Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See: My Story

Book Description

"A vivid and compelling book." ( Time magazine)

Erik Weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of thirteen. But Erik was determined to rise above this devastating disability and lead a fulfilling and exciting life.

In this poignant and inspiring memoir, he shares his struggle to push past the limits imposed on him by his visual impairment-and by a seeing world. He speaks movingly of the role his family played in his battle to break through the barriers of blindness: the mother who prayed for the miracle that would restore her son's sight and the father who encouraged him to strive for that distant mountaintop. And he tells the story of his dream to climb the world's Seven Summits, and how he is turning that dream into astonishing reality (something fewer than a hundred mountaineers have done).

From the snow-capped summit of McKinley to the towering peaks of Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro to the ultimate challenge, Mount Everest, this is a story about daring to dream in the face of impossible odds. It is about finding the courage to reach for that ultimate summit, and transforming your life into something truly miraculous.

"I admire you immensely. You are an inspiration to other blind people and plenty of folks who can see just fine." (Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air)

Customer Reviews:

Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See: My Story.......2007-08-03

Erik spoke at the American Dental Assoc. conference in Denver where my husband got the
chance to meet him. He autographed a copy of the book "To Gray, Reach!".

I happened upon it while cleaning last week and was immediately intrigued. I
used to rock climb but have not been actively involved in the sport for a
couple years. Anyway, I have never written to any author before but was so
impressed with Erik's gift of story telling that I had to write. He is one
funny dude. I laughed out loud at his adventures and dialog with his
climibing partners. It brought back fond memories of previous climbing trips
and the fun times I shared with my climbing buddies. I will probably never
climb any of the seven summits but was able to enjoy expericing these climbs
through his words.

I am an Occupational Therapist and meet people everyday in my work that
exhibit self-limiting behavior that prevents them from living full,
enriched, healthy lives. I am going to recommend Erik's book to encourage
others to REACH! Thanks for a great book! What a refreshing way to look at
life...

Believe the Unbelievable .......2007-03-29

This was a terrific book that I could not put down. The story was easy to concentrate on and I learned a lot when reading it. I learned that blind people are a lot more capable than people say, what the visually impaired go through, and mountain climbing. Though the story is true, it is unbelievable that Erik Weihenmayer could climb the seven summits, especially Mount Everest. Even though I don't really read autobiographies or biographies, this book appealed to me. Erik is an incredible writer, and it is easy to connect with the characters in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others because you learn to believe the unbelievable.

Great Book - Highly Recommended.......2007-02-10

My company had Erik speak to us and as part of a day long meeting. At the end, we all got signed copies of the book for free. I am not an avid reader but grabbed the book on the way to the airport for a flight. Very quickly I found that I couldn't put the book down which doesn't happen that often. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I found myself more fascinated by his life growing up and his experiences outside of climbing. The climbing part was good too but I probably didn't appreciate it nearly as much as a climber that understands the true challenges a person faces on the mountains they summited.

I was very impressed with his overall writing style. He was very descriptive in each story which gave you a feel of being there. Erik also does a good job of making the reader laugh throughout each story. I got several strange looks in the airport as I laughed while reading some of his antics.

It was great listening to Erik speak, also. I wish I had read the book before he talked with us so I could have better appreciated his visit. He was a fun guy to listen to and very friendly.

One of My New Favorite Books.......2006-05-22

Before beginning this review, I read the reviews of others; good and bad. I'm shocked at the venom spewed by people who called Erik Weihenmayer an arrogant jerk based on what they read. I had the opposite impression, but grant that the essence of an individual cannot be captured in the pages of a book. Many, many biographies have been written, yet, all fall short of completely describing the individual. Erik displayed unabashed love for his family, his wife, his friends, even his guide dog. He spent equal time describing his failures and his triumphs. He exposes his frailties by describing the trial and error involved in learning to effectively teach sighted children. He points out that the road to his successes were not his alone, but his, his family's, his wife's, his climbing partners', even his young students who were insightful and helpful when it came to his teaching. I especially liked that he described the antics, the pranks and the everyday 'slice of life' moments. I thouroughly enjoyed this book, so much that I can't imagine how anyone could NOT like it. But, there are all kinds people in this world and we all make it go 'round. I'd give it a perfect five, but it stops short of telling about climbing all seven summits. I'd prefer he'd waited until then to write his bio.

Soar to New Heights.......2006-05-14

I just finished reading the most wonderful book I have ever read. It's personal, it's a journey, it's an inspiration. And I don't even know how to make a tribute to the author. He seems like one of the more wonderful people in this world. The fact that he did what most of us couldn't is phenomenal; the fact that he enjoyed it is more. I was absorbed with this book from beginning to end.
The book is Touch the Top of the World by Erik Weihenmayer. I think it's the book of the year, a must-read, an inspiring journey. Regardless of who you are as a person, you'll want to read this. Imagine a young boy who loses his eyesight totally by the time he's 13, a boy who journeys farther than the eye can see. And a gentleman who wants, no, I think "desires" is a better word, to reach success with humility and a whole bunch of hard work.
When he was young, Erik didn't want to admit to his blindness to himself or anyone else. It took some effort for him to accept this dilemma, which he tells the reading audience about, but it never ever held him back from accomplishing his goals. Admittedly, he had a wonderful family support system that wouldn't let him give into this perceived handicap. In the book, he tells how his family played an important role to help him break through the barriers of his blindness.
Erik climbed Denali, Uhuru, Everest, El Capitan, among a host of other mountains, and reached the summit of each. To Erik, "a summit is less of a physical place and more of a metaphor for the meaning of your life. You can make your life what you want it to be." In his own words: "I don't climb mountains to prove to anyone that blind people can to this or that. I climb for the same reason an artist paints a picture: because it brings me great joy."
Here is a story that could also become your favorite. Erik's life focuses on people understanding their potential rather than making apologies for their limitations. If there is a message in this book (and I believe there is and there's more than just one), it's this:

Whatever you decide to do in this life, don't quit. Don't ever quit. Even when you are at the lowest point in your life and everything seems to be crumbling around you. That's when you should pull yourself, with all your strength and more, up off the floor, sort to speak, and move on with your life.

I highly recommend this book. Yes, he climbs mountains but that's not all he does. He taught middle school and was a wrestling coach, he is a world athlete, and is now a motivational speaker. He is a marvelous person, full of fortitude, tenacity, and extraordinary vision. This is a must-read.

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Courage, laughs and wisdom from another era
Great American Adventure Story

SOLO TO TOP OF WORLD
Mcleod Gustavus A
Manufacturer: Smithsonian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Adventurers & Explorers | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Arctic | Polar Regions | Travel | Subjects | Books

Air Travel | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

Solo Travel | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 158834102X

Book Description

A modern trailblazer conquers one of the last aviation records in this harrowing, hilarious, and stirring adventure On April 17, 2000, Gus McLeod circled the geographic North Pole in a 60-year-old, open-cockpit biplane, a goal that had eluded aviation pioneers for a century, and the climax of a two-year odyssey of harrowing physical, mechanical, and natural obstacles.

Called crazy and worse, the irrepressible McLeod formed a team that included a car mechanic, a chase pilot who had just earned his license, and an historic Stearman trainer held together with duct tape, jerry-rigged ingenuity, and snow-blind faith. This nonstop page-turner will have readers laughing out loud, crying, and shaking their heads in disbelief as McCleod and his motley troupe of quipping, quarreling characters bounce from scrapes with disaster, to soaring triumphs, to side-splitting encounters with the revolving cast of eskimos, renegades, and bush pilots that await them at each stop on Canada's frozen tundra.

With death only a gust of frigid wind or a gallon of bad gas away, McLeod learns life-transforming lessons about the importance of family, friends, and self- identity. Defiantly out of the ordinary and rich in human dimensions far beyond a death-defying flight in the frozen Arctic, Solo to the Top of the World is a soul-stirring, heart-warming adventure for all seekers and dreamers, winged or earthbound.

Customer Reviews:

Courage, laughs and wisdom from another era.......2003-07-12

How many of us have thought we were born at the wrong time? For most of us, the era of barnstorming heroes is long gone, but Gus McLeod brought those times back with his bare hands and an ancient biplane. The results are both harrowing and humorous. Gustavus balances wry wit with self-effacing humor. He also fills the story with well-observed, quirky characters (including an Inuit, rechristened Studley, who need help handling the ladies). This is a FUNNY book. My daughter said she enjoyed listening to me chuckling out loud as I read it.

At the same time Gustavus brings together bits of history and contemporary concerns to draw us into the meaning of his quest. This is a spiritual journey as well as a man against nature tale. Gustavus struggles with his identity in a society that wants to categorize him according to only part of his rich heritage, and he shows how to win some battles. He also survives against punishing odds, repeatedly tipped against him by frostbite, failing equipment, loneliness, exhaustion and unrelenting cold.

The main creation of this book is a full, complex character, a man of charm and intelligent observations. You won't meet another like him.

Great American Adventure Story.......2003-04-24

Solo to the Top of the World is a great American adventure story. This is a lively historic account of how the first person reached the magnetic and geographic North Pole in a open cockpit airplane, a 1939 Boeing Stearman biplane, respectively in 1999 and 200, after several others had failed, died or disappeared in the Arctic. The book has all the elements of a great thriller- danger, excitment, high risks, success against tremendous odds, but it is even better than most thrillers because it is true. Readers will not want to put this book down.

Alone across the top of the world;: The authorized story of the Arctic journey of David Irwin as told to Jack O'Brien;

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Alone across the top of the world;: The authorized story of the Arctic journey of David Irwin as told to Jack O'Brien;
John Sherman O'Brien
Manufacturer: Cadmus books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00085O9N6

Across the Top of the World: The Last Great Journey on Earth.

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Across the Top of the World: The Last Great Journey on Earth.
Wally. Herbert
Manufacturer: Putnam Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0399100024

ALONE ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD THE AUTHORIZED STORY OF THE ARTIC JOURNEY OF DAVID IRWIN

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ALONE ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD THE AUTHORIZED STORY OF THE ARTIC JOURNEY OF DAVID IRWIN

Manufacturer: Chicago: John Winston Co. 1935
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GXCOP0

Alone Across the Top of the World, the Story of David Irwin's Artic Journey

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Alone Across the Top of the World, the Story of David Irwin's Artic Journey
Jack O'Brien
Manufacturer: John Winston Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000R3GSAQ

ALONE ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD: The Story of David Irwin's Arctic Journey.

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ALONE ACROSS THE TOP OF THE WORLD: The Story of David Irwin's Arctic Journey.
Jack O'Brien.
Manufacturer: Chicago: 1935 1st ed. Inscribed by David Irwin.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KIGVFU

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Alone Across the Top of the World; the Authorized Story of the Arctic Journey of David Irwin as Told to Jack O'Brien
john obrien
Manufacturer: The John C. Winston company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000W1714K

Alone Across the Top to the World, the Authorized Story of the Arctic Journey of David Irwin

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Alone Across the Top to the World, the Authorized Story of the Arctic Journey of David Irwin

Manufacturer: Chicago, Philadelphia and Toronto: The John C. Winston Company, 1935
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I341MM

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Journey to the Top of the World
Janet Foster
Manufacturer: Greey De Pencier/books From
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0920775179

Book Description

All papers were peer reviewed. The volume contains reports on work done in areas of field theory, supersymmetry, string theory, higher spins, and related topics using group-theoretical and geometrical methods which involve, one way or another, twistor-like techniques (singletons, harmonics, superembeddings, and twistors themselves).

Book Description

This book is based on the analogy between contact mechanics and fracture mechanics as proposed by the author about twenty years ago. It starts with a chapter devoted to the surface energy and tension of solids and surface thermodynamics, which is followed by a chapter on elastic recall. The methods of Muskhelichvili and Hankel transforms for the resolution of plane and axisymmetric problems are studied. Then the essential conepts of fracture mechanics are presented with emphasis on the thermodynamic aspect of the problem. The reader will find complete analytical results and detailed calculations for cracks submitted to pressure distributions and the Dugdale model, as well as a chapter on contact mechanics. The contact and adherence of rough solids is also studied. This book is intended for advanced students and researchers working in the fields of fracture mechanics or adhesion.

Book Description

The comedy of domestic manners gets a delightful update in this intoxicating novel that suggests a latter-day Pride and Prejudice transplanted to an affluent suburb of Philadelphia. Well-meaning but domineering Dr. Evelyn Rubin has one consuming wish, that her three daughters be happily married. Alice, the eldest, is about to tumble into a speedy engagement. Sensible Isabel is already married, and having second thoughts. Tina, the baby, remains blithely single, though always dreams of a perfect wedding down the line. As various men—some good, some fascinatingly bad—enter from the wings and the romantic complications mount, This Side of Married stands unveiled as a novel that's as heady as good champagne and as rich as a genuine Sachertorte.

Customer Reviews:

very good read.......2006-04-19

I'm a sucker for just about any book that "adapts" a jane austen book or theme, and when this was described as "austenesque", i had to read it. am very glad i did. the characters are interesting and the book is very well-written, but for my money the best "pride & prejudice" adaptation is "Jane Austen in Boca" by paula marantz cohen. However, this book, although not as funny as the cohen book, still captures the family themes and sister characters nicely. i'm looking forward to rachel pastan's next book.

A compelling read.......2005-06-19

I loved this book! When I finished it, I found myself missing the characters something awful. Pastan has successfully updated Austen's Pride & Prejudice by exploring the age-old issues of meddling mothers, jealous sisters, disappointing suitors and the drive to mate with humor, wit and intelligence. The story draws you in and deftly adds characters and plot twists that keep you engaged throughout.

Choose this for your next book group--.......2005-06-19

I would highly recommend This Side of Married by Rachel Pastan as an ideal book for any women's book group.
The story, set in Philadelphia, revolves around three sisters and their overbearing mother. The mother's goal is to see each of her daughters happily married and pregnant. The daughters, each in her own way, struggle to obtain the good life, which includes finding the ideal spouse. The book is fast-paced and very enjoyable. My book group had one of its livelier discussions about family dynamics and marriage.

Average customer rating:

Jane Austen comparisons are unfounded!
3 1/2 stars...
I am missing soemthing with the Jane Austen comparison!
To marry or not to marry...that is the question??
surprisingly enjoyable

This Side of Married
Rachel Pastan
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Family Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Sisters | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Single Women | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0670033065
Release Date: 2004-05-24

Book Description

Rachel Pastan's first novel is pure pleasure-a crisp and witty page-turner for smart women everywhere. The Rubin daughters are three eligible sisters from an affluent suburban Philadelphia family whose well-meaning but domineering mother is single-mindedly determined to see them all happily married.

The book opens at a Sunday brunch where Dr. Rubin, mother and obstetrician, is scheming to introduce her eldest daughter, Alice, to a doctor who is almost too good to be true. But why hasn't Alice been able to find a husband on her own? Is her sister Isabel, the real heroine of the story, genuinely happy in her marriage? And is Tina, the youngest of the sisters, as shallow as she seems, or is she something worse than shallow?

Reminiscent of the work of Laurie Colwin, This Side of Married is a brilliant, ironic domestic comedy of manners. Full of surprises, yet filled with feeling, This Side of Married is witty, intelligent, and utterly delicious.

Customer Reviews:

Jane Austen comparisons are unfounded!.......2005-08-07

I couldn't even finish this slow-moving, drab, dull book. I tried to, really I did, but I realized I had already wasted way too much precious time on it already! Needless to say, I would NOT recommend this book to anyone.

3 1/2 stars..........2005-07-27

This is one of those books that just doesn't seem deserving enough of 4 stars, but 3 is too low, so I guess it's in the middle. This book was enjoyable, a cute little read about the men/mother problems of three sisters.

There's Alice, the oldest, who is knocking on 40's door and has never been married, or even in a serious long-term relationship. Isabel, who after 12 years of marriage is second guessing the whole arrangement, mostly due to the fact that they are seemingly unable to conceive. And Tina, the baby of the three who goes through men left and right. Then there's 'Doc', the girls mother. She's constantly putting in her two cents about their love lives, when their gonna get married, or how to fix marital problems. She was kinda annoying.

I liked Alice for the most part. She was a little wishy-washy, and you could see a mile away where her relationship with Anthony (the Doctor who works with their mother) was going. Isabel is the narrator of the book, and she didn't really have any substance to her, no real issues (besides the ending). Everything with her was about trying to have a baby, not working but kinda wanting to, and her uncertainty about her marriage. Tina I hated. Though we never learn much about her, what we do know I really didn't like.

In the end it's a cute book. A quick read to pass the time on a miserably hot day. But don't pick this up expecting much more than that, you'll be disappointed.

I am missing soemthing with the Jane Austen comparison!.......2005-05-24

What do these 3 whiny selfish sisters have to do with Austen's classis sparkling comedy of manners? Mrs. Bennett was neither cold nor bullying of her brood of British daughters? The characters in Pride and Prejudice are likable unlike this horror. I was delighted to pick this up, but it turned out to be so disappointing.

The sisters and their mother, "Doc". are so thinly drawn. The author labels each one and we never see beyond that. The mother was so exaggerated she could never garner any sympathy. The men from the father to the assorted husband/boyfriend/fiance types were also like paper dolls, nothing was there. I never cared about these people.

If you want a book about marriage and sister, reread Jane Austen!

To marry or not to marry...that is the question??.......2005-02-05

This Side of Married is about three sisters. Alice, the oldest is considered "The Princess." Isabel, the middle is "The little Missus/married one". Tina, the baby is "The Sex Kitten". The sisters grew up in Philadelphia raised by a Nanny while their Mother, a Doctor aka "Doc" and their Father who was a Judge worked to give their children the best of everything.

The story revolves around Isabel who has unsuccessfully tried to become pregnant with her husband, Theo. She is struggling with the dilemna of not knowing if she is only staying in the marriage in hopes of having a child, not wanting to dissapoint her parents or if she is truly in love.

Alice is a 38 year old single lawyer who quickly becomes engaged with a man (Anthony) who has two kids/divorced twice.

Tina is a single 29 year old who has always gotten her way. All the men love her and women hate her.

This Side of Marriage deals with the different relationships of three sisters and a Mother (Doc) who likes to meddle. Doc wants to make her girl's lives perfect when they are all in pieces.

To be honest, I didn't like the ending. My first thought was, "There has to be a sequel!!". You allow the characters to disappear inside your head for a few days hoping that there will be an ending. Only to discover that there isn't. There's many unanswered questions and you left wondering what lies ahead for Alice, Isabel and Tina.

Rachel Pastan - if you are reading this review ...I really enjoyed your first novel. Please give a thought to writing a sequel to let us know how the Rubin sisters turn out. :-)

surprisingly enjoyable.......2004-09-09

the sisters are so different yet in the end, much alike. I think that women who need to realize that "being married" isn't their sole purpose in life will find this book interesting. I didn't care for the way the younger sister basically gets away with something unforgiveable, perhaps that could have been dealt with more.....but really liked it.

Average customer rating:

This Side of Married
Rachel Pastan
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature & Fiction | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
ASIN: B000CEXTUW

Average customer rating:

Great Book, Great Narrator

This Side Of Married
Rachel Pastan
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0786186267

Customer Reviews:

Great Book, Great Narrator.......2005-05-09

This is such and fun lovely audio book. If you like Jane Austen you will love the contemporary twist on the theme of marriage in the lives of three sisters. The narration is excellent, the voices are done well, it is a real pleasure to listen to!

Average customer rating:

This Side of Married
RACHEL PASTAN
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJD03Q

Average customer rating:

This Side of Married
Rachel Pastan
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Sisters | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Single Women | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000C4SWYK

This Side of Married (Audiofy Digital Audiobook Chips)

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This Side of Married (Audiofy Digital Audiobook Chips)

Manufacturer: Audiofy/Blackstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards
ASIN: 1599127415

Product Description

This Audiofy audiobook chip packs Barbara Rosenblat's full 8.5 hour reading of "This Side of Married" on a tiny memory card. A single Audiofy audiobook chip, hardly larger than a stamp, holds a complete digital audiobook, and saves the last listening position automatically, unlike CDs. With an SD memory card slot or low-cost adapter - like those for digital cameras - this Audiofy audiobook chip can be played on Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh desktop computers or laptops (Microsoft Windows XP/2000/Me/98, or Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and above) or transferred to Apple iPod media players. Audiobook chips also move seamlessly to most Palm OS and Pocket PC handheld PDAs with SD expansion slots, as well as Treo and Windows Mobile "smartphones" (Palm OS 5.2 or Windows Mobile 2002 and above)... The Rubin daughters are three eligible sisters from an affluent suburban Philadelphia family whose well-meaning but domineering mother is single-mindedly determined to see them all happily married. This is Jane Austen updated, a sparkling novel of love, marriage, and manners.

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This Side of Married (Unabridged)
Rachel Pastan
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0002SQSXI

Average customer rating:

This Side of Married
Barbara Rosenblat
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
ASIN: B000MHO5KM

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