Out Here: Wisdom from the Wilderness

by Carolyn Highland

Out Here is a collection of essays that explores what the wilderness has to teach us about the human experience, using outdoor endeavours as extended metaphors for greater truths. Each carefully chosen piece embarks on a different physical and metaphorical journey: managing expectations and reality during a medical emergency in a 40-mile ski mountaineering race; staring down fear and consequences on exposed ski lines in Alaska; re-examining self-reliance and decision-making through heartbreak and snow science; and leaving room for unexpected magic as a female travelling through Patagonia.

Genres: Adventure, Nonfiction, Outdoors

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2020

About the author

Carolyn Highland is a writer and educator with over 80 published essays in print and online, in publications such as Outside Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, The Ski Journal, SKI Magazine, and Trails Magazine, among others. Her writing has also been used in course readers on expeditions through NOLS, the Prescott College Outdoor Program, the Second Nature Wilderness Program, and NatureBridge. In her free time, you'll find her backcountry skiing, trail running, mountain biking, and backpacking. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska.

Reviews

[Tara May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the reason for my high rating is the simple and unexpected fact that this book turned out to be exactly what I needed at this particular moment in my life. That happens sometimes, but it’s been awhile. The last time ended up being the beginning of big changes in my life, and I feel that need coming again. “Out Here” is a great book to read if you’re looking for a kick in the butt—and perhaps a little affirmation—to do what you always say you will do. A few of my favorite essays:

Strength
Flowing through the Footholds
Reach
Becoming
Everything Counts
Lean In
Will You Do It Later, Or Will You Do It Now

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, disappointed? Disheartened?

I have so many questions for the author! Did Emilie live? Did Justine find her camera? Did the author ever get out of the tent to go pee? What happened after the author’s knee injury? Did she recover? Did she forever have to change how she did outdoor hiking? (But my questions apparently are in vain and one would comment that I missed the point of the “book.” But I didn’t! I just am genuinely wanting to know!)

I wanted to like this so much as I have yet to not have liked a book by an author who is an outdoor enthusiast. But this makes the list of firsts for me of “meh.” Books like Wild, Thirst, Born to Run, any of the Everest expedition books, and Minus 148 Degrees are FANTASTIC stories of people who do crazy awesome stuff in the outdoors. Those stories motivate me to get out there, but in a realistic manner that matches my own abilities. I will go and hike 26 miles by myself and love every breaking mile of it, but I won’t disillusion myself to thinking I want to do it for 3 months nonstop or do a technical climb.

This book was a find via 2020 Banff Film & Book Festival for me which was another reason I had high hopes for it. Maybe I put the book on too high of a pedestal.

The book is a collection of essays where the author uses the outdoors as a metaphor for basically a bunch of inspirational quotes. Each chapter is an essay and one does not flow into the other. As a result everything is out of order. Nothing is resolved. I don’t actually know if the author actually learned from her own life experiences. The ones that she is so wanting to teach us.

I am not of the mindset that anyone can do anything. No. Not everyone can. The author sounds like she buys into the growth mindset. I don’t. Some people just can’t do certain things - and that is okay!

I find some of her essays as dangerous. So she goes hiking up some crazy scree slope in a canyon with her friend. The author has excellent abilities as a hiker and even as a climber - I believe this to be the case from previous chapters. But she reaches a point where she HAS to ask for help from her friend - it sounded like she was in seriously deep sh*t in attempting something her body couldn’t do cause her skill set was lacking. Yet. In that chapter (essay) she tells us that we must push on and not freeze and go beyond our comfort zones. No! No, we mustn’t always. Sometimes the best way is to quit moving toward the goal. Stop. Go back down and totally fine to not reach your original destination/goal. Figure out an alternate way to get there or it’s okay if you don’t ever get there. At least you aren’t mangled at the bottom of some crazy difficult canyon climb!

She also references a Hungarian scientist (you’d think I’d love that being that I’m Hungarian) who believes that we can be happy even doing repetitive things. Such as during hiking putting one step in front of the other and just focusing on that you can reach this state of joy/happiness. Cool. Neat. The author agrees with this scientist’s finding and even makes a point that we can find this state even in our jobs however mundane it may be. So then!!! Why does she tell us we shouldn’t stay in our comfort zone?!? That we should strive to push past that zone. If I can achieve pure joy in doing my day to day job of notarizing document after document (and oftentimes I actually do) then why isn’t it good or okay for me to stay in that comfort zone? Explain that!

In one essay she writes, “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.”
This quote stands out, a lot. It’s a very unique and interesting claim to make. I went with it... and it was on page 12 of my Nook digital book.
But then why on pages 59 and 64 she talks about suffering and it being a good thing?!? And there are several other pages. A lot of disconnects like this occur throughout the book.

I really liked this quote in her reference to a nordic ski training session that lacked views:
“We were still going out into the snow on our own two feet with mountains sprawled out all around us. The value was was inherent in the movement itself.”
I had just finished a snowshoe hike in Mount Rainier with my husband in nonstop cold rain with gloomy gray skies and only snow topped trees as our view. Our packs, gloves, jackets soaked through in spite of being extra careful and equipped properly with lots of rain gear. Just taking step after step in heavy, slushy snow. The wonderfulness of just being out there. The movement of it. So fantastic. And this author perfectly described that feeling with her quote.

If anything, the book provoked a lot of thoughts that my husband and I discussed even though he’s not read the book.

[Nici · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great writer, but still seems to be looking for her teachable moment

Carolyn is a great writer, but I had a hard time connecting with her stories. She's a very accomplished endurance athlete, but nothing in the book was very earth shattering to me. She has overcome some adversity (breakups, injuries, did not finish, exposure paralysis, eating disorders...list goes on), but I didn't feel like any unique wisdom from surviving those episodes was passed on to the reader. When writing about the did-not-finish in the Grand Traverse, I felt that she overly-congratulated herself for being a human that wasn't a complete jerk to her touring partner for having a severe asthma attack. Also, the 2nd half of the book was very obviously just a compilation of magazine articles. The problem with this is that it caused the theme of the book to constantly bounce around while sharing the same anecdotes in slightly different ways. I didn't gain new perspective from the events with this method, rather it just felt like she was wringing as much mileage out of an adverse event as she could. I'm optimistic that in 10 years, Carolyn will have a new perspective on life that will match her writing ability.

[Charlotte Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

connect and Relate

I felt as though many of the essays were ones I could relate to. The author comes across as a wise grounded person that like the rest of us is still trying to work things out! My daughter recommended to book to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Found myself sharing snippets with other people and inspired me to get out and adventure solo.

[Bethany Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me! Sometimes you find a book you just connect with so well. I wish it was twice the length!

[Maddy Gagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excited for hiking season :) :) :)

[Daria Horton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't. I'm a huge outdoor enthusiast and partake in many outdoor sports and love reading anything by explorers, outdoor athletes, travellers etc regarding their experience. This book is not it.

I understand the book is a collection of essays, but there was no cohesion or carry through between them. The book felt very disjointed. Parts of stories missing, trailing off into optimistic "power of will" type metaphors relating to every day life without any sense. Metaphors are great, but I feel there should be a strong connection when writing them. Anything can be linked to any experience but that doesn't give it true meaning.

The writing styles between essays also changed dramatically. Perhaps as stand alone essays I could have been on board with the positive affirmation style of every essay - but all collected into one book it was too much for me to handle.

One of the great things about being a mountain athlete (in whatever form that takes) is knowing that the mountain is the law. Your skill set and confidence can only take you so far - if the mountain says you turn back, you turn back. Being an experienced mountain athlete means dropping your ego and listening to the nature around you. Every story in this book seems to say it's all in the mindset and your confidence. I agree that confidence in your skill set is important, but confidence in a lack of skill set is deadly. Especially when taking about exposure. I feel as a mountain athlete - she did not once mention needing to understand that sometimes what you want to accomplish or believe you can won't happen. And that's okay.

The one essay she talked about ski race with her partner Lindsay, and what went wrong. I felt strongly she was giving herself way too much credit for what she did to support her partner. That is common sense and knowledge (which she even later talks directly about) that when you are experiencing something with a partner or group and someone gets hurt - your priority becomes getting them out. No need for pats on the back for that.

I honestly felt all the essays were just egocentric brags about her experiences, loosely metaphorically tied in to regular life experiences and an ultra optimistic "you can do it" mantra. Maybe I'm cynical. Who knows.

I read books about peoples wilderness experiences to get to know them - and share in their connection of how the wilderness integrates into human experience. After reading these essays I feel I still have no idea who the author is as a person (besides a bit egotistical and naive) and don't feel connected to her experiences, despite having experiences several things she discusses.

Humbleness goes a long way. Cohesiveness, connection and authentic learnings and understandings go a long way. I felt none of that in these essays.

I liked 2 humorous sections - one about 5 shoes and the other about peeing at night - but even those - I enjoyed the story and had no connection to the bizarre trail off into how that means "do what you set out to do" and "sometimes what you set out to do isn't what you actually wanted to do." So much conflict and hypocrisy between stories. "Fear is good suffering is bad" oh but wait "suffering is part of the experience."

I just can't. It's unfortunate.

[Erik Laing · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial reaction to this book was that is wasn't much of anything new, and the early stories seem like simply magzine articles (which they ostensibly are). As I got deeper, I was able to see some corollaries between the author's challenges in adventures and some of my own - true to her education background, she manages some great teachable moments. I especially liked "Or" and "Lean In" and would recommend them all on their own.
I do quibble a little with the editing decisions such as Carolyn's friend Lindsay - as the character is "introduced" after the Grand Traverse story, and pops up a couple times throughout. The same can be said regarding stories taking place in New Zealand; a chonological editing style may have been better to understanding an arc better. In the end, it's a book of short stories, and one I think deserves going back to. As someone who loves to spend time in the mountains or engaging in type 2 (and even some type 3 fun), this is a great companion to the outdoor education texts one otherwise reads.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soul-quenching collection of personal adventure stories written in a relatable way and braided with reflective/philosophical commentary that creates universal meaning.

Essays of truth bombs, motivations, and inspiration on getting up and doing the damn thing, building confidence and discipline, or even just slowing down and accepting things don’t always go as planned, and that’s also part of the universe’s plan.

At times I thought I would find myself eye-rolling, thinking, “good job on doing all the hard things!” But Carolyn’s hyper-aware, introspective voice humbles itself and sticks out a supportive hand for the reader to join her — not literally on an adventure, but to get after whatever it is you’re hesitating to do, and try to enjoy the long (sometimes arduous) process of getting there.

[MS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of mostly previously published essays focusing on the outdoor world and making connections to general life experience. As such there's no particular narrative thread. It's an interesting collection and inspiring at times though sometimes the metaphors feel a bit stretched. The author is an elite athlete and so the experiences she is recalling are not necessarily applicable or relatable to the average person who hasn't done extreme backcountry travel. There's a lot of ra-ra, you can do it, humanistic power of positivity type thinking and writing here which grew tedious at times. Nonetheless, it's worth reading and like a good hike, slogging through some of the mush gets you to some excellent places.

[Angela Fatigati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled upon this book at a small book store in downtown Truckee, CA. A great companion while adventuring in the Sierra Nevada terrain. Thoroughly enjoyed this author’s refreshing correlation of outdoor hobbies to life lessons. Whether or not you are an avid outdoorsman/woman, this book will touch on lessons we all learn at some point in life!

[Janie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a friend and what a gift it was! I'm a sucker for an outdoor loving memoir written by a woman. It was a collection of essays rather then one linear story, and I could see how a reader wouldn't feel as strong of a connection, but I found the author's writing lovley and genuine.

[Emilee Hazelden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not particularly into this type of book, but this was on point! Her writing is beautiful. Bunch of wilderness experiential essays jam packed with wonderful advice and uplifting perspectives on life. I have constant need to challenge myself and can’t sit still. I relate well to her strong drive and motivations. I didn’t want the book to end. Collection of short essays made for a quick read.

[Brock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays. Some are written very well, then others feel like the author was trying to write in a more flowery fashion. As a whole, it was an easy read, but I definitely wasn't the target demographic.

[Kamrin Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I foresee myself reading this over and over again throughout the years and cannot recommend it enough.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely series of essays offering so much wisdom through wilderness metaphor that I devoured in a day.

[Chanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter how dark the night, or deep the snow, your legs will get you there, if your mind believes they can." Such an inspirational collection essays, knocked this one out in a flight.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

[Daniel Toujours · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn's book is full of interesting contemplations, but she also has some serious outdoor and athletic skills. The suggestions in this book helped me begin to better manage my fear of heights.

[Adarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

better to read a chapter every week rather than in a few days like I did, since the messages of each story began to feel repetitive and expected

[Miguel Loeza · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars…

I can see why some people might enjoy this book, there is some bits I enjoyed, however I found myself not connecting with it most of the time and my focus drifting from it.

[Scott Barnicle]

outstanding!! One of the best reads in quite awhile. Very well written essays blending outdoor pursuits and life lessons - yet still being resonant and inspiring!

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these essays really resonated with me. The writing is simple yet clear and powerful. Important messages about life.

[Stephen Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

collection of essays, some resonated deeply with me. If you know the pleasure of suffering through an outdoor adventure, this is a must read