Together on Top of the World: The Remarkable Story of the First Couple to Climb the Fabled Seven Summits

by Phil Ershler, Susan Ershler, Robin Simons

This is Phil and Susan's story, an inspirational love story set in the mountains. It is the tale of two people who came together to change each other's lives, about things that should never have happened but did, and about the dreams that come true as a result.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, Mountaineering, Travel, Memoir, Climbing

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Melisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being invited into the personal advenand struggles of this amazing couple. The personal achievements and tragedies that they have gone through and shared in this account are told in a way that makes you feel as if you are there with them. I find them very relatable and worth knowing.

[Sarah Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AMAZING BOOK about adventure and discovering true love. While reading this book I discovered a lot about myself and what is important to a lasting loving relationship.

A MUST READ!!

[Samuel Kwalwasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of how two passionate people met and made mountaineering history as the first couple to complete the ‘Seven Summits’, or for those unfamiliar with mountaineering, the highest summit on each continent. The story is told from both person’s perspective, and that creates an interesting narrative, which I have found in other books to come across disjointed; however, this story was not disjointed, and flowed rather well.

I would have loved more information about the climbing itself, and less about the couple’s relationship. This is my own personal preference, and I don’t know if the book would have worked well if they had written it that way.

I read a lot about mountaineering, and this book is definitely targeted more for non-mountaineering oriented readers. With that being said, I think people that are interested in mountaineering will find it to be a good read as well.

Regardless of my one complaint, this was a compelling and inspiring read. I would recommend it to anyone interested in books about achieving one’s dreams, and being one’s true self.

[Bethany Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no desire to take on high altitude climbing, but I am so intrigued by it. I specifically loved this story as it told the story of the strong correlation of the importance of having a strong partner on a mountain climb, and having a strong partner in life. I also loved the theme that it is never too late to change the direction of your life.

[Tandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I put this book down a year ago and picked it up this October. It certainly isn’t “into thin air” but it resonated with me. Good story of a couple conquering their goals, also touches on the couples time on Kilimanjaro which hit home for me.
3.5 stars and would give to any couple looking for some meaning in life.

[Adrian Jie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring stories especially the love stories. We all
Need a phil to inspire us. 1 is good 2 is better.

[K Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading even if you have no interest in mountain climbing. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Susan R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it except the ending was lame- trying to tell what life means without having a clue of what life is truly about. Without Jesus, even the Seven Summits aren’t going to fill the void.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book. I am amazed at the strength that people have. I like to think that I am a strong person and when push comes to shove, I can overcome anything. But, Phil, pushed first; his strength and passion are truly inspiring. The book is written from both his and his wife's perspective. I liked his perspective better. Parts of hers were okay, but really only when she was talking about him.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I have a fascination with high places, and very much enjoy reading about the rigors of climbing to them. This book doesn't dive into the technical climbing aspect as much as "The Climb" or "No Shortcuts to the Top". It does provide a much more comprehensive look into the life of a climber, both on and off the mountain. Very, very entertaining book.

[Mayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and entertaining - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It taught me that dreams may not happen exactly the way we expect them to but that they can happen if we visualize, plan and persevere. Excellent book about achieving dreams, supporting your partner through thick and thin and acting in spite of fear, rather than because of it.

[Mt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring and entertaining - I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It taught me that dreams may not happen exactly the way we expect them to but that they can happen if we visualize, plan and persevere. Excellent book about achieving dreams, supporting your partner through thick and thin and acting in spite of fear, rather than because of it.

[Genny Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book that demostrated what a truely strong relationship should look like during a difficult part of my life. That Phil Ershler did all of this while battling Crohn's disease is amazing!
I read this book during a very difficult time in my life and it helped to teach me how disfunctional my relationship was and helped give me reassurance and courage to get out of it.

[stephanie decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with IMG, Phil's company and so learned about him and this book through my guide. I think I loved the book because I knew a lot of the names and the places described. I also love climbing so it really spoke to me, especially how both the authors continuously set goals for themselves and overcame many challenges to achieve them. Very inspirational.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't add much to what everyone else has said about this book. I really enjoyed it. I liked both Phil and Sue as individuals and as partners. I have done a little climbing so could relate to the pain and the joy. I would recommend it to certainly all my climbing friends with no hesitation.

Ha! Now it's 2019 and I just finished it for the second time. As good as it was the first time!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but relationship based. I like to read the technical aspects of climbing. This book didn't offer much new as far as interesting facts about the seven summits. I liked it though and would recommend it.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a page or two toward the beginning where he talks about getting involved with a girl that they should have left out. I would cross out those few paragraphs for a younger reader but everything else was good.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Phil Ershler's voice to be arrogant and obnoxious, but I quite enjoyed their story. I liked that the telling switched back and forth between husband and wife. They have accomplished some amazing things.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was part love story, part high altitude adventure, with a little inspirational message thrown in. Of course, it didn't hurt that the male character is a mountaineer who suffers from Crohn's disease!

[Patti Mcconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a climbing story...

This book is not only about climbing, but life. Phil learns there is life after Crohn's disease. This book is also about facing your fears and told from both Phil and She's perspective. A very inspiring story.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book about a couple that truly knows how to take care of one another. The story is amazing, the people are amazing and I read this with an amazing woman.... Must read...

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Yoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Dan likes to hike highpoints, I bought this one for him! We both loved it! It really is a love story through sickness and health!!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspirational story! wow!

[Jennifer]

This was a great inspirational way to get you moving book. It really makes you know that anything you put your mind to is possible if you want it bad enough. I loved this book.

[Mohkev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. While it is filled with climbing tales and inspiration, it is also very much a love story that is not an unwelcome addition to the party. I highly recommend it.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, adventure, romance, a little bit for everyone. It goes back and forth from both point of views.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by people who climb mountains. This was an OK book - I did like hearing the story from the viewpoint of the husband and the wife.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. There were good adventure/climbing stories as well as the fun dating story of the Ershlers.

[Amalia Bauza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The style is very engaging and refreshing. Hearing the two perspectives on the same story brings it to life!