Tough Women Adventure Stories: Stories of Grit, Courage and Determination

by Jenny Tough (Editor)

It s time we celebrated women in adventure

What does "toughness" mean to you? Perhaps it's being physically fit and mentally resilient. Perhaps it's doing something no one else has done before. Perhaps it's breaking down boundaries and proving what you can do, in spite of the naysayers. Perhaps it's travelling alone, immersing yourself in new cultures and meeting new people. Perhaps its running ultramarathons in the blistering heat and beating the competition. Perhaps it's conquering your fears.

The badass adventurers in this collection are all fearless, intelligent, compassionate and curious about the world and they all happen to be female. From endurance obstacle races to arctic expeditions, from mountain climbing to wingsuit flying, from horse trekking to swimming the English Channel, they have set the bar high for what women are capable of. Let yourself be inspired by their stories of grit, courage, determination, triumph and heartbreak you never know, it might lead to something incredible!

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, Travel, Sports, Feminism, Short Stories, Biography

303 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2020

Reviews

[Katie Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a female ultrarunner myself, I was pretty excited for this book. I wanted to hear more about badass women that I could potentially look up to and use as role models. And while all of the women featured in this book were definitely incredible, I found that I got less and less excited to hear about their stories as I went on. I think the inherent problem was . . . while the women were badasses, they weren't always good storytellers. Some of the stories shared were really fascinating, and others were a total slog to get through.

Even if I couldn't really finish it due to lack of interest, I'm still glad this book exists. I just think it needs extra polishing or better editorial work.

[Harasummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 stars

I started this book not very excited about it, but it quickly changed my mind and proved to be a very interesting read. However, while it is impossible not to admire the courage and determination of the women in there, it's also difficult to disregard the several stories of women severely neglecting or endangering their health in order to achieve an arbitrary goal they set for themselves. It takes toughness to do, but it takes toughness not to do as well, and it felt like some of the stories presented adventure and adrenaline as a way to avoid life and not live it to the fullest.

With that out of the way, I really enjoyed some of the stories, with "Truly Tough" by Kate Rawles and "Learning to Be Tough" by Sarah Outen being some of my very favourites. I'm inspired to be more active, and I think I'll be re-reading stories to motivate myself for future adventures.

[Lauren Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I loved that it celebrated toughness in all forms - physical toughness, mental toughness, toughness that is forced on you, toughness you search for. I also loved that each contributors social media information was included because it meant I could saturate my Instagram with amazing people.

[Alara · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - 3 stars

Rebel Bookclub read for December 2020

What this women have achieved definitely deserves 5 stars and I did like the format of short stories and the fact that they each related to different types of adventures/experiences. (The book nerd in me also loved the paperback quality of printing and the gorgeous cover).

However, my lowish rating is down to my overall level of enjoyment reading the book. While I really liked some of the stories, others I didn't care much for. I found it difficult to relate to these women and thus I was a bit bored through chunks of the book. Perhaps I am too far removed from this type of adventurous mindset for me to fully enjoy it, but I totally understand why others would find this book excellent. In some instances I also found the writing style a bit unnerving.

My fab stories? Why me by Anoushé Husain, Psiren song by Beth French, Climb every mountain by Emma Svensson, Ordinary things with extraordinary people by Ewa Kalisiewicz and Moss/though skin by Paula Flach.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring!!

[Kate Moreton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read all year! A wonderful gift from Charlotte which was a tonic to read whilst mostly in bed with a lingering cold. A collection of short accounts of adventure by inspiring women who have enlightening perspectives on challenge and mostly a good awareness of their privilege in being able to partake in some gnarly activities.
“To whom do our natural resources and wild places belong?… a forest, mountain or river shouldn’t be regarded in terms of human values and experiences. It should be valued as its own entity.” - Carmen Kuntz

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading about women doing all sorts of incredible activities, often feats of endurance and amazing accomplishments...very inspiring! Could have done with some maps of their journeys and more photos.

[Léo de Riedmatten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Kindle recommended this book as part of a special deal for £1 books or something. I love adventure books and I found the premise of this one, a book filled with women’s adventure stories, a really exciting one. Reading about these incredible women pushing the boundaries and fighting against stereotypes that women are weak(er than men) was inspiring, and their adventures gives me so many ideas for what I want to do next 🙏🏽

PS: Read this on my Kindle, it feels good to be back! I was reading a chapter every night before sleeping and it was a great way to read this and go to bed inspired. I might continue reading two books at the same time, a lighter read before bedtime and a more demanding read during the day

[Ana Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 what an amazing book! it’s full of inspiring real life stories of women who wouldn’t take no for an answer, who visualized their dreams and went for it… incredibly touching and inspiring.

[Sam Hatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting and inspiring collection of stories. Really loved the focus on adventurewomen and the way the collection celebrated toughness and resilience of all kinds. Time to get on the bike me thinks

[Williesun · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love Jenny Tough, okay? So obviously I had ro read this collection she edited and found it for the most part really interesting. Who knew there were so many badass female adventurers out there?!

My only gripe is, the stories felt very different in what they were trying to tell. Not sure if this makes sense or how to properly explain.

[Bex Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Some stories resonate more than others. They don't all grab me but everyone has different interests!

[Tamara Covacevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow such a great book. So enjoyable. It took me so long to read because I really enjoyed savoring each story and researching about some of the authors. Glad to know I'm not the only map geek out there. Super cool that they are all contemporary, most of them around my age. Also since I will be relocating to the UK this year it was a great introduction to the British adventuring crowd.

This is my favorite author intro:

"Anny Lloyd-Evans is a Scottish outdoor woman. Fuelled by curiosity, tea, and big empty spaces, she is often found staring longingly at maps. By day she tries to inspire young people to challenge themselves outdoors, and by night she dreams up her own adventures far and wide."

And other quotes I highlighted:

"The siren song of adventure has as many voices as there are people to hear them. They draw us ever onward to seek out the unfound, to reach the peaks and depths, to search deep within ourselves for the very heart of what it means to quest"

"Adventure is a path. Real adventure - self-determined, self-motivated, often risky - forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world"

"For the last few years, I've not called one place home. Instead, I've roamed, weaving my life and work, more in tune with a wilder spirit and those who still live connected to nature"

"Let me tell you my story, a story of an ordinary year with highlights, as the seasons change, of activities that make me feel accomplished and happy, and most importantly, bring me closer to wonderful people who are not afraid to live their lives to the fullest. I tend to say I'm doing ordinary things with extraordinary people who share the same definition of "normal". It is tough, at times, to combine professional and family life with adventures. I've learned that planning and time management, combined with self-discipline for execution, lay the perfect foundation for a well-balanced and happy life"

"I may not remember what kept me working late last year, but I surely will remember the time when, after an exhausting climb on Aiguille du Moine..."

"And like most of life's grand adventures, the seeds of it were planted many months ago"

"I have experienced more happiness in the past few days than I have in years and therefore it can't be wrong"

"Adventure came late in life for me, but I've grabbed it with both hands"

"At some point along this journey, the statement 'you'll get it out of your system' was mentioned to me. I felt confused. The truth is, this is now very much in my system. I returned home from our expedition with a hunger for more."

"This is my happy place: picking a spot for my tent in the solitude of a wild space of lakes and mountains"

"Solo travel is my default method. It's not a question of if I go solo, but where to go solo."

"I never want to let my fitness slip because being able to go on any kind of adventure means more than anything to me"

[Nicola Whitbread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, and does exactly what it says on the tin. Short stories about badass women achieving incredible things in the great outdoors, but with a humble and fresh outlook… many of these women were not athletes and have normal, full time jobs alongside their adventures. It makes me want to get on a bike/kayak/horse and just GO.

“There is a magic in experiencing every dawn, dusk and the moments in between that allows you to appreciate the passage of time that's diminished by four walls and a roof over your head.
Occasional overnights in motel rooms mean hot water and a chance to scrub my blackened limbs until they sting with cleanliness but inevitably I wake in the early hours, scared by the humming silence of double-glazed windows and distant traffic. The greatest joy is to leave these places and pedal out under the sky, ready for the day to begin, feeling the breeze start to lift with the sunrise and knowing that you've earned another fresh start to your life.”

[Kaymen Maggiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of grit, courage and determination is an understatement. Each woman’s story in this book was awe-inspiring, and at times unfathomable. As women, we are generally told to conform and fit in a certain box. This book certainly made me think about limitations and challenged me to rethink my own capabilities.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely inspirational; I loved the idea of the anthology and also that every person has written their own story, giving the book a non boring tone and making it more personal. Some stories are extreme but still beautiful.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories a solid 5, some a bit less so. Easy to pick up and circle back to. A+ for inspiration

Full review to come

[Ella Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, short stories from many authors. Lovely to hear about the kindness in the world.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only took many months to finish! I enjoyed the stories but because of the different authors and writing styles it was nice to read them separately.
I really enjoyed Kate Rawles story about expeditions and adventures to raise awareness of biodiversity loss.

[Kirsty Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super inspirational!

[Irati SD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like every anthology, there are always stories that you would connect in a deeper way than others but at the end every story of this book would inspire you in its own way. The battles and achievements of these women are told in a really relatable way showing you that adventures are for everybody and every body.
This book is a call to awaken that little voice that lives inside your head that craves adventures. These stories show you that it is not too late to begin, that you are also capable (sports-wise or in any other field that you set your goals on). The limit is just in your mind. Because at the end you just need to start and it would be the process that will make you extraordinary, the one that will make you tough.

**
I especially liked Emma Svensson's story in where without previously ever climbing a mountain she sets the goal of climbing all the highest peaks in Europe in a year at the age of 34, and she did it. Kate Rawles and Carmen Kuntz's approach on sports and sports communities to build awareness and fighting to help preserve natural environments. As well as the reflection of Sarah Outen that sometimes the toughest battles are fought inside yourself.

[Patrícia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved it because it celebrated women who dared to live their life the way they wanted. I personally disagreed with many of the choices and decision that they've made, and at many instances I found them outright reckless and irresponsible. For every woman in this book, there are countless other women for whom their stories did not end in such a spectacular way. But it is their lives and I admire that they seem to have found what makes them happy and do it despite what the rest of us are thinking. That's what I found truly inspiration about the book. Not the namesdropping of world records and achievements made despite better judgement of doctors and supporters, but the confidence to find the freedom to live your life the way you have in order to be happy.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a solid collection of adventure tales. The quality of writing was wildly variable, but I shouldn’t expect every adventuring person with interesting stories to tell to also be a stellar writer.

I enjoyed the essays and stories that were layered - while straightforward narratives covering a trek or expedition were fine, I much preferred the writers who used adventure as a device to explore topics such as the environment, history, mental health or disability.

My favourite essay was by Kate Rawles - she was the only writer to really address Western privilege around adventure in a rounded and honest way and I felt this was important to acknowledge.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I agree with another reviewer, that the range of stories covers different types of adventure - the physical and mental. I liked the setup of the book - each night I would read a chapter and then first page of the next story to excite me. Am sure easy to read in one go but there is so much going on in alot of these stories that as a reader I sometimes felt (nicely) exhausted after reading one chapter so happy to put down for the night. Thanks Jenny for bringing these adventurers and their stories together. Can you do another one?

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give all the women and their achievements and gumption 5 stars, however, I like to separate the subjects of the book and how good the book is written/edited/put together in my rating and unfortunately, for me, the book really was lacking. I felt the stories were too fragmented, too brief and quality of writing is very variable - it read more like articles in the newspaper so as a whole the book didn't do it for me. Perhaps fewer stories of more depth and some quality editing can bring this book to a much better overall read.

[Juliya Denis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Adventure is a path. Real adventure - self-determined, self-motivated, often risky - forces you to have first hand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind - and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white."
The Ghost road by Mark Jenkins

[Alan M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Nice to have a collection of stories all by independent, adventurous women. Interesting to read their perspectives on why they sought out their adventures, and how they faced and overcame adversity.

I sought this book out because I heard an interview with editor/contributor Jenny Tough on BBC Scotland’s “Scotland Outdoors” podcast. Worth seeking that out if you’re so inclined.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My top tip is to dip into this book, rather than zipping through in one go. There are some really good stories in here, and many are very inspirational. But if you read them one after the other, as I did, they *do* start to feel a bit same-y. There's only so many times you can read about mud, wet socks, serious danger, glorious nature, and introspection before you become a bit jaded with it. So: best read in short stints.

[Fahloin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost always like adventure books and this was no exception. It's great to follow a number of female adventurers in their train of thoughts about bits and pieces of their adventures. It makes me want to read more from each one of them.
It's exactly what the title suggest, stories about grit, courage and determination, in adventures and life.
I highly recommend it.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. Excited to finally see a book about lots of different women in adventure. Some of the stories I really enjoyed including the woman climbing all European mountains others just felt pointless and only part of a bigger story...