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If I Live Until Morning: A True Story of Adventure, Tragedy and Transformation
Her grand adventure turned into a nightmare. After skiing 200 miles along California's John Muir Trail, Jean faces death from a mountaineering accident on Mount Whitney. Broken and bleeding on the highest peak in the continental United States, she vows to realize her greatest dreams if she lives until morning. Her escape from the Sierra Nevada Mountains turns into a five-day ordeal for survival. Jean's recovery is equally daunting. Her journey spans three decades and takes her from the depths of despair and chronic pain to the heights of the Himalayas. When the specter of Mount Whitney continues to shatter her world, Jean befriends Tibetan lamas. Their ancient wisdom guides her on a path beyond her wildest dreams.
274 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2018
1360 people are currently reading
3287 people want to read
About the author
Jean Muenchrath
1 book15 followersAWARD-WINNING FINALIST IN THE 2018 BEST BOOK AWARDS SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN BOOK FEST; TRAVEL: GUIDES & ESSAYS CATEGORY.
Jean Muenchrath’s insatiable appetite for adventure has taken her on mountain escapades across North and South America and Asia. She loves to explore wild places under the power of her own two feet. She has been a park ranger for over thirty years, led treks in Nepal and Thailand, and worked in Bhutan for the World Wildlife Fund. To balance her outer and inner worlds she spends two months a year in solitary retreat.
Jean Muenchrath’s insatiable appetite for adventure has taken her on mountain escapades across North and South America and Asia. She loves to explore wild places under the power of her own two feet. She has been a park ranger for over thirty years, led treks in Nepal and Thailand, and worked in Bhutan for the World Wildlife Fund. To balance her outer and inner worlds she spends two months a year in solitary retreat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
March 5, 2020
Ummm...if you can not say something nice don't say anything at all comes to mind. I can't really think of anything positive to say about this read. Due to the nature of being the authors life story I don't feel comfortable sharing my thoughts so I will just let this one go with my rating and say I am surprised it is so highly rated by others.
October 22, 2020
I thought this would be a much-needed inspirational lift for my jaded soul. But while I understand the grit and courage behind Jean’s story, I just wish it read more like a story.
I can’t put my finger on it - I lost the story right from the beginning with long, overly detailed accounts of Jean’s attempt to ski the John Muir Trail. Courageous. I know. I can’t even dream of doing anything like that. But while I admire Jean, I can’t admire the way this story was written. Sadly. :-(
I can’t put my finger on it - I lost the story right from the beginning with long, overly detailed accounts of Jean’s attempt to ski the John Muir Trail. Courageous. I know. I can’t even dream of doing anything like that. But while I admire Jean, I can’t admire the way this story was written. Sadly. :-(
May 12, 2021
I love mountain disaster/survival stories, and there aren’t many written by or about women. Most of this book was about the aftermath of the accident and the author’s subsequent conversion to Buddhism. And the writing is full of poor cliches. I don’t recommend.
February 7, 2021
This one didn't do anything for me, so like some other reviewers, I am confused at the ratings and acclaim awarded to this book.. I, too, was surprised that the main story was completed only one-third of the way through the book. This story takes place in my backyard, so I was interested in the descriptions of the John Muir Trail, Mt. Whitney, Lone Pine. I've read several wilderness adventure memoirs set in this area, so looked forward to adding this to my collection. But, I found the writing to be stiff, just a recital of events with too obvious and forced an attempt to use flowery descriptions. I also quickly became very frustrated with the author's perception of her relationship with her skiing partner and mainly kept reading only in hopes to learn that she wisely left him. So, I pushed through the book, mainly by skimming to get the gist and focusing when sections attracted more of my attention. I am not recommending this to fellow readers to whom I normally do recommend backcountry wilderness memoirs.
October 28, 2018
It was great to hear Jean speak at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder, CO and see slides of her epic skiing adventure on Mt. Whitney in 82 before reading the book. I know & love the physical therapist who helped her heal her once broken body 20 yrs after the accident.
Mt. Whitney is a magical place that could have turned so tragic for both Jean & Ken. I found the book full of adventure. Jean’s travels in Asia were delightful and the meditation piece very critical to her healing spiritually. I have a friend who has summited Whitney twice. I plan to give him a copy.
I especially enjoy Jean’s energy & spirt exuded in this story. She wrote in my signed copy of the book.
“May you always be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Follow your heart & dreams to new places.”
Love that.
Mt. Whitney is a magical place that could have turned so tragic for both Jean & Ken. I found the book full of adventure. Jean’s travels in Asia were delightful and the meditation piece very critical to her healing spiritually. I have a friend who has summited Whitney twice. I plan to give him a copy.
I especially enjoy Jean’s energy & spirt exuded in this story. She wrote in my signed copy of the book.
“May you always be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Follow your heart & dreams to new places.”
Love that.
September 12, 2018
The title of Jean Muenchrath's book, If I Live Until Morning and the book's moody cover of high mountains provide more than a hint of what story awaits readers. Something tragic is going to happen that will leave the author near death. And that is exactly how the tale unfolds. Caught in a storm high on Mount Whitney in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the author slips and falls. She comes close to death before she and her cross-country skiing companion painfully make it down the mountain five days later.
Muenchrath's book, however, is much more than this. It's about going forward, afterward. It's about finding ways to overcome pain and fear so the author can continue hiking her beloved mountains, including those in the Himalayas. It's about doing what she promised herself she would do—if she lived until morning.
As a reader who has her own love affair with mountains, I was especially appreciative of Muenchrath's vivid descriptions of the high landscapes she set foot upon. Of standing in the shadow of the mighty Mount Everest, she writes:
On reading these words, I was able to experience a world I will never visit, which is the best of what reading is all about.
The path forward for Muenchrath, after trekking in the Himalayas, continues to be filled with potholes and painful obstacles—different perhaps, but not that unlike the ones faced by those of us with questioning minds. Muenchrath's search for answers, adventure and fulfilment, which is the heart of her book, includes over 30 years as a national park ranger, student of Eastern philosophy and heartfelt friendships with Tibetan lamas.
Muenchrath doesn't claim to be a heroine in her own book, one that some might call an action thriller. Instead, she is simply a woman who wants the kind of answers most of want. She won't give up or let her past rule her future. Even when she falls down, you know she's going to get right back up.
This is an inspiring book, and well written. Highly recommended for all who love mountains, nature—and life.
by Pat Bean
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Muenchrath's book, however, is much more than this. It's about going forward, afterward. It's about finding ways to overcome pain and fear so the author can continue hiking her beloved mountains, including those in the Himalayas. It's about doing what she promised herself she would do—if she lived until morning.
As a reader who has her own love affair with mountains, I was especially appreciative of Muenchrath's vivid descriptions of the high landscapes she set foot upon. Of standing in the shadow of the mighty Mount Everest, she writes:
Heavy frost covered the ground. The moonlight had transformed it into a field of shimmering diamonds. The highest peaks on Earth glowed like silver-white goddesses reaching for the sky. With steam coming from my breath, I walked to the hilltop to maximize the view. The soundscape was equally enchanting; glacial rivers rushed in the distance, yak bells chimed in the pastures below, and occasionally an avalanche rumbled down a mountainside.
On reading these words, I was able to experience a world I will never visit, which is the best of what reading is all about.
The path forward for Muenchrath, after trekking in the Himalayas, continues to be filled with potholes and painful obstacles—different perhaps, but not that unlike the ones faced by those of us with questioning minds. Muenchrath's search for answers, adventure and fulfilment, which is the heart of her book, includes over 30 years as a national park ranger, student of Eastern philosophy and heartfelt friendships with Tibetan lamas.
Muenchrath doesn't claim to be a heroine in her own book, one that some might call an action thriller. Instead, she is simply a woman who wants the kind of answers most of want. She won't give up or let her past rule her future. Even when she falls down, you know she's going to get right back up.
This is an inspiring book, and well written. Highly recommended for all who love mountains, nature—and life.
by Pat Bean
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
December 5, 2018
Jean shows through firsthand experience that disaster can open the door to a new perspective and even new adventures. What at first appears as a journey to conquer physical pain soon reveals itself as a journey to overcome the emotional trauma from dealing with the aftermath of a near-death experience. This inspiring book is well worth the read, especially for others dealing with their own difficulties.
July 24, 2020
This could have benefited from tighter editing and proofreading. Still, it's a compelling life story. For me, it was something of an exercise in not judging, and trying to understand why the author made some of the decisions she did. I appreciated that opportunity. By the end of the book I was moved to tears. I bumped my rating up to compensate for those who bumped theirs down due to their dislike of non-Christian spirituality. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
July 9, 2021
This book was recommended to our group by the Johns Brook lodge caretaker (NY state) as she was hiking out and we were hiking in to our nearby cabin. After a few minutes of pleasantries and shared hiking/weather tips, she said 'I just have to share' and recommended this book.
Great read. If you love the outdoors, pushing limits, and/or how the human body and psyche recovers and continues to grow throughout life, this book is for you.
Great read. If you love the outdoors, pushing limits, and/or how the human body and psyche recovers and continues to grow throughout life, this book is for you.
April 14, 2023
Thank God there are more reviewers who feel similarly about this book. The beginning was overly detailed. It had very little to do about her 5 days of survival and leaned heavily on coping with the pain and aftermath by finding Buddhism. The language was suuuuuper choppy and had absolutely no flow. Which is disappointing because this story had so much potential. I liked it but don’t feel like I’ll ever think back on this story or reread.
February 5, 2020
The author has a true love for mountains - and climbing them. She and her future husband were undertaking the trip of a lifetime. They were following the John Muir trail across the Sierras on cross country skis culminating with the ascent of Mount Whitney. On the descent Muenchrath fell 150 feet and was grievously injured. This is the story of her survival and long road to healing.
August 31, 2020
Amazing story and beautiful read
Loved this book. Mountainiers and rock climbers, adventurers in general just fascinate me. In Jean's book the end result of what her mind could accomplish was unbelievable, especially that she could get her and her pack out of the mountains with broken and shattered bones, is truly remarkable.
Loved this book. Mountainiers and rock climbers, adventurers in general just fascinate me. In Jean's book the end result of what her mind could accomplish was unbelievable, especially that she could get her and her pack out of the mountains with broken and shattered bones, is truly remarkable.
May 9, 2023
A beautiful story of life, hope and endurance.
November 28, 2020
I picked up this book because I hiked the JMT and love reading about other's adventures on the trail. I thought it was going to be more about the trail so at first I was disappointed because it was mostly based post trail/injury. However, as I got further in the book I realized that the book was more about the resiliency of humans. Jean leads an incredible life after experiencing a life threatening injury. As a healthcare provider, it brings me so much joy to read about someone who doesn't give up on themselves but rather explores options that allow them to live the beautiful life they want to live. We are so much stronger than we are told we are and this story is one that proves it. I highly recommend it!
July 14, 2020
A reluctant 3 stars because the writing was pretty good and I finished it, though barely. Amazon promoted this book to me as a hiking survival story. It started off as that but I was surprised to be only one-third through the book when the author’s hiking ordeal ended. The rest of the book was part memoir, part bitterness over the end of her marriage, and mostly her new age woo quest for healing of her pain. I enjoyed some parts of her travel descriptions but the the mystical and new age parts of the book grew tiresome and tedious. If you’re into that sort of thing then you will likely enjoy this book. If not then I would avoid it.
November 13, 2020
Inspiring and Tear Jerking
It feels like 2 books beautifully merged into one; one about adventure and tragedy, flowing into another about transformation. The transformation story deeply follows the author’s Buddhist beliefs. Even though I don’t follow Buddhist teachings, and have never suffered through the kind of physical trauma that the author did, I found a lot that I could relate to. This is an inspiring, attention grabbing and at times eye-watering story, with some strong writing. It is bound to make you look inward and ask how you want to live your life. I highly recommend it.
It feels like 2 books beautifully merged into one; one about adventure and tragedy, flowing into another about transformation. The transformation story deeply follows the author’s Buddhist beliefs. Even though I don’t follow Buddhist teachings, and have never suffered through the kind of physical trauma that the author did, I found a lot that I could relate to. This is an inspiring, attention grabbing and at times eye-watering story, with some strong writing. It is bound to make you look inward and ask how you want to live your life. I highly recommend it.
January 12, 2021
Not so great after a few Chapters
After the actual accident the book dragged on. I felt most sorry for Ken, as it seems she never really thanked him for saving her. Then even after getting married she never helped him cope. Seemed like a very cold marriage. Later in book I just read a sentence or 2 on each page. One chapter droned on and on giving turn by turn directions of how she walked to a doctors office. She definitely wrote this book as therapy and to resolve the guilt she feels and not as a good piece of writing to be enjoyed by the reader. Thankfully the book was free.
After the actual accident the book dragged on. I felt most sorry for Ken, as it seems she never really thanked him for saving her. Then even after getting married she never helped him cope. Seemed like a very cold marriage. Later in book I just read a sentence or 2 on each page. One chapter droned on and on giving turn by turn directions of how she walked to a doctors office. She definitely wrote this book as therapy and to resolve the guilt she feels and not as a good piece of writing to be enjoyed by the reader. Thankfully the book was free.
June 12, 2021
Awesome book - a Must Read
I expected this to be another adventure survival book, and I love that kind of book. And it delivered! Great writing, wonderful descriptions of the beauty of the Sierra outback...
But after she survives, the book has adventures with a deeper meaning, and many lessons in how she healed from trauma. For anyone with chronic pain, illness, or trauma, this book is a real help. She lights the way to a path of healing so if you're stuck with trauma or chronic pain, this book is a real treasure
It's a mountaineering book that goes way, way deeper than any other mountaineering book I've read, and I read all of them.
Read this book and be inspired!
I expected this to be another adventure survival book, and I love that kind of book. And it delivered! Great writing, wonderful descriptions of the beauty of the Sierra outback...
But after she survives, the book has adventures with a deeper meaning, and many lessons in how she healed from trauma. For anyone with chronic pain, illness, or trauma, this book is a real help. She lights the way to a path of healing so if you're stuck with trauma or chronic pain, this book is a real treasure
It's a mountaineering book that goes way, way deeper than any other mountaineering book I've read, and I read all of them.
Read this book and be inspired!
March 23, 2020
Truly inspirational.
This survival story was a book I couldn't wait to get back to. It chronicles the author's near fatal accident on Mt. Whitney and her ability to get down the mountain in spite of her injuries including fractured bones. As a retired therapist, I became even more impressed with her inner journey of emotional healing from trauma that was unfortunately delayed. Her spiritual quest into Buddhism provided her with existential healing as well. It's a testament to human endurance, and what we can all accomplish by healing the body, mind and spirit.
This survival story was a book I couldn't wait to get back to. It chronicles the author's near fatal accident on Mt. Whitney and her ability to get down the mountain in spite of her injuries including fractured bones. As a retired therapist, I became even more impressed with her inner journey of emotional healing from trauma that was unfortunately delayed. Her spiritual quest into Buddhism provided her with existential healing as well. It's a testament to human endurance, and what we can all accomplish by healing the body, mind and spirit.
February 20, 2020
Not only was reading If I Live Until Morning a life-changing experience - SO WAS MEETING HER!
A story of growth and survival and perseverance, I still can't believe it. Because I'm no such mountain climber myself, much of this was difficult to envision. The pure natural gusto of it all is shocking, and then the pain and rebuilding she went through. I'll read this again. And then probably again. And maybe even one more time.
A story of growth and survival and perseverance, I still can't believe it. Because I'm no such mountain climber myself, much of this was difficult to envision. The pure natural gusto of it all is shocking, and then the pain and rebuilding she went through. I'll read this again. And then probably again. And maybe even one more time.
Read
July 30, 2021Searching for truth and missing the real truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The book was easy to read and very interesting. I would have enjoyed a deeper understanding of the human relationships. The descriptions of places go into much more detail than the descriptions of relational matters.
I felt sad that the author was in a sincere search for inner peace and had missed knowing the Prince of Peace.
The book was easy to read and very interesting. I would have enjoyed a deeper understanding of the human relationships. The descriptions of places go into much more detail than the descriptions of relational matters.
I felt sad that the author was in a sincere search for inner peace and had missed knowing the Prince of Peace.
November 17, 2020
I thought the entirety of this book was amazing and awe-inspiring. I can only imagine how tough it must have been out there on Mount Whitney only to be silenced for so long after. It’s amazing how much courage the author gained in order to overcome her hardships. I’m a fan of adventure memoirs and this one really hit the spot. It invoked both a greater sense of adventure in me and the thought that I should be a little more cautious when out on the PNW trails myself.
August 9, 2020
Uplifting
Dear Jean
During these depressing COVID times I found your book very inspirational and positive. You write so well and connect with the reader from the first page. I am an armchair mountain climber and your book took me with you to every exotic location.
Well done. Be well.
Dear Jean
During these depressing COVID times I found your book very inspirational and positive. You write so well and connect with the reader from the first page. I am an armchair mountain climber and your book took me with you to every exotic location.
Well done. Be well.
March 19, 2021
Wow! What an incredible story
Jean has lived a life I have never imagined. She has also shown me that everyone is facing their own internal battle and that we are all looking for peace and enlightenment. I found much courage and wisdom to use in my own life. Thank you, Jean, for sharing your life with us.
Jean has lived a life I have never imagined. She has also shown me that everyone is facing their own internal battle and that we are all looking for peace and enlightenment. I found much courage and wisdom to use in my own life. Thank you, Jean, for sharing your life with us.
April 18, 2021
Absolutely breathtaking!
I loved this book and you will too. If you are at all interested in mountaineering, read this book. It was enchanting, enlightening, and interesting. This is one of those books that are difficult to put down. Thank you Jean for sharing your experiences with us.
I loved this book and you will too. If you are at all interested in mountaineering, read this book. It was enchanting, enlightening, and interesting. This is one of those books that are difficult to put down. Thank you Jean for sharing your experiences with us.
September 19, 2020
I really enjoyed the hiking and skiing parts on John Muir trail and Mount Whitney. However the heavy Buddhist and enlightenment parts were ....? How can such a strong person put up with such a toxic relationship? That was confusing. Her
July 14, 2021
Review of If I live to tomorrow
I joyed the true life trekking experiences along with the descriptions of the mountains here in the US and in Tebet. The authors road to enlightenment was very inspiring.
I joyed the true life trekking experiences along with the descriptions of the mountains here in the US and in Tebet. The authors road to enlightenment was very inspiring.
April 24, 2022
self-indulgent
Honestly, I expected to like this book a lot. Boy, was I wrong. Instead of a griping tale of survival and resilience it was endless pages of tedious descriptions and pop-psychology mental meandering. I skimmed the last third just to be finished.
Honestly, I expected to like this book a lot. Boy, was I wrong. Instead of a griping tale of survival and resilience it was endless pages of tedious descriptions and pop-psychology mental meandering. I skimmed the last third just to be finished.
gave-up-on
August 20, 2021DNF @ 26%. I expected this book to be inspirational and moving but I’m finding it to be painful. 😕
April 25, 2025
This was placed on the New Nonfiction shelf (though this book was published in 2018; it must just be a new acquisition) at one of the libraries I frequent, and of course it caught my eye. It sounded so interesting, a woman who nearly dies during a climb of Mt Whitney but manages to drag her broken body out of the wilderness in terrible weather. I will say that Muenchrath is insanely courageous, and to be commended for finding strength and character in a situation that would cause many people to give up.
However, this is a book, and my opinions are based on that. Muenchrath’s writing is often too purple and overwrought for my preference. She’s also quite judgmental, somewhat off-putting for someone who has put in so much difficult work as a Buddhist. During her tour as a guide in Thailand, she admits she felt smug when the boat she and her clients were on had to dock on the side of the island whose beach featured used condoms, broken needles, and human waste instead of pristine sand, in order to take her clients down a peg, so they could see how the other half lived. She also often refers to “junkies” and “addicts” begging in the streets, and implies that everyone in Nepal and India that approach Westerners are out of scam them of money (that may be, but I would have found a much more diplomatic way to discuss that).
She also tends to portray the Sherpas/Nepalis as quite childlike, which feels a bit icky from an older white woman. I may be a bit more sensitive to the issue, as I just finished reading Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day, an account of the 2008 K2 disaster from the point of view of the Sherpas and high-altitude porters, people who are strong and resilient and intelligent.
At any rate, I am infinitely glad Muenchrath survived the fall that could easily have killed her. I’m sorry she endured a marriage to someone who insisted she keep her trauma secret, as she could have healed so much better had she been allowed to process her trauma and pain fully and out in the open. I’m also glad she was able to find a belief system that works well for her, and she’s clearly putting in a great deal of work to be the best version of herself.
However, this is a book, and my opinions are based on that. Muenchrath’s writing is often too purple and overwrought for my preference. She’s also quite judgmental, somewhat off-putting for someone who has put in so much difficult work as a Buddhist. During her tour as a guide in Thailand, she admits she felt smug when the boat she and her clients were on had to dock on the side of the island whose beach featured used condoms, broken needles, and human waste instead of pristine sand, in order to take her clients down a peg, so they could see how the other half lived. She also often refers to “junkies” and “addicts” begging in the streets, and implies that everyone in Nepal and India that approach Westerners are out of scam them of money (that may be, but I would have found a much more diplomatic way to discuss that).
She also tends to portray the Sherpas/Nepalis as quite childlike, which feels a bit icky from an older white woman. I may be a bit more sensitive to the issue, as I just finished reading Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day, an account of the 2008 K2 disaster from the point of view of the Sherpas and high-altitude porters, people who are strong and resilient and intelligent.
At any rate, I am infinitely glad Muenchrath survived the fall that could easily have killed her. I’m sorry she endured a marriage to someone who insisted she keep her trauma secret, as she could have healed so much better had she been allowed to process her trauma and pain fully and out in the open. I’m also glad she was able to find a belief system that works well for her, and she’s clearly putting in a great deal of work to be the best version of herself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews