quest. As Viesturs recounts the stories of his most harrowing climbs, he reveals a man torn between the flat, safe world he and his loved ones share and the majestic and deadly places where only he can go.
A preternaturally cautious climber who once turned back 300 feet from the top of Everest but who would not shrink from a peak (Annapurna) known to claim the life of one climber for every two who reached its summit, Viesturs lives by an unyielding motto, “Reaching the summit is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” It is with this philosophy that he vividly describes fatal errors in judgment made by his fellow climbers as well as a few of his own close calls and gallant rescues. And, for the first time, he details his own pivotal and heroic role in the 1996 Everest disaster made famous in Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air.
In addition to the raw excitement of Viesturs’s odyssey, No Shortcuts to the Top is leavened with many funny moments revealing the camaraderie between climbers. It is more than the first full account of one of the staggering accomplishments of our time; it is a portrait of a brave and devoted family man and his beliefs that shaped this most perilous and magnificent pursuit.
Details
Looking for an adventure that will leave you breathless? Look no further than "No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks"! This gripping memoir from the acclaimed author of The Mountain takes you on a heart-pounding journey as a living legend of extreme mountaineering conquers one 8,000-meter summit after another. Packed with captivating stories of thrilling climbs and daring rescues, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and adventure.
As the first American to achieve the monumental feat of conquering all fourteen of the world's highest peaks without the aid of bottled oxygen, Ed Viesturs's incredible journey is one for the books. He paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs he faced on his dangerous quest. From the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest to the deadly peaks of Annapurna, Viesturs's unwavering determination shines through every page.
But "No Shortcuts to the Top" is not just a chronicle of death-defying climbs; it's a story about the human spirit. Viesturs reveals the inner conflict he experiences as he balances his love for his family with his insatiable thirst for adventure. His caution and meticulous approach to climbing make him a true role model, while his heroic actions during the infamous 1996 Everest disaster showcase his selflessness and bravery.
Join Viesturs on a riveting journey through his most perilous and magnificent pursuit. Experience the thrill of facing the unknown, taking risks, and overcoming obstacles. Discover the camaraderie shared among climbers and the bond forged by a common passion for the mountains. "No Shortcuts to the Top" is not just an adventure; it's a testament to the power of dreams and the courage to pursue them.
Don't miss out on this incredible story of triumph and perseverance. Dive into "No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks" today and embark on an unforgettable journey. Reach the summit of inspiration and motivation, and let Ed Viesturs's extraordinary tale inspire you to conquer the peaks in your own life. Get your copy now!
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