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No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon
Erik Weihenmayer is the first and only blind person to summit Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Descending carefully, he and his team picked their way across deep crevasses and through the deadly Khumbu Icefall; when the mountain was finally behind him, Erik knew he was going to live. His expedition leader slapped him on the back and said something that would affect the course of Erik’s life: “Don’t make Everest the greatest thing you ever do.”
No Barriers is Erik’s response to that challenge. It is the moving story of his journey since descending Mount Everest: from leading expeditions around the world with blind Tibetan teenagers to helping injured soldiers climb their way home from war, from adopting a son from Nepal to facing the most terrifying reach of his life: to solo kayak the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon.
Along the course of Erik’s journey, he meets other trailblazers―adventurers, scientists, artists, and activists―who, despite trauma, hardship, and loss, have broken through barriers of their own. These pioneers show Erik surprising ways forward that surpass logic and defy traditional thinking.
Like the rapids of the Grand Canyon, created by inexorable forces far beneath the surface, No Barriers is a dive into the heart and mind at the core of the turbulent human experience. It is an exploration of the light that burns in all of us, the obstacles that threaten to extinguish that light, and the treacherous ascent towards growth and rebirth.
No Barriers is Erik’s response to that challenge. It is the moving story of his journey since descending Mount Everest: from leading expeditions around the world with blind Tibetan teenagers to helping injured soldiers climb their way home from war, from adopting a son from Nepal to facing the most terrifying reach of his life: to solo kayak the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon.
Along the course of Erik’s journey, he meets other trailblazers―adventurers, scientists, artists, and activists―who, despite trauma, hardship, and loss, have broken through barriers of their own. These pioneers show Erik surprising ways forward that surpass logic and defy traditional thinking.
Like the rapids of the Grand Canyon, created by inexorable forces far beneath the surface, No Barriers is a dive into the heart and mind at the core of the turbulent human experience. It is an exploration of the light that burns in all of us, the obstacles that threaten to extinguish that light, and the treacherous ascent towards growth and rebirth.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2017
109 people are currently reading
2431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 13, 2017
Well, I have to admit that I'm biased as I co-wrote the book! But that said, Erik's story is simply amazing. But perhaps as impressive are the many stories besides Erik's that are represented in the book--people who really show you what it means to live a No Barriers life. People like Hugh Herr--who lost his legs to frostbite and now creates the most advanced prosthetics in the world; Mandy Harvey, who lost her hearing but now performs as a professional singer-songwriter; and Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee--born with arms that end at the elbows and legs that end at the knees--he has now climbed the highest peaks in Africa and South America.
The book is filled with many such stories, and it will help a lot of people move forward in their lives.
The book is filled with many such stories, and it will help a lot of people move forward in their lives.
January 5, 2018
Be warned this book has a number of places were the language was very offensive and those words could easily have been left out without harming the story. Their inclusion damaged my experience with the book and put me off reading any other material by this author. This book was also way too long! It is supposed to be a blind guys journey but there is significant time spent on detailed descriptions of scenic views and that seemed a little disingenuous given the author would not have been able to see those views. There were nuggets of wisdom and the underlying story of not letting perceived barriers stop you from accomplishing things is great but overall I was really disappointed in this book. In my opinion it was not worth the time it took to read. I should have stopped early on but kept thinking it would get better as the premise was so good but it did not deliver.
November 20, 2018
This is a nonfiction-travel kind of autobiography. I wasn't sure what to expect. After reading it, I think the title was a little misleading. While it is about a blind man and his kayak adventures, it is about so much more than just that. I actually really liked this one. It was uplifting and inspirational. He has not only lived a life with no barriers as a blind man, but he is helping others with their disabilities.
June 8, 2017
4.5
The story is a rip-roaring good one. It sometimes waxes overly philosophical and is very occasionally repetitive, but on the whole a hopeful, thoughtful book, which made me consider my own less obvious barriers. I was not a huge fan of the ending, which rather leaves you hanging, but most of the questions are answered in the epilogue.
Popsugar challenge 2017: a book by or about someone with a disability
The story is a rip-roaring good one. It sometimes waxes overly philosophical and is very occasionally repetitive, but on the whole a hopeful, thoughtful book, which made me consider my own less obvious barriers. I was not a huge fan of the ending, which rather leaves you hanging, but most of the questions are answered in the epilogue.
Popsugar challenge 2017: a book by or about someone with a disability
February 13, 2017
The Grand Canyon is my favorite place on earth. I originally decided to read this book thinking it was going to be a cool story about a blind kayaker kayaking the entire Grand Canyon. This book was all that and more.
Erik was the first blind man to hike Everest. When he returned, one of his guides told him not to make Everest the highlight of his life. As a result of this comment, Erik determined to help others overcome their 'obstacles' in their life and to realize how they can still contribute to society, despite their 'handicaps'.
The book details how Erik became blind and how he decided to overcome this challenge to do great things with his life. He forms a foundation called 'No Barriers' to help others deal with adversity and help them become motivated to accept these adversities and live life to the fullest.
An incredible story about how to accept whatever life hands you and make the best of it.
Erik was the first blind man to hike Everest. When he returned, one of his guides told him not to make Everest the highlight of his life. As a result of this comment, Erik determined to help others overcome their 'obstacles' in their life and to realize how they can still contribute to society, despite their 'handicaps'.
The book details how Erik became blind and how he decided to overcome this challenge to do great things with his life. He forms a foundation called 'No Barriers' to help others deal with adversity and help them become motivated to accept these adversities and live life to the fullest.
An incredible story about how to accept whatever life hands you and make the best of it.
June 22, 2019
An amazing book of unimaginable human feats, sighted or not! Hard to fathom the drive so many people have to overcome any obstacle placed in their lives. The physical feats are astounding, but what captured me most was the adoption of his son.
June 10, 2024
I love the stories in the book. And all the challenges the author overcame in his life. He literally had no barriers in his life. From hiking the Seven Summits, kayaking the Grand Canyon, and all the things he accomplished with his physically disabled friends, he’s inspires me to continue to challenge myself to doing what feels impossible. As well as the fact that he’s doing a lot to inspire the younger generation…
The main reason it was three stars for me is because I felt like it was slightly rambling and was super detailed.
The main reason it was three stars for me is because I felt like it was slightly rambling and was super detailed.
October 13, 2017
This book is great!
Erik Weihenmayer is a great writer, I really enjoyed his writing style. The book is very interesting and moves quite quickly. There was a lot of info and the book probably could have been separate books on the adoption of his son, his trip through the Grand Canyon and his No Barriers.
Erik Weihenmayer is a great writer, I really enjoyed his writing style. The book is very interesting and moves quite quickly. There was a lot of info and the book probably could have been separate books on the adoption of his son, his trip through the Grand Canyon and his No Barriers.
September 18, 2017
What an incredible book. Thanks to Mr. Weihenmayer for telling the story of not only himself but his amazing guides and the other fighters he encountered on his journey. With all the terrible things going on in the world, hearing about people using what they have, whatever that may be, to help others, keeps my faith in humanity alive.
As I was reading, I would Google places described and add them to my bucket list, or look up people who were mentioned. I also loved his sense of humor and willingness to make mistakes. This book inspired me to keep those things in my life too.
I think this is a book everyone should read, no matter who you are or what you are going through in life. It's inspirational, humbling, and very entertaining.
As I was reading, I would Google places described and add them to my bucket list, or look up people who were mentioned. I also loved his sense of humor and willingness to make mistakes. This book inspired me to keep those things in my life too.
I think this is a book everyone should read, no matter who you are or what you are going through in life. It's inspirational, humbling, and very entertaining.
October 4, 2022
Erik Weihenmayer embraces the power of adversity in so many aspects of his life starting with blindness at an early age. He refuses to accept arbitrary limitations to the capacity of his active capabilities.
Erik becomes famous as the first blind person to summit Everest. But he doesn’t rest on his laurels. He continued to attack barriers and becomes a class V+ whitewater kayaker. He conquers the adoption processes of a child from a corrupt third world system. He harnesses a hidden ability to echo locate his way off the usual and known safer path. He works with technological pioneers to field test alternative sensory pathways to greater independence, like seeing through the tongue. He spearheads a company and it’s growth merger that will clear the way for even more opportunities through education and technologies for so many more to come.
To say Erik is an inspiration doesn’t begin to appreciate the enormity his life as it’s brought to us in No Barriers.
Erik becomes famous as the first blind person to summit Everest. But he doesn’t rest on his laurels. He continued to attack barriers and becomes a class V+ whitewater kayaker. He conquers the adoption processes of a child from a corrupt third world system. He harnesses a hidden ability to echo locate his way off the usual and known safer path. He works with technological pioneers to field test alternative sensory pathways to greater independence, like seeing through the tongue. He spearheads a company and it’s growth merger that will clear the way for even more opportunities through education and technologies for so many more to come.
To say Erik is an inspiration doesn’t begin to appreciate the enormity his life as it’s brought to us in No Barriers.
February 26, 2017
Erik's accomplishments are not just the result of persistence, courage, or lots of training (though there's plenty of all that as well). Erik's greatest strength is his ability to learn from others. Throughout the story, he highlights other amazing people he meets, from a deaf singer with perfect pitch to a quadriplegic with the goal of climbing Kilimanjaro. Like stepping stones across the river, each of these people unlocks a lesson for Erik that helps him push through challenges along the way as he prepares to kayak the Grand Canyon.
February 27, 2017
As and when I was reading the book I felt surreal about the events happening in the book. it is hard to believe the events are real. but they are and that is life which contains interesting twists and turns like a river. I loved the way the book is presented for the reader to think upon the life we are living which is enriching experience for each and everyone. I felt better and grateful to the life i have after reading this book as Tamil poet avvaiyar said rare to be born as human and very rare to be born without different ability (http://risingabhijeet.blogspot.com/20... ). I would recommend this book to anyone who feels at the lowest to read to get back on life and do something good. only one thing I suggest to be in future revision of the book is abbreviations should be well organized. For example, page 81 DRAFT is abbreviated immediately where as page 230 says traumatic brain injury and page 231 says TBIs. I googled and got the abbreviation but prefer it to be there so I can relate immediately and not to move my concentration from the book to my mobile for checking. That is because I prefer to read hard copy than a soft copy and I was fortunate to be in the book release on Feb 7th, 2017 in Philadelphia, PA, USA and attended erik's talk and got the book signed. Now that I think about it, I started the journey of reading the book from Bentonville, AR,USA and completed reading the book in my home town Tiruvannamalai, TN, India which is known for a mountain. I liked the epilogue as it provided details without me searching for the people in the book on Internet. An amazing and awesome read.
June 20, 2017
It sounded like an inspiring story and the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite places on earth, so I decided to read No Barriers to hear about how a blind man could kayak down the Grand Canyon. Yes, it does tell that story and about how he was the first blind man to hike to the top of Everest, but I was inspired beyond my imagination at how he approaches life and what he has accomplished.
He is reaching out and inspiring others through his book and his “No Barriers” organization. He has led climbing expeditions with other people who are blind or face other severe handicaps, he has helped inspire a singer who became deaf to be brave enough to write music and sing it when she cannot hear what she is singing, he has helped a quadruple amputee climb a 12,000 foot mountain, and he has helped many more to achieve things they only dreamed of. As I read the book, I kept asking myself two questions:
How would I have responded given the challenges the author and others in his book faced. I think I would have needed his help on this one!!!
How should I challenge myself going forward to handle the barriers that I see keeping me from being all of what I would like to be???
It was a truly inspirational book for me and I highly recommend it.
He is reaching out and inspiring others through his book and his “No Barriers” organization. He has led climbing expeditions with other people who are blind or face other severe handicaps, he has helped inspire a singer who became deaf to be brave enough to write music and sing it when she cannot hear what she is singing, he has helped a quadruple amputee climb a 12,000 foot mountain, and he has helped many more to achieve things they only dreamed of. As I read the book, I kept asking myself two questions:
How would I have responded given the challenges the author and others in his book faced. I think I would have needed his help on this one!!!
How should I challenge myself going forward to handle the barriers that I see keeping me from being all of what I would like to be???
It was a truly inspirational book for me and I highly recommend it.
February 3, 2024
Adventure non fiction is one of my favorite genres. But I feel like the title of this story is misleading. It focused more on his life story and journey to adopt his son and his experiences kayaking were secondary. The story itself was great but I spent a lot of the book wondering when the real story would begin. The book is almost 500 pages but if you took the part of the book that related to the title itself it would have been about 200 pages instead.
February 23, 2017
This book was equal parts inspiration and challenge. Having had a traumatic experience in a kayak (nowhere close to white water), I had flashbacks as I read. But I was so inspired by the author's struggle and urge to succeed that I pushed through, and I'm so glad I did. The book is not perfect - the writing could have been tighter and edited quite a bit - but it is a good read! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars
January 24, 2021
I was able to finish but this book is only interesting if you like kayaking. I would not recommend it if you don't like kayaking
March 24, 2017
As a rule, I don't five stars to creative work, for the same reason I don't assign a "10" on the medical pain scale. Outside a black-ops interrogation room, no one experiences a 10. Outside Shakespeare, Nabokov, and other curve-skewers, no book merits five stars unless it reflects a lived experience that's comparably stratospheric. This one does. Erik Weihenmayer came closer to the actual stratosphere than 99.9999% of humanity by summiting Mount Everest, but breached a more significant, internal sphere by doing it blind. No Barriers chronicles his effort to push against this barrier harder, in a more terrifying setting: the often deadly rapids deep in the Grand Canyon.
In full disclosure, I watched part of this journey, while reporting on his training expedition down Mexico's Usumacinta River (which I found plenty terrifying with all five senses). I got to know Erik fairly well during that time, but probably no better than readers will here. Having read Erik's s books, what struck me most in this one was how much he'd grown as a writer while breaking seemingly a new record every six months.
This book is also extraordinarily well timed, with crucial guidance for this moment in history—which I'd rank as Class Five in whitewater terms, reserving Class Six for global war, famine, and other "features" that, for all we know, are just a few bends down the river.
It follows the author's process of learning to respond instead of react: working with the river's power instead of trying to battle it. You'll find similar counsel in lots of self-help books, but it's one thing to engage with the practice intellectually, quite another to put your body on the line. This we do with Erik, as he drenches himself in the process, learning through an all-but-literal osmosis. Responding not reacting. What a galling example of the exact opposite we Americans have in our executive office.
In full disclosure, I watched part of this journey, while reporting on his training expedition down Mexico's Usumacinta River (which I found plenty terrifying with all five senses). I got to know Erik fairly well during that time, but probably no better than readers will here. Having read Erik's s books, what struck me most in this one was how much he'd grown as a writer while breaking seemingly a new record every six months.
This book is also extraordinarily well timed, with crucial guidance for this moment in history—which I'd rank as Class Five in whitewater terms, reserving Class Six for global war, famine, and other "features" that, for all we know, are just a few bends down the river.
It follows the author's process of learning to respond instead of react: working with the river's power instead of trying to battle it. You'll find similar counsel in lots of self-help books, but it's one thing to engage with the practice intellectually, quite another to put your body on the line. This we do with Erik, as he drenches himself in the process, learning through an all-but-literal osmosis. Responding not reacting. What a galling example of the exact opposite we Americans have in our executive office.
July 19, 2017
"Who has not been 'through a lot'?
It is when we recognize it in each other that we know love.
We unite in our endurance
As our minds embrace, our histories mingle
We lean in to share the experience
We lean in to touch one another
And we know we are alike"
This quote by Patrick Foss precedes the prologue to Erik Weihenmayer's amazing book, "No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon." These words beautifully summarize Erik's approach to overcoming barriers in his life. Aside from telling us about his challenges and adventures as a blind athlete, Erik tells us so much more about the stories of people who joined him to tackle numerous obstacles: amazing unheralded team members who provided essential training and support, as well as many other "differently-abled" adventurers who became part of his story. The book introduces readers to several emerging technologies in the field of rehabilitation that have resulted from recent discoveries about the brain's ability to reorganize itself after devastating injuries. I admire the way Erik also provides a compassionate voice for those who struggle with deep emotional obstacles like substance abuse, grief, and PTSD. Thanks, Erik Weihenmayer, for the encouragement to open my heart and keep leaning in to touch others who have been "through a lot."
It is when we recognize it in each other that we know love.
We unite in our endurance
As our minds embrace, our histories mingle
We lean in to share the experience
We lean in to touch one another
And we know we are alike"
This quote by Patrick Foss precedes the prologue to Erik Weihenmayer's amazing book, "No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon." These words beautifully summarize Erik's approach to overcoming barriers in his life. Aside from telling us about his challenges and adventures as a blind athlete, Erik tells us so much more about the stories of people who joined him to tackle numerous obstacles: amazing unheralded team members who provided essential training and support, as well as many other "differently-abled" adventurers who became part of his story. The book introduces readers to several emerging technologies in the field of rehabilitation that have resulted from recent discoveries about the brain's ability to reorganize itself after devastating injuries. I admire the way Erik also provides a compassionate voice for those who struggle with deep emotional obstacles like substance abuse, grief, and PTSD. Thanks, Erik Weihenmayer, for the encouragement to open my heart and keep leaning in to touch others who have been "through a lot."
February 9, 2024
DNF - the book includes a lot of other details about Weihenmayer’s life that might be interesting for fans of his earlier adventures, but failed to hook me. The narrative voice also grated on my nerves: it’s probably something about the braggadocio required for a motivational-speaker-type to write an autobiography that leaves the story feeling hollow. Maybe a lack of real context in favor of “wow I did this” and then “wow I did that.”
July 24, 2017
I originally thought this book was just about his kayaking trip, but soon realized it was about so much more. The books picks up after Eriks Mount Everest trip and discusses his work, charitable endeavours, family, and what led him to decide to kayak the Grand Canyon.
Althiugh its a bit slow at a few points, and a long read, I definately would recommend this book to others. An amazing story and incredible how many people he has helped to achieve great things!
Althiugh its a bit slow at a few points, and a long read, I definately would recommend this book to others. An amazing story and incredible how many people he has helped to achieve great things!
November 6, 2018
Eric has such an amazing story to tell! A blind man who rafts the Grand Canyon and climbs Mt Everest! There are many times when I freak myself out on much, much smaller things in life. However he pushes through and not only does it but is an inspiration to many! Love the thread about the little boy.
July 10, 2019
Interesting and inspiring book. A bit long and rambling but a good book about rising above challenges and not letting them limit you.
April 3, 2023
SO GOOD!!!
November 21, 2023
(Review Coming)
March 14, 2024
Inspiring story about overcoming physical limitations.
September 12, 2024
While the things the author has accomplished are remarkable, the book felt really long. There were too many overly detailed play by play stories about every different aspect of the different climbs and kayaking trips that by the time I got to the one in the Grand Canyon I was tired of it.
February 10, 2022
This book is WAY more than just the story of a blind man kayaking the Grand Canyon. The book is his many stories of grit, resilience, failures and successes of his life up to this point. His many achievements and how others have been inspired to do the same is really incredible.
September 29, 2017
Such inspiration. I was sobbing while listening to the end of this book. I need No Barriers.
September 19, 2017
Inspiring! Thank you Erik to help me to realize that my fears are the real barriers and they exist only in my head.
July 22, 2017
I was lucky enough to see Erik Weihenmayer speak at a work conference, and it was the most interesting, motivational and humorous speech I had ever heard. I was lucky enough as part of his speaking engagement to also receive a free copy of his book, which I have really enjoyed. Although from his speech I had heard of, and seen pictures and video of some of the moments detailed in the book, I still found the book's telling to widen my interest in Erik's story. This book is a perfect combination of someone overcoming adversity (and this book is so much more than a classic overcoming adversity tale), a story of family, of friendship, humor and great storytelling. Erik is raw and open about fears and struggles, and doesn't try to paint himself as the "blind adventure hero". This book is so much more than a story of a blind man kayaking a big river.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews