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The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors
Chronicles the first all-African American summit attempt on Denali, the highest point in North America Part adventure story, part history, and part argument for the importance of inspiring future generations to value nature
The nation's wild places from national and state parks to national forests, preserves, and wilderness areas belong to all Americans. But not all of us use these resources equally. Minority populations are much less likely to seek recreation, adventure, and solace in our wilderness spaces. It's a difference that African American author James Mills addresses in his new book, The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors.
Bridging the so-called "adventure gap" requires role models who can inspire the uninitiated to experience and enjoy wild places. Once new visitors are there, a love affair often follows. This is important because as our country grows increasingly multicultural, our natural legacy will need the devotion of people of all races and ethnicities to steward its care.
In 2013, the first all-African American team of climbers, sponsored by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), challenged themselves on North America's highest point, the dangerous and forbidding Denali, in Alaska. Mills uses Expedition Denali and its team members' adventures as a jumping-off point to explore how minority populations view their place in wild environments and to share the stories of those who have already achieved significant accomplishments in outdoor adventures from Mathew Henson, a Black explorer who stood with Peary at the North Pole, to Kai Lightner, a teenage sport climber currently winning national competitions. The goal of the expedition, and now the book, is to inspire minority communities to look outdoors for experiences that will enrich their lives, and to encourage them toward greater environmental stewardship.
The nation's wild places from national and state parks to national forests, preserves, and wilderness areas belong to all Americans. But not all of us use these resources equally. Minority populations are much less likely to seek recreation, adventure, and solace in our wilderness spaces. It's a difference that African American author James Mills addresses in his new book, The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors.
Bridging the so-called "adventure gap" requires role models who can inspire the uninitiated to experience and enjoy wild places. Once new visitors are there, a love affair often follows. This is important because as our country grows increasingly multicultural, our natural legacy will need the devotion of people of all races and ethnicities to steward its care.
In 2013, the first all-African American team of climbers, sponsored by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), challenged themselves on North America's highest point, the dangerous and forbidding Denali, in Alaska. Mills uses Expedition Denali and its team members' adventures as a jumping-off point to explore how minority populations view their place in wild environments and to share the stories of those who have already achieved significant accomplishments in outdoor adventures from Mathew Henson, a Black explorer who stood with Peary at the North Pole, to Kai Lightner, a teenage sport climber currently winning national competitions. The goal of the expedition, and now the book, is to inspire minority communities to look outdoors for experiences that will enrich their lives, and to encourage them toward greater environmental stewardship.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
58 people are currently reading
1371 people want to read
About the author
James Edward Mills
1 book69 followersJames Edward Mills is a freelance journalist and an independent media producer. In a career that spans more than 20 years he specializes in telling stories about outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, acts of charitable giving and practices of sustainable living.
Based in Madison Wisconsin James has written for several publications that include The Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Region Business Journal, Madison Magazine, Madison Sports Monthly and Wisconsin Trails. He currently is a contributor to several outdoor focused print and online publications that include National Geographic Adventure, Rock & Ice, Alpinist, SUP Magazine, Paddle Sports Business, Sporting Goods Business, Elevation Outdoors, Women’s Adventure, WEND Magazine, The Clymb.com and High Country News.
With skills in audio storytelling James’ radio production credits include Wisconsin Public Radio, the Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media’s Marketplace, and the Public Radio International programs To The Best of Our Knowledge and The Tavis Smiley Show. He’s also the producer of a blog and podcast series that focuses on adventure culture called The Joy Trip Project.
Based in Madison Wisconsin James has written for several publications that include The Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Region Business Journal, Madison Magazine, Madison Sports Monthly and Wisconsin Trails. He currently is a contributor to several outdoor focused print and online publications that include National Geographic Adventure, Rock & Ice, Alpinist, SUP Magazine, Paddle Sports Business, Sporting Goods Business, Elevation Outdoors, Women’s Adventure, WEND Magazine, The Clymb.com and High Country News.
With skills in audio storytelling James’ radio production credits include Wisconsin Public Radio, the Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media’s Marketplace, and the Public Radio International programs To The Best of Our Knowledge and The Tavis Smiley Show. He’s also the producer of a blog and podcast series that focuses on adventure culture called The Joy Trip Project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 27, 2014
I started reading "The Adventure Gap" on 10/25/14 and finished it the evening of 10/26/14. This is a story that needed to be told for several reasons:
1. That your skin color has nothing to do with what you can accomplish
2. That we as American's need to be aware of our historical accomplishments and who were the actual players involved i.e. "The Buffalo Soldiers" Whom were Black and known for being fierce fighting Soldiers--they also had a lot to do with the beginnings of our first national parks too ( you can read about them in "The Adventure Gap").
Mentoring, team work and personal goals and dreams are important topics that Author "James Edward Mills" highlights in this work and was critical to "Expedition Denali" and its teammates getting up a formidable mountain and back in one piece then moving on with their lives, setting solid examples for others to follow.
The outdoors excepts everyone, embrace it and embrace this book, it is a seamless adventure that will stir your soul and keep you turning its pages.
1. That your skin color has nothing to do with what you can accomplish
2. That we as American's need to be aware of our historical accomplishments and who were the actual players involved i.e. "The Buffalo Soldiers" Whom were Black and known for being fierce fighting Soldiers--they also had a lot to do with the beginnings of our first national parks too ( you can read about them in "The Adventure Gap").
Mentoring, team work and personal goals and dreams are important topics that Author "James Edward Mills" highlights in this work and was critical to "Expedition Denali" and its teammates getting up a formidable mountain and back in one piece then moving on with their lives, setting solid examples for others to follow.
The outdoors excepts everyone, embrace it and embrace this book, it is a seamless adventure that will stir your soul and keep you turning its pages.
November 9, 2015
I loved this book.
Having grown up with a black father who loved fishing and all things outdoors, he instilled this love of the wild within me. I was surprised to grow up and realize the huge lack of people of color in these venues. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to me for my dad and I to be on the river, talking about salmon, and how important the forest was. I had no idea. I was very much uninformed.
Looking deeper into this subject has given me new insight and new perspective on the challenges and triumphs of people of color in the outdoor arena, and a deep respect for the pavers of the paths of tomorrow. If you, like myself, were frightfully unaware of a lot of the racial motivations and fears present within the outdoor community, I highly suggest you pick this book up.
This is an important book, and I will continue to recommend it to everyone. Especially those who love the outdoors, and want to see that tradition of wonder and exploration continue.
Having grown up with a black father who loved fishing and all things outdoors, he instilled this love of the wild within me. I was surprised to grow up and realize the huge lack of people of color in these venues. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to me for my dad and I to be on the river, talking about salmon, and how important the forest was. I had no idea. I was very much uninformed.
Looking deeper into this subject has given me new insight and new perspective on the challenges and triumphs of people of color in the outdoor arena, and a deep respect for the pavers of the paths of tomorrow. If you, like myself, were frightfully unaware of a lot of the racial motivations and fears present within the outdoor community, I highly suggest you pick this book up.
This is an important book, and I will continue to recommend it to everyone. Especially those who love the outdoors, and want to see that tradition of wonder and exploration continue.
June 25, 2015
For being about an amazing adventure, this book was sort of boring. There were too many characters to feel particularly attached to any of them, and the style was certainly journalistic--like one long newspaper article. The "profiles" of important black outdoorspeople were awesome and enlightening. However, the analysis of race in outdoor communities came down on "we're all the same on the inside! we just need more role models!" which is not as sophisticated as I would have hoped, as it seems to ignore or gloss over real barriers to participation and any discussion of privilege. Still, glad I read it and I think it's important that it exists.
December 24, 2023
I loved this book! a very inspiring and important story for outdoor lovers who care about promoting diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces.
May 15, 2023
Having read the incredible Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster last year, my interest in mountaineering books (and in mountaineering) has been piqued. Despite its impracticality, I can't help but want to go buy some ice axes and crampons and get onto a peak. Thankfully, The Adventure Gap scratched that itch in a low-impact way, allowing me to live vicariously through the journey of several inspiring outdoorswomen and men while teaching me about some historical figures I never knew about and the important efforts to increase participation in outdoor sports by underrepresented demographics.
The main story of Expedition Denali’s climb up that eponymous mountain was thrilling enough to serve as the backbone of the book, though it was no 1996 Everest disaster. (I was excited to read that Krakauer was actually on Denali during this expedition and was one of the involved figures in the story’s climactic decision.) Mills did a fine job tying the story to other black adventurers, historical and contemporary, and explaining the relevance of the expedition to current diversity initiatives.
The book is a quick, worthy read; I’d recommend it for any fan of outdoor writing.
The main story of Expedition Denali’s climb up that eponymous mountain was thrilling enough to serve as the backbone of the book, though it was no 1996 Everest disaster. (I was excited to read that Krakauer was actually on Denali during this expedition and was one of the involved figures in the story’s climactic decision.) Mills did a fine job tying the story to other black adventurers, historical and contemporary, and explaining the relevance of the expedition to current diversity initiatives.
The book is a quick, worthy read; I’d recommend it for any fan of outdoor writing.
March 18, 2025
Feels like an especially important read with the attack on public lands, forests, and the environment right now. Everyone needs to feel included so we all continue to protect & steward outdoor spaces.
March 4, 2015
An excellent account of the Expedition Denali mountaineers, this book tackles the challenge of representation and role models for youths of color as much as it discusses the climb. The author just barely didn't make the mountaineering crew (due to finding out that he needed two hip replacements), but he was in good enough shape to tag along as chronologer and historian. I was cheering throughout for the team and for NOLS, who helped put it all together. I knew about the expedition before it was launched through NOLS Alumni fundraising, and had heard that they'd had to turn back due to weather just short of the summit, but before reading this book I hadn't realized it was so, well, electrifying, pun kinda intended. (That shows the effects of stepping up to lead when it's REALLY necessary. Wow.)
I particularly appreciate the author's eye towards history -- even as an experienced outdoorswoman, I had never known about the Buffalo Soldiers' role in protecting the young National Parks, which later became the Park Service. Similarly, I hadn't heard of Matthew Henson even though I knew Robert Peary. That's pretty dismally unfair on both counts, and I'm glad to have learned more history to correct those elisions. Set against that historical context, it was cheering and inspiring to read about all the athletes working together for their climb... I enjoy books about people tackling mountains tougher than I ever will in general, and teamwork in particular, and this book delivers on both counts. I will happily recommend it to others interested in the history of conservation and exploration as well as its future.
I particularly appreciate the author's eye towards history -- even as an experienced outdoorswoman, I had never known about the Buffalo Soldiers' role in protecting the young National Parks, which later became the Park Service. Similarly, I hadn't heard of Matthew Henson even though I knew Robert Peary. That's pretty dismally unfair on both counts, and I'm glad to have learned more history to correct those elisions. Set against that historical context, it was cheering and inspiring to read about all the athletes working together for their climb... I enjoy books about people tackling mountains tougher than I ever will in general, and teamwork in particular, and this book delivers on both counts. I will happily recommend it to others interested in the history of conservation and exploration as well as its future.
July 13, 2022
This was an absolutely incredible book, and before I keep going I have to admit I’m biased because anything outdoors related I find fascinating. Regardless, I still think this is an important read. It details the 2013 climb of Denali by Expedition Denali, a group composed of all African American people sponsored by NOLS.
Mills does a great job of telling a detailed story of the expedition even though he was not part of the crew. In between detailed accounts he goes on to discuss important events and figures in relation to wilderness conservation history in the United States, specifically people of color’s contributions. Before this book I had no idea the first person to set foot on the North Pole was Matthew Henson, a black man born in Maryland a year after emancipation. There are many other people and events Mills discusses that I had little knowledge of before reading this book that I’m honestly just disappointed I didn’t know about sooner.
Mills also writes profiles on contemporary prominent people of color in wilderness recreation and conservation, including individuals on the expedition team.
I think this is a very important book for everyone to read, not only to potentially inspire people to be more involved in conservation, but also learn more about barriers for people of color to recreate in the outdoors. So give it a read!
Mills does a great job of telling a detailed story of the expedition even though he was not part of the crew. In between detailed accounts he goes on to discuss important events and figures in relation to wilderness conservation history in the United States, specifically people of color’s contributions. Before this book I had no idea the first person to set foot on the North Pole was Matthew Henson, a black man born in Maryland a year after emancipation. There are many other people and events Mills discusses that I had little knowledge of before reading this book that I’m honestly just disappointed I didn’t know about sooner.
Mills also writes profiles on contemporary prominent people of color in wilderness recreation and conservation, including individuals on the expedition team.
I think this is a very important book for everyone to read, not only to potentially inspire people to be more involved in conservation, but also learn more about barriers for people of color to recreate in the outdoors. So give it a read!
February 21, 2018
Much-needed focus on minority participation in outdoor adventures! Also engagingly written!
February 18, 2016
I can not sign enough praises about this book and author James Edward Mills. I had the opportunity to meet James at an event where he spoke to us about some of the adventurers in his book. His gentle speaking manner translates into an adventure for anyone to enjoy. He may be recounting real life adventures and their journeys, but the flow of his writing brings the reader along as if you are climbing mountains and discovering places with the people he documents. If you love adventure, read this book. If you love the outdoors, read this book. Even if you don't love adventure and the outdoors, read this book - you may find something new inside yourself.
November 10, 2014
"The Buffalo Soldiers patrolled the parks for poachers, fought wildfires, thwarted illegal loggers, and generally kept the peace as law enforcement officers...It's hardly a stretch to suggest that these early park rangers helped to set the standard of excellence for the institution that would in 1916 become the National Park Service."
September 2, 2018
“The Adventure Gap” is a provocative perspective on a topic that was once foreign to me. However, now I seek to close the gap. This Country has tremendous beauty and it deserves our attention and protection. I have been truly blessed to have people in my life that have taken me out of my comfort zone. I hope I can do the same for someone else.
February 24, 2015
Great read! Understanding motivation, fear and the frame of mind of different people on the edge of a big adventure is insightful... Mills' occasional trips back in time to historical touch points and people help to round out the story with depth.
October 13, 2022
I'd like to read an updated version of this, to see what's changed - if anything. I really loved the perspective Mills took that equates being outside with conservation; the more that people are outside in nature, the more likely they are to care about the environment and conservation, so with changing demographics of the U.S. where the "minority" (POC) is about to be the "majority", we're never going to do anything about climate change unless or until people who are recreating outside is less white and more reflective of the population -- we need to brown the climate change movement, not just green it!
Really interesting, fun read. Bummer of an ending though! Surprised that Krakauer shows up. I kind of wish this would have gone further - more profiles of Black and Latinx mountaineers and climbers, more background stories of the Expedition Denali participants, more about their teamwork and mountaineering prep.
As a climber, hiker, conservationist, and outdoorsperson, and working in natural resources, this leaves a lot of ideas and a lot of opportunities for self-reflection. I'm glad that my colleagues at the Department of Natural Resources are reading this for a book club pick because I think it will inspire us to do our work a little differently, especially around programming and hiring.
Really interesting, fun read. Bummer of an ending though! Surprised that Krakauer shows up. I kind of wish this would have gone further - more profiles of Black and Latinx mountaineers and climbers, more background stories of the Expedition Denali participants, more about their teamwork and mountaineering prep.
As a climber, hiker, conservationist, and outdoorsperson, and working in natural resources, this leaves a lot of ideas and a lot of opportunities for self-reflection. I'm glad that my colleagues at the Department of Natural Resources are reading this for a book club pick because I think it will inspire us to do our work a little differently, especially around programming and hiring.
January 30, 2020
Reading about the Expedition Denali team kept me on pins & needles with each page turn. I Enjoyed getting to know the climbers throughout their journey. However I learned about different climbers from the profiles that I never heard of before, but that took place right in the middle of team Denali story. The profiles in my opinion should’ve been in the back of the book to read after the story of team Denali. I’m glad the author addressed the need for more African Americans in outdoor spaces and challenges some might face getting in those spaces. The resources page in the book listed a wealth of valuable information of organizations helping to lead the way of more black/brown faces in white places. I enjoyed it.
June 29, 2021
A pithy book about the first all-African American summit attempt on Denali. The author also touches on the historical reasons behind why POC typically don't participate in outdoor recreation. I loved reading about the forgotten history of African American explorers that never got the credit they deserved. The character profiles provided a nice break up between the tale of their summit. Reminded me of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
December 19, 2017
Great read, short and very accessible even though I'm not familiar with mountaineering. Great mix of historical information, profiles about people, and narrative about a specific mountaineering journey through the context of black people in adventure sports/activities. I would have liked even more on the historical information and profiles, but in the context of the book it was a great introduction to spark interest for further reading. This was recommended to me by a friend and it wasn't until I started reading that I realized the author is locally based (in Wisconsin).
April 26, 2021
Pretty solid book. It was a little more micro in scale than I was expecting (focusing more on the story of expedition Denali than a wholesale study of the issue) but I definitely found myself getting invested and appreciated the profiles and interludes as well. This book definitely gave me a lot to think about and potential things to apply to in the future, and made a good case for the necessity of getting more diversity into the outdoors so that we can continue to prioritize the environment as the U.S. grows more diverse. Definitely worth a read.
July 18, 2022
What an interesting story! I had never heard about Expedition Denali, and now I am glad that I have. What an important thing to do! This book does a great job of introducing young people, especially BIPOC, to the things that they can do that are normally seen to be "white people things." I love that this huge group of interconnected people are making that a priority. One thing I really enjoyed was the history of BIPOC in exploration and adventure sports. The "Profiles" of past and present BIPOC adventure athletes was my favorite part of the book. Highly recommended!
July 30, 2018
Great book about the story of a group of all black mountaineers on a trip to summit Mt. McKinley in Alaska. Talks about how there is a huge "adventure gap" between folks of color and white people getting out into nature and enjoying what is out there for us. A great story. Covers the profile of each person, has history on great travelers who were black and could be role models for the youth, yet almost no one knows of their stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2017
An enjoyable, quick and easy read. Had much less substance than I was hoping for. It was a good chronicle of Expedition Denali, but was much less detailed about actually changing the face of the outdoors. Still, an important book for anyone wanting to read about increasing diversity in the outdoor industry.
July 9, 2017
Fantastic read. Takes you up the mountain with the Denali team and alternates fascinating profiles - historical and current day. I can't see myself on a mountain like Denali, but I've gained new perspective of the volatility of the weather, the mercurial terrain, and the critical inter-dependence of the climbing team members. To me this is a modern day Hero's Journey tale.
August 12, 2020
Ultimately, I thought the telling of the expedition suffered because the author wasn't on the mountain with the group. To me the prologue and epilogue, for which the author was present, were much more fluid than the main chapters. Great story, though at times it felt like scenarios were being stretched out to make a book-length story.
May 9, 2021
I read this book for book club. It was a good and important story, but the writing really bothered me. It seemed like if there was a cliche to be reached for, the author grabbed with both hands. The clunky writing got in the way of the story. Honestly I think he just needed a good editor.
Nonetheless, it is well worth reading. Eye opening and thought provoking — two great things in a book!
Nonetheless, it is well worth reading. Eye opening and thought provoking — two great things in a book!
August 6, 2015
I was really excited by the topic, but I was disappointed by the book. I didn't feel like I really gained much insight into why "the adventure gap" exists or ideas of how to fix it, beyond the very obvious. I really think there's more to it than a lack of role models.
January 25, 2016
This book made me want to climb a mountain. Or at least get my rear end outdoors!
March 10, 2016
The book has a good message, but I wasn't found of the style of writing.
July 13, 2018
Honestly I DNF'd this book around pg. 150 which I never do. Before I talk about why I didn't like this book I would like to say how important this book is. And despite my problems with it I would still highly recommend it to anyone who is active in the outdoors. It really nails on the head why diversity in the outdoors is important.
Okay onto the reasons that I DNF'd this book. Mostly it was just very poor writing. Everything felt very forced and inauthentic. The person who was telling the story wasn't even on the trip, and so everything was oddly told through the third person without any connection to the actual trip. (if that makes sense) The text was also bogged down with unnecessary facts that didn't add anything to the story. Which in the end just made for an incredibly dull book. I would sometimes enjoy the profiles he did on different people, but most of the time I could not get past the writing. To see if you would have the same problem I'll insert some examples of the writing here:
"Being recognized by these climbers, whom he admired, affirmed for Tyrhee his decision to pursue his interest in outdoor recreation. There on the glacier at 14,200 feet, the only thing shining brighter than the blinding white snow was Tyrhee's dazzling smile as he hauled his pack and sled into camp."
Okay onto the reasons that I DNF'd this book. Mostly it was just very poor writing. Everything felt very forced and inauthentic. The person who was telling the story wasn't even on the trip, and so everything was oddly told through the third person without any connection to the actual trip. (if that makes sense) The text was also bogged down with unnecessary facts that didn't add anything to the story. Which in the end just made for an incredibly dull book. I would sometimes enjoy the profiles he did on different people, but most of the time I could not get past the writing. To see if you would have the same problem I'll insert some examples of the writing here:
"Being recognized by these climbers, whom he admired, affirmed for Tyrhee his decision to pursue his interest in outdoor recreation. There on the glacier at 14,200 feet, the only thing shining brighter than the blinding white snow was Tyrhee's dazzling smile as he hauled his pack and sled into camp."
April 22, 2023
I thought the book gave me a lot of names I did not learn in my outdoor education experience (or even big media like The Dawn Wall or Free Solo), like the Buffalo Soldiers. I got into the profiles about halfway into the book, especially as ascent of Expedition Denali picked up.
While I’m glad I read this book because initiatives and stories like these should be told, I was thrown off a bit by the discussion of first ascents in general, particularly with claims to the North Pole belonging to whom, and the terminology or lack of inclusion of the Indigenous peoples who helped these expeditions occur in the 20th century. I think just a sentence then or a section acknowledging the intricacies of the outdoors and the colonialism attached to it would have really made this book better, especially when tying towards inter city access to outdoor spaces as well. Additionally the narrative of an “Alaskan adventure” seemed to perpetuate layers of outdoor experience that can ultimately be problematic.
While I’m glad I read this book because initiatives and stories like these should be told, I was thrown off a bit by the discussion of first ascents in general, particularly with claims to the North Pole belonging to whom, and the terminology or lack of inclusion of the Indigenous peoples who helped these expeditions occur in the 20th century. I think just a sentence then or a section acknowledging the intricacies of the outdoors and the colonialism attached to it would have really made this book better, especially when tying towards inter city access to outdoor spaces as well. Additionally the narrative of an “Alaskan adventure” seemed to perpetuate layers of outdoor experience that can ultimately be problematic.
July 21, 2020
Strongly disagree with some of the negative comments here. This may not be an outdoor narrative comparable to Into Thin Air or a narrative masterpiece like Beloved, but it's written by a successful author and journalist who crafts a tight book that accomplishes a multi-faceted narrative. One part expedition narrative, one part social justice, and one part historical, this books touches on several relatively unknown aspects of the intersection of race, American society, and outdoor recreation.
There may be better books overall out there addressing similar issues (though I'm not qualified to speak to this genre at present), but this is a terrific read about a wonderful group of outdoor athletes. It provides interesting and thought provoking anecdotes about unknown people of color in the outdoors, and it wraps it all together in a fast paced narrative that surely will accomplish its inspirational goals if people share it and read it.
There may be better books overall out there addressing similar issues (though I'm not qualified to speak to this genre at present), but this is a terrific read about a wonderful group of outdoor athletes. It provides interesting and thought provoking anecdotes about unknown people of color in the outdoors, and it wraps it all together in a fast paced narrative that surely will accomplish its inspirational goals if people share it and read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews