2012. First Edition. 288 pages. Signed by the author. Pictorial paper cover with lettering. Contains black and white and colour illustrations and plates. Flat signed by author to half title page. Clean pages, plates and illustrations with light tanning and mild foxing throughout. Heavy water staining to top edges textblock. Binding remains firm. Paper covers have mild edge-wear with slight rubbing to surfaces and curling to corners. Lettering is bright and clear. Minor wear marks to covers.
Karen Darke is undoubtedly a certified badass. The things she's done, the places she's seen, the things she's fought (both mentally and physically) are absolutely unparalleled.
This book was recommended to me by a similar sort of sportswoman, and I loved the perspective this book gives on life. On what it means to break yourself physically, and still persevere. How it tastes to have adrenaline pumping through you, fear trying to stop you, and still going forward and upwards. Especially since we started at her fall, this book forces you to reframe how you think. Think about how you should use your body to experience the world.
It would be too easy to say this book was inspirational. It is that, but it is also more. Karen returns to El Cap, conquering it, years after her fall. This is an ungodly feat. I respect it.
The only reason this book scores slightly lower is that there were times, climaxes if you will, that I felt didn't reach their literary potential. Text that just didn't fully translate the emotions involved in the experience. Additionally, I wanted to hear more about how Andy and Karen's relationship unfolded, it is interesting that it was sparked by one message but it seems to be fundamental to her decision to climb El Cap, and yet not fully explored either.
Overall, a brilliant book about a brilliant person who saw herself fulfil her potential over and over.