Survival Is Not Assured: The Life of Climber Jim Donini

by Geoff Powter

Jim Donini has been an icon of American climbing for the past 50 years, pushing the boundaries of alpine ascents around the world and inspiring generations with his achievements. In Survival Is Not Assured , award-winning author Geoff Powter dives into Donini’s remarkable life story, exploring his groundbreaking climbs and his tumultuous experiences both on and off the rock. From the tragic death of his best friend in a car accident to his integral role in the Yosemite "Valley Uprising," Donini’s life has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but his spirit of resilience and determination has been unyielding.

Through personal interviews and never-before-shared stories, this authorized biography examines the life and legacy of this iconic climber, providing an inspiring and thought-provoking look at an American legend.

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2024

Reviews

[Nick Herzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent story about my new favorite climber. Going into this book knowing nothing about Donini, I am amazed at what he accomplished and continues to accomplish as an adventurer. Every time a new expedition began, I kept having to subtract the year from 1943 and remind myself that this guy is out there putting up FA's at 50/60 years old. Beyond Donini, I thought the author kept this book extremely engaging and carefully wove a life of victory and a life of hardship into a great story. Highly recommend for outdoor enthusiasts and the like.

[Tricia Moree · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

An inspiring, heartbreaking, funny, and every emotion in between biography of one of the absolute legends of this sport. Every climber (and maybe even non-climber) should read this.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survival Is Not Assured pulled me in right away. Jim’s early life is packed with wild stories, and the writing makes them feel close and real. But as it went on, I started to get frustrated with him. He seemed selfish and reckless.

That said, the climbing tales are what carried the book. Even the failures felt meaningful, and Powter does a great job showing how close Jim came to disaster again and again. By the end, something shifts. Whether it was the tragedies he faced or simply age, Jim becomes more grounded and starts giving back. One line stood out: “I love how climbing has evolved and how many more people get to enjoy it now.” That felt meaningful.

My wife and I started climbing in 2021 and have spent time in a lot of places out West, some of the same areas mentioned here. The places in this book aren’t just names on a page; they’re real places where real people are making real memories. And they need protecting. Stories like this help remind us why.

[Jim Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Jim Donini for almost 50 years and while he is one of the world's top alpinists, he is also one of the nicest, funniest, and most intelligent people I know.
I thought I knew a lot about his life, but I've learned things I never knew. Things that make me respect him even more.
Geoff Powter not only dug deep into Jim's secrets but writes in a way that makes you feel like you are sitting around with some wine as Jim talks about his life.
Thank you Jim for telling your story. And thank you Geoff for turning those stories into a wonderful experience.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of a climber who probably wouldn’t have told his own story. I always prefer climbing books written not by the climber—which are often either ego driven or mailed in so the climber could keep sponsors or just because to be successful climbing epic peaks or on the edge climbs, egos are usually large.
This book which covered Domino’s life from childhood to his climbing in the seventies was written from interviews of family, spouses, his myriad of climbing partners and from Jim.

[Richard C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, finishing it over a rainy weekend with a few mugs of tea and glasses of wine by the fire.

I had never heard of Jim Donini before, so came into this fresh without any preconceptions on what to expect. I found not only had he lived an interesting life, but there was a lot of insight into life in general, and how to live it.

Great book for father's day, or to take on the summer camping adventure!

[Patricia Melehes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.
Truly a story that needed to be told. It is a passionate, humorous, outrageous, and heart wrenching tale about the American climbing legend, Jim Donini. This account of Jim's incredible life discloses the roller coaster of ultimate highs and devastating lows that only a few have understood until now. Geoff Powter's honest and provoking narrative thoughtfully examines the paradox of balancing love for family with the extremes of success in the mountains.

[Kathi Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I'm not a typical reader of adventure or climbing books, I was absolutely captivated by this one. Beautifully written and conceived, with a very sensitive and sensible treatment of both an exceptional talent, and a very complex and sometimes tragic personal life. This is a remarkable book, equally thrilling (the climbing stories) and emotionally moving (the personal, family stories).

[Logan Orton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story of a climbing icon. This book had me dreaming of all the mountain adventures! Definitely a must read for the adventurous souls who like pushing the limits.

[Sibylle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent; well written.

[Diane Winger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written bio of a remarkable climber, Jim Donini. The author captures not only Jim's extraordinary mountaineering adventures, but gives insight into what makes the man tick, and how his devotion to climbing affects his relationships throughout his career.