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A Few Feet Short: An Uncommon Journey to Everest
In the follow-up to his first book, Lost and Found, Jamey Glasnovic ventures into the Himalaya to get away from the monotony of the workaday grind, searching for direction, inspiration and for his place in the world.
From the Kathmandu Valley to the Middle Hills and the highest peaks on the planet, Glasnovic’s journey takes him through the cultural melting pot of northeastern Nepal and up into the Khumbu Valley, traditional homeland of the Sherpa people, finding his way eventually, and without any intention of actually climbing it, to the base of that most iconic of mountains, Everest.
What should be a journey back in time to a land without roads or central heating or convenience stores (and until recently without reliable electricity or internet access either), is in reality a visit to a rapidly changing collection of cultures desperate to keep up with the busy world around them. A Few Feet Short is at once a search for enlightenment, a quest for spiritual guidance, and a simple pilgrimage along ancient and well-trodden trails that begins with that age-old question ‘What do I want to do with my life, anyway?
From the Kathmandu Valley to the Middle Hills and the highest peaks on the planet, Glasnovic’s journey takes him through the cultural melting pot of northeastern Nepal and up into the Khumbu Valley, traditional homeland of the Sherpa people, finding his way eventually, and without any intention of actually climbing it, to the base of that most iconic of mountains, Everest.
What should be a journey back in time to a land without roads or central heating or convenience stores (and until recently without reliable electricity or internet access either), is in reality a visit to a rapidly changing collection of cultures desperate to keep up with the busy world around them. A Few Feet Short is at once a search for enlightenment, a quest for spiritual guidance, and a simple pilgrimage along ancient and well-trodden trails that begins with that age-old question ‘What do I want to do with my life, anyway?
376 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 5, 2026
I don't know exactly what it is about adventure books, but I'm just always drawn in right away.
I happened to be in Waterton on a work trip, and stumbled into The Book Nook at Akamina Gift Shop. I had sprained my ankle just 2 days prior to this trip, and had originally wanted to go up before the work festivities and get a day of hiking in. Sprained ankle changed my plans but I managed a couple of hours’ stroll along snowshoe trail, a trek to Bertha Falls and had some time to spend in the townsite.
I saw the book A Few Feet Short and being a mountain lover, it was a no brainer. The "signed by author" was a fun thing that made me interested in buying it all the more - who's this guy who has signed copies of his book sold in little mountain towns in Southern Alberta?!
Just the first few pages resonated with me instantly. I was re-reading parts because I just couldn't fathom that I happened to pick up a book that was speaking directly to me, with where I was at in life, in my contemplations and struggles.
The journey Jamey went on was perfect. The writing made me feel I was right there with him. The sideline observances, the history and culture of Nepal were interesting and informative. The whole story was perfectly balanced.
I appreciate the realistic and natural perspectives he gives in his experiences, and it drives that want and motivation to just be in the mountains. It's a perspective I've had to learn with my own injuries, and hindrances over time - You don't have to be a mountaineer or a summit bagger to enjoy the journey and experiences.
Sometimes it is the small things that make the greatest impact. This book was a good reminder of that.
I don't know when I'll be back in Waterton, as prior to this trip I hadn't been in years. But, I'll need to go back at some point to pick up a copy of his other book too.
I happened to be in Waterton on a work trip, and stumbled into The Book Nook at Akamina Gift Shop. I had sprained my ankle just 2 days prior to this trip, and had originally wanted to go up before the work festivities and get a day of hiking in. Sprained ankle changed my plans but I managed a couple of hours’ stroll along snowshoe trail, a trek to Bertha Falls and had some time to spend in the townsite.
I saw the book A Few Feet Short and being a mountain lover, it was a no brainer. The "signed by author" was a fun thing that made me interested in buying it all the more - who's this guy who has signed copies of his book sold in little mountain towns in Southern Alberta?!
Just the first few pages resonated with me instantly. I was re-reading parts because I just couldn't fathom that I happened to pick up a book that was speaking directly to me, with where I was at in life, in my contemplations and struggles.
The journey Jamey went on was perfect. The writing made me feel I was right there with him. The sideline observances, the history and culture of Nepal were interesting and informative. The whole story was perfectly balanced.
I appreciate the realistic and natural perspectives he gives in his experiences, and it drives that want and motivation to just be in the mountains. It's a perspective I've had to learn with my own injuries, and hindrances over time - You don't have to be a mountaineer or a summit bagger to enjoy the journey and experiences.
Sometimes it is the small things that make the greatest impact. This book was a good reminder of that.
I don't know when I'll be back in Waterton, as prior to this trip I hadn't been in years. But, I'll need to go back at some point to pick up a copy of his other book too.
June 11, 2021
Jamey Glasnovic’s “A Few Feet Short” is an engaging, well-written read for any trekker, cyclist, wanderer or armchair traveller. I loved being able to enjoy the trials of the trail across Nepal from the cozy (and comparatively lazy) comfort of home!
February 26, 2021
Loved this book. The author mixes humour with stimulating ideas in his adventures in Nepal. Can't wait for his next book!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews