No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon: The Young Adult Adaptation

by Erik Weihenmayer, Buddy Levy

2018 Colorado Book Awards finalist in the Creative Nonfiction and National Bestseller and Honorable Mention Award Winner in the Outdoor Literature category of the 2017 National Outdoor Book Awards (NOBA) — “A beautiful book about family and finding a way to achieve more than you ever thought possible.” —Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author

Erik Weihenmayer has a long history of turning obstacles into adventures. Born with a rare condition that blinded him as a teenager, he never let his diagnosis hold him back from a full life. As an athlete, explorer, speaker and activist, he has opened the eyes of people around the world to what's possible. In 2001, he became the first blind man to climb Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. In 2005, he co-founded his nonprofit organization, No Barriers , to empower others to overcome adversity and achieve their biggest goals.

This special edition of No Barriers introduces kids to the incredible true story of Erik's most terrifying solo kayaking the thunderous whitewater of the Grand Canyon. Erik and his friends form a courageous crew to do battle with some of the harshest elements nature has to offer. Along the course of Erik's journey, he meets other adventurers, scientists, artists, and activists who show Erik the way forward and teach him the meaning of No Barriers —“What’s Within You is Stronger Than What’s in Your Way.”

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2019

Reviews

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many chillbumpy moments with this book. Erik’s life is crazy inspiring and now I just want to go out and do hard things. Someone get me a whitewater kayak and skirt! I’m bout to go do some flips in it!

[Poli · Rating 1 out of 5]

My school gave every student in my grade a copy of this book.
It seemed pretty interesting in the beginning, but as progressed through the book it just got repetitive. I would never rec this version of this book to anybody who wants to read for fun.
There is no storyline or interesting plot twist.
Even though it may be a biography of someone's life, there should be something interesting happening enough to make a book out of it essentially to make a whole grade of students read this book. I've talked to all my classmates and not a single person has told me they genuinely like this book. Erik just has the same events happen to him in different places. It's so hard to really get into and feel connected with the book. Honestly I haven’t read the original version and I’m guessing that’s probably a decent book but this version was just disappointing and repetitive I admire him for his accomplishments but this version of this book just wasn’t a good book.

[Carly Hales · Rating 2 out of 5]

The experience was quite incredible, the book wasn’t nearly as incredible. It bugged me that he almost never mentions his wife who had to be a HUGE support to him in this crazy endeavor. Also I was glad he finally got around to sharing what he learned and how he changed through this experience but I would have liked more of that.

[Ava Faust:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZINGGGGG!!!!! as an avid white-water kayaker...if I can't be doing it, i'd rather be reading about it. and yet, it is close to impossible to find clean kayaking books. clean as in language and content but also as in just. about. kayaking. sure I want to hear about their life story, and I don't even mind some background here and there but can we please write about the real reason i'm here people?? the kayaking!! Erik does a phenomenal job focusing on the kayaking but also why he wanted to kayak and other accomplishments he's had in his life. it was so fun paddling along with him as he persevered with severe determination and grit, despite his blindness. It was also so cool to read how he experienced some of MY favorite rivers, but as a blind person and his perspective about kayaking was just so precious to me. I lovedlovedloved this book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone! I have only read the young adult adaptation but would love to get around to the real thing someday! 10/10 would read again!!!

[hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was obviously a very touching story, and succeeded in making one feel inspired and happy. however, the actual text needed a better editor. things were repeated (in a way that didn't seem intentional) and the chapters seemed to be the same thing you had read prior at times, and had pictures added that had things you hadn't read abt yet (which was confusing, they should've been a bit more spread across instead of 2 big dumps of them).

all in all was a fine read, i js think that i shouldve gotten the original instead of the edited one for kids, was too young for me

[Kaitie Knack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in class for a book club and the book was very predictable and not very exciting. I would have really enjoyed reading about Erik’s experience as a wrestler, or a teacher, you know? When you throw a blind man into a kayak, you can expect what’s to come. The book was written very well though.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, exciting but also tense and terrifying. My full review is over at my blog Trish Talks Texts.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admire the author. Have a poster of him climbing for my library walls. But this adaptation was a little disappointing.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely makes me want to read the longer version!