On My Way Up

by Alyson D. Kirk

Follow a young woman as she struggles to survive a near fatal injury at the top of Rosalie Peak. A blizzard makes the rescue extremely hazardous, and she is quickly running out of time. The accident and the long wait to be rescued from the mountain allow her to assess her short life, and it forever changes her path. It is the true story of a woman who has miraculously survived through a harrowing tragic ordeal, and has used her second chance at life to overcome the problems of her youth and to break free of the burdens that tortured her.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2018

Reviews

[Scott Kummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir grabbed me from page one. It has a little bit of everything - from dysfunctional relationships and families to addiction, to thrill seeking, all wrapped up in one. But the real takeaway is an examination of whether you are living an authentic life. That’s what it’s all about. And if you’re not, you can try, but you’ll never hide from the fact. And if you are, your heart soars every day. This book screams - Choose Authenticity!

[Mark Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring Story of Overcoming

Alyson has had a life - and it’s a touching read of overcoming despite all she went through. Recommended reading if you love adventure.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I hope that this book might inspire or help just one person to break free of the self-imposed chains that hold us back in life - to make the decisions enabling a better path in life. A frightful childhood shouldn't condemn you to a life of misery. The mistakes you make as a teenager or young adult shouldn't define you. We all deserve happiness.”

Alyson has a fantastic story of survival, not just of the tragic climbing accident she details in the book, but of her traumatic childhood and eventual drug and alcohol addictions and eating disorders. The writing of the book itself is scattered and repetitive at times. I liked the way the flashbacks were embedded into the story of the accident, but I think it would’ve been more cohesive and made more sense to work her way through her childhood linearly, instead of jumping around so much.

I have some major issues with the way Alyson talks about fat people in the book, but I also understand that those thoughts are rooted in her own fear and internalized hatred of her body, which in turn led to her eating disorders. Her words seem to imply that weighing less makes someone a better person, as if fat people are untrustworthy and unreliable. I'm not surprised that she might grow up thinking that, based on the way her mother talked to her when she was at her heaviest, but I'm a little disappointed that the book ended without her coming to terms with how harmful thinking of food in this way is. If you are someone who has suffered from an eating disorder, I would caution you before reading this book, based on the effect it has had on my friends with eating disorders.

[C. Michael]

Received in the mail and read immediately. Compelling honesty. I'm a climber and that's what initially drew me to this book, but it is much more than climbing stories. If anything, the climbing is downplayed. It's hard to explain to someone who's unfamiliar with the Colorado mountains how much energy and commitment the climbs mentioned so casually here would take, but A.K. never loses track of her focus on her personal struggles and the lessons she's learned in her life along with her climbs.

[Tiffany Silverberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I immediately liked Alyson and intimately understood her broken childhood. I have tremendous respect for her survival, determination, and iron will to choose her own path.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alyson is a truth-teller. I must have taken so much courage to tell her story. This is about so much more than just a mountain rescue, it’s about coming to terms with the past relationships and choices and starting life over.

[Joan Reding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy read and never gets boring. Alyson is a great storyteller and her journey is nothing short of amazing. The soulmate stuff got a little nauseating but it didn’t detract from the overall message. I am jealous of her mountaintop wedding.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this book to be about overcoming a physical injury, which it was but also so much more. The physical recovery, emotional recovery, coming into her self, and honoring her truths were unexpected. The bravery required for all processes is important.

[M]

i can't talk about it

[Christine Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I could not out this down. It was exciting, inspiring and a wonderful story! Loved every minute! So so awesome!

[Judson Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

such an incredible story of persevering through all the challenges life can hurl at you. Can't wait to go bag some peaks!

[Jillian Kostuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great come back story. May be difficult to read for those that have suffered from an eating disorder.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational story about overcoming obstacles.

[Jon Butsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

A very personal look at the struggles and the incredible potential and achievements that can spawn from tragedy. Easy fun read!