The Family That Conquered Everest

by Alan Mallory

A fast-paced and engaging story that takes the reader on a remarkable family journey from the flatlands of suburbia to the top of the world.


Climbing Mount Everest is one of humanity’s greatest feats of physical, emotional and psychological endurance. In 2008 Alan Mallory and his family took on the challenge and became the first family of four to set foot on the summit of the world’s highest peak. It was a two-month journey filled with emotion, loyalty, adventure and terror. From staggering across ladders spanning seemingly bottomless crevasses and fighting exhausting bouts of altitude-related sickness to climbing through a blizzard in the dead of night and almost losing two family members’ lives, every segment of the climb was an exhilarating and unforgettable challenge.


This particular expedition is a fantastic example of the importance of strong family values and maintaining a deep level of trust between team members. The story highlights many of the background experiences and adventures that prepared the Mallorys to take on such a challenge, and explores the key traits that are essential for a safe and successful outcome to any team endeavour.

Genres: Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Alan Mallory is an international speaker, author, and performance coach who is passionate about inspiring individuals, team members, and organizations to reach new heights. His own mental-health journey has taught him that intentional, incremental improvements are the key to creating a meaningful life. He has a degree in engineering from Queen’s University and a master’s in psychology from Adler University, giving him a well-balanced approach to the internal and external challenges we all face. Alan, together with his father, brother, and sister, set a world record climbing Mount Everest in 2008. Born and raised in Canada, he lives an adventurous life with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has the perseverance and passion for conquering Everest, well, that's a story I need to read. I've always wanted to read a book about Everest, and Alan's book did not disappoint. I valued how Alan could bring us into the world of a family's journey; at times, you could almost feel being there with them on the mountain. I was keen to read it after his incredible keynote, and I'm so glad I was able to experience both.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The efforts of mountaineering are extreme, but the rewards can be limitless.”

I mean, I’ve never done any technical climbs. Especially not a 29 030ft mountain. But that quote still is relatable. The view and accomplishment you feel at the end makes the hours of suffering worth it. The highest mountain I’ve stood on top of that I’ve climbed would be 7896ft tall. But like most mountains, you rarely ever start from the very bottom. I think that hike I climbed less than half of how tall it is but regardless climbing straight up for a couple hours is exhausting and all you want to do is give up. But the end is always worth it. I’ll probably never do Everest, as I don’t want to risk my life in such a way. But some of the less dangerous seven summits (Kilimanjaro) I would definitely try! Mountains are fascinating and making it to the top is so rewarding! I realize this isn’t really a review haha

[David Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Mallory is able to describe his family's journey to the Summit in such great detail that I felt I was taking the journey along with them. It made me realize just how much planning and effort it takes to climb Everest. Mallory also uses the book to express to the reader what he learned throughout the entire journey and the eventual conquest of the world's tallest mountain. These insights can also be applied to anyone, and especially those who are looking to move into leadership positions. I highly recommend it...a great page-turner!

[Kayla Veldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect book to read while travelling around Nepal! An interesting look into the experience of climbing Mount Everest day by day written by a Canadian who summited with his dad, brother and sister. The physical and mental strength required to climb to the highest point on earth is hard to comprehend. Probably more of a 3.5 stars/5 but if you enjoy trekking or are intrigued about Mount Everest this is a good one.

[Tia Burbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was really interesting hearing the in and outs of the whole trip up everest from tea houses, different camp levels, and omg acclimating periods sound so tedious but also necessary. Also, we were in India/nepal two years ago, and I can't even imagine climbing a mountain with Delhi Belly it was not fun, even on solid ground for us.

[Adventure girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an inspiring and frightening book. I knew climbing Everest was difficult, but this book really brought home how dangerous it is. I enjoyed the family dynamics, which made the story different from the ones I've read about solo attempts. Well done Mallorys!

[Paul_t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing tales of persistence and achievement in the face of extreme challenges. Well worth the read.

[Saganam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is absolutely addictive.