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The Summit: Faith Beyond Everest's Death Zone
It’s one of the greatest challenges one can face on Earth; an ascent to the top of the world on the slopes of Mount Everest. Eric Alexander experienced grace and a faith-empowering journey he will never forget as part of a record-setting team in May 2001, scaling the heights of Everest with his friend, blind climber Erik Weinhenmayer. Here is the powerful story of Eric Alexander and his unique life journey of guiding people with disabilities to the most perilous places of the world, including Mount Everest’s first blind ascent. In The Faith Beyond Everest’s Death Zone you will follow in their historic footsteps, and learn about faith, trust, prayer, depending on God, as well as the perseverance needed during these climbs and in your own life. Be inspired and motivated by Eric’s insight, not simply to survive but to thrive every day in God’s grace.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 2, 2012
"The Summit" is full of experiences that really make you think. Descriptions of the ascent are wonderfully written and you can almost feel the cold and see your breath! The life lessons in this book are wonderfully taught and wonderfully rendered in a difficult to put down book! I loved it.
March 20, 2011
This is hard for me, which is probably why I've put it off. I received this book as a goodreads giveaway and I was extremely excited to read it. But I think it's important for people to see all sides of opinions: I don't think many people write bad reviews-sure they write mediocre reviews, but I couldn't finish this book.
The Story Telling is Good
First it's important to give credit where credit is due: Eric Alexander can tell a good story when he finally gets going: He made me laugh and cry, but that was in between suffering through some difficult transitions. It was so refreshing to see Eric write about differences between porters and sherpas. And talk about them being the heroes of Everest. The story
Torn Between the Turtle Climber & the Mobile Home Climber
Perhaps it’s because I am a climber and I’m surrounded by alpine climbers, that I couldn’t help but cringe at times. It's the expedition vs alpine discussion, but I could put that all aside and enjoy the struggle against the elements, the self and doubts-which make us human.
The "You Need Me" Problem
The constant irritation of the phrase “my blind friend” wore on me. We know Eric Weihenmayer is blind, and if we didn’t, the author E. Alexander. managed to tell us dozens of times in the first 30 pages. Eric W. is an amazing athlete in his own right, far better an athlete than I am. ;)
But in the beginning E. Alexander made it seem like Eric W. was one step away from death without the help of E. Alexander and others. It wasn't until 1/4 that his independence was truly admitted.
The Faith Problem
The injection of faith felt forced at times and raised the question of the strength in E. Alexander's belief at other times.I don't presume to know everything but it irritates me when others judge what they do not understand. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like: To do as Christ would do. But we're only human and we can't be completely Christlike, we can only try. Yet I feel if Eric Alexander would have talked a bit more about why he felt threatened by such things-the faith would have felt less alien, more connected. On the other hand- it was so awkwardly put in the story that perhaps it wouldn't have improved it. I'm not sure, but I wish I didn't feel like he was afraid for his faith.
Disclosures
This book was received as a goodreads giveaway. I did not finish the book and only made it through the first 70-ish pages. I couldn't continue, I'm not without my own faults. This was difficult for me to write, but honest & I hope that it helps others. I'm not from the same crop found on the Amazon reviews or some of the reviews here.
The Story Telling is Good
First it's important to give credit where credit is due: Eric Alexander can tell a good story when he finally gets going: He made me laugh and cry, but that was in between suffering through some difficult transitions. It was so refreshing to see Eric write about differences between porters and sherpas. And talk about them being the heroes of Everest. The story
Torn Between the Turtle Climber & the Mobile Home Climber
Perhaps it’s because I am a climber and I’m surrounded by alpine climbers, that I couldn’t help but cringe at times. It's the expedition vs alpine discussion, but I could put that all aside and enjoy the struggle against the elements, the self and doubts-which make us human.
The "You Need Me" Problem
The constant irritation of the phrase “my blind friend” wore on me. We know Eric Weihenmayer is blind, and if we didn’t, the author E. Alexander. managed to tell us dozens of times in the first 30 pages. Eric W. is an amazing athlete in his own right, far better an athlete than I am. ;)
But in the beginning E. Alexander made it seem like Eric W. was one step away from death without the help of E. Alexander and others. It wasn't until 1/4 that his independence was truly admitted.
The Faith Problem
The injection of faith felt forced at times and raised the question of the strength in E. Alexander's belief at other times.I don't presume to know everything but it irritates me when others judge what they do not understand. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like: To do as Christ would do. But we're only human and we can't be completely Christlike, we can only try. Yet I feel if Eric Alexander would have talked a bit more about why he felt threatened by such things-the faith would have felt less alien, more connected. On the other hand- it was so awkwardly put in the story that perhaps it wouldn't have improved it. I'm not sure, but I wish I didn't feel like he was afraid for his faith.
Disclosures
This book was received as a goodreads giveaway. I did not finish the book and only made it through the first 70-ish pages. I couldn't continue, I'm not without my own faults. This was difficult for me to write, but honest & I hope that it helps others. I'm not from the same crop found on the Amazon reviews or some of the reviews here.
November 16, 2010
"The Summit" is a memoir by a man who has climbed some of the tallest and most difficult mountains in the world...and usually with a blind person on his team. His vivid descriptions of the various climbs gives the reader a good idea of what climbing extremely high mountains is like (both the good and the bad) and the special challenges created by climbing with a blind climber.
The author gave details about his climbs up Mt. Ama Dablam (including blind Eric W.), Mt. Everest (up to base camp, including 3 blind men & a quadriplegic; up to summit, including blind Eric & a documentary crew), Mt. Elbrus (including blind Eric; both Erics skied down), Mt. Cook (including blind Eric), Mt. Pisco (including 3 "at risk" teens), Inca trail to Machu Pichu (including 9 blind teens & 9 sighted teens), Mt. Kilimanjaro (including 4 blind teens), Mt. Aconcagua, and Mt. Denali.
Between the stories of his mountain climbs, the author described the training, dangers, and doubts he had at home in Colorado and talked about meeting his wife. There were some spectacular full-color photographs from the mountain climbs in the center of the book.
However, I'd expected the book to include a bit more from the blind climber's perspective. There were a few quotes from Eric W. (mostly about incidents involving the author) and the author explained how he and the other team members helped to guide Eric W. on a climb, but it was in terms of what the author did for Eric W. rather than from Eric W.'s perspective.
The author also didn't use a linear time-line and this sometimes made things confusing. In fact, he split his account of the Mount Everest climb in two and told about a variety of other climbs in between. Personally, I would have enjoyed the overall story more if it had been told in order. This also would have allowed the reader to better see his growth as a person and a climber.
The author did talk about his Christian faith and how it helped him on the various climbs. He ended each chapter with a reflection section about what the climb taught him that related to the Christian faith.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in what it's like to climb Mt. Everest and other tall mountains.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The author gave details about his climbs up Mt. Ama Dablam (including blind Eric W.), Mt. Everest (up to base camp, including 3 blind men & a quadriplegic; up to summit, including blind Eric & a documentary crew), Mt. Elbrus (including blind Eric; both Erics skied down), Mt. Cook (including blind Eric), Mt. Pisco (including 3 "at risk" teens), Inca trail to Machu Pichu (including 9 blind teens & 9 sighted teens), Mt. Kilimanjaro (including 4 blind teens), Mt. Aconcagua, and Mt. Denali.
Between the stories of his mountain climbs, the author described the training, dangers, and doubts he had at home in Colorado and talked about meeting his wife. There were some spectacular full-color photographs from the mountain climbs in the center of the book.
However, I'd expected the book to include a bit more from the blind climber's perspective. There were a few quotes from Eric W. (mostly about incidents involving the author) and the author explained how he and the other team members helped to guide Eric W. on a climb, but it was in terms of what the author did for Eric W. rather than from Eric W.'s perspective.
The author also didn't use a linear time-line and this sometimes made things confusing. In fact, he split his account of the Mount Everest climb in two and told about a variety of other climbs in between. Personally, I would have enjoyed the overall story more if it had been told in order. This also would have allowed the reader to better see his growth as a person and a climber.
The author did talk about his Christian faith and how it helped him on the various climbs. He ended each chapter with a reflection section about what the climb taught him that related to the Christian faith.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in what it's like to climb Mt. Everest and other tall mountains.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
July 7, 2017
Fascinating what this man has done and how he glorifies God in the process!
November 19, 2010
If you want the experience of a lifetime, read Eric Alexander’s book, The Summit, his account of climbing Mt. Everest while guiding his blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer. Only thing better would be to do the climb yourself!
Eric’s book is full of the excitement, dangers, health issues, blinding snowstorms, etc., all while out on the ledges of Mt. Everest and other mountains, either walking, climbing, or tented down in camp. This experience is not for the timid, faint-of-heart, or those terrified of heights.
Eric talks about the trial run the team goes through, feeling out the abilities, shortcomings, disappointments, and camaraderie of each team member to see if they are compatible for the trip. Team members have to work as a team or fail. They find themselves a fit!
As treacherous as it is climbing Mt. Everest to the highest point of 29,035 feet, there are “Everest’s” in everyone’s life. The goal of the ‘Everests’ in your lives is to focus on what God is trying to teach you through it all–trust, faith, prayer, depending on God, and perseverance.
Eric helps you achieve these goals through his Deadpoint Reflections: 1) the Crux (struggle examples), 2) the Hold (an answer to the Crux), and 3) the Anchor (the Support, should the Hold fail). These sections are at the end of each chapter with the purpose of supplying you with the ‘how-to’ applications to your own life’s “Everests.”
Climbing mountains–what a high-test way to teach us Spiritual truths! Yet this is Eric’s goal as a believer in Jesus. It’s not enough just to climb the mountains, it’s to learn to trust God for our lives here on earth and eternally, attaining the likeness of His Son.
Eric’s book is a wonderful tool to inspire leadership teams, men’s groups, youth, and anyone who wants to grow in their faith and conquer what seems impossible with the help of Christ. Eric addresses commitment, priorities, vision, and servant leadership in the book.
Just as a climb to the top of Mt Everest is a step-by-step process, I’ve found that walking with the Lord is a similar step-by-step process, one I need to keep learning until my life here is over. The main goal is trusting the Lord for each step.
The photography is exhilarating, somehow making me wish I could do this, as I love hiking and climbing. It’s that snow, ice and steep, almost vertical climbs that make me think otherwise! How about you?
This book was provided by New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
Eric’s book is full of the excitement, dangers, health issues, blinding snowstorms, etc., all while out on the ledges of Mt. Everest and other mountains, either walking, climbing, or tented down in camp. This experience is not for the timid, faint-of-heart, or those terrified of heights.
Eric talks about the trial run the team goes through, feeling out the abilities, shortcomings, disappointments, and camaraderie of each team member to see if they are compatible for the trip. Team members have to work as a team or fail. They find themselves a fit!
As treacherous as it is climbing Mt. Everest to the highest point of 29,035 feet, there are “Everest’s” in everyone’s life. The goal of the ‘Everests’ in your lives is to focus on what God is trying to teach you through it all–trust, faith, prayer, depending on God, and perseverance.
Eric helps you achieve these goals through his Deadpoint Reflections: 1) the Crux (struggle examples), 2) the Hold (an answer to the Crux), and 3) the Anchor (the Support, should the Hold fail). These sections are at the end of each chapter with the purpose of supplying you with the ‘how-to’ applications to your own life’s “Everests.”
Climbing mountains–what a high-test way to teach us Spiritual truths! Yet this is Eric’s goal as a believer in Jesus. It’s not enough just to climb the mountains, it’s to learn to trust God for our lives here on earth and eternally, attaining the likeness of His Son.
Eric’s book is a wonderful tool to inspire leadership teams, men’s groups, youth, and anyone who wants to grow in their faith and conquer what seems impossible with the help of Christ. Eric addresses commitment, priorities, vision, and servant leadership in the book.
Just as a climb to the top of Mt Everest is a step-by-step process, I’ve found that walking with the Lord is a similar step-by-step process, one I need to keep learning until my life here is over. The main goal is trusting the Lord for each step.
The photography is exhilarating, somehow making me wish I could do this, as I love hiking and climbing. It’s that snow, ice and steep, almost vertical climbs that make me think otherwise! How about you?
This book was provided by New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2010
I won this book in the goodreads first read contests. :0) I honestly entered to win it because my friend heather was dying to get her hands on this.. go figure, we both won it..
this isn't the sort of book I normally read, but I think it will be a nice change of pace from the other genres I tend to stick too. Looking foward to giving this one and try, and plan on reading it as soon as it arrives. :)
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Just recieved this in the mail today. Thank you! Ill be updating this review when i have finished.:0)
--- do to the busy holidays and my sweet daughter bringing home every sickness known to man, i didnt' get to finish this as quickly as I had planned. Over all, I think it was a good read. Especially for those into mountain climbing and hiking. As for the christian views, and depending on god in life.. I"m not religious at all. I have never depended on god, only myself, so I found it hard to relate to that aspect. But most people would not be bothered. That's my only complaint really, but it's not really complaint because the book was written well, and will be liked by many readers. So I'll give it a 4, because I feel it deserves that, regardless of what my beliefs are. :)
this isn't the sort of book I normally read, but I think it will be a nice change of pace from the other genres I tend to stick too. Looking foward to giving this one and try, and plan on reading it as soon as it arrives. :)
_________________________________________
Just recieved this in the mail today. Thank you! Ill be updating this review when i have finished.:0)
--- do to the busy holidays and my sweet daughter bringing home every sickness known to man, i didnt' get to finish this as quickly as I had planned. Over all, I think it was a good read. Especially for those into mountain climbing and hiking. As for the christian views, and depending on god in life.. I"m not religious at all. I have never depended on god, only myself, so I found it hard to relate to that aspect. But most people would not be bothered. That's my only complaint really, but it's not really complaint because the book was written well, and will be liked by many readers. So I'll give it a 4, because I feel it deserves that, regardless of what my beliefs are. :)
April 21, 2011
I recommend watching some videos on various mountaineering and Everest expeditions before reading the book. This would give some important background that would be otherwise easily overlooked when reading the book. And would help understand just how dangerous it is to attempt climbing Mount Everest.
At first I was skeptical about spending time reading this book. But now that I am finished, I find it to be an amazing testimony to faith in the Lord, genuine teamwork, and perseverance. In my opinion there is no way Eric and his teammates, including a blind climber, could have accomplished such an amazing record without these three factors at work in their lives. I highly recommend it.
At first I was skeptical about spending time reading this book. But now that I am finished, I find it to be an amazing testimony to faith in the Lord, genuine teamwork, and perseverance. In my opinion there is no way Eric and his teammates, including a blind climber, could have accomplished such an amazing record without these three factors at work in their lives. I highly recommend it.
June 24, 2012
The Summit is the account of climber Eric Alexander's attempt to climb Mount Everest with his blind friend. The author does a wonder job of not only guiding his friend through the many obstacles that Everest presents, but also guides the reader through these same obstacles. The reader is left with a new appreciation of just what it takes to climb a mountain of this magnitude. After reading this book, I found a Nova documentary called The Death Zone that traces many of the same steps the author describes. It was fascinating to be able to see a different account of the same journey the author writes about. A good read!
January 2, 2011
This is a free book from the Goodreads First Reads giveaways!
A motivational story about mountain climbing that gets a bit "preachy" at times. I did enjoy reading about the various mountains around the world that the author has scaled, since it's something that I would never do myself. It was also very impressive about the team (including a blind man) that reached the top of Everest while breaking several records.
A motivational story about mountain climbing that gets a bit "preachy" at times. I did enjoy reading about the various mountains around the world that the author has scaled, since it's something that I would never do myself. It was also very impressive about the team (including a blind man) that reached the top of Everest while breaking several records.
May 19, 2013
This was the latest of many books I have read on Mt Everest. It took me a while to finish, but couldn't put it down at the end. There are some wonderful reflections on teamwork, character, Christian faith, prayer and God. After reading this I have decided I will never attempt Everest as I don't know how I would go if I had to choose between rescuing someone and my summit attempt! I will stick to reading of others adventures!
February 4, 2011
i wont this book yesterday on Goodreads giveaways. i thoroughly enjoy books regarding real-life accounts of mountain climbing and i am quite positive that this one will not disappoint me!
this one took a little longer to read than expected. while the passion of these climbers was in abundance, the writing made it hard to get and hold my attention.
this one took a little longer to read than expected. while the passion of these climbers was in abundance, the writing made it hard to get and hold my attention.
January 9, 2011
Very interesting when people have such passion for something as this author does. He has climbed seven of the largest summits in the world, one of course being Mt. Everest. And he helped guide a blind man there also. He shows a great faith in God which is refreshing and is just very inspirational.
Read
January 4, 2011Amazing how the author from a mountain climbing experience related to my own struggles in life and helped me see things a little more clear! Terrific perspective when your life is on the line and you are focused on other's needs. We can all get something from that!
Want to read
December 2, 2010I received a free copy of The Summit in a Goodreads pre-read form.
March 22, 2012
I wrote it so I therefore I like it. I gave it five stars only because it is mine - I look forward to hearing what others think.
June 4, 2015
Great stories and work Eric!
November 27, 2025
Exciting
While I'm no climber, this was a teaching book for me. I enjoyed the praise and prayers and joy with the Lord.
While I'm no climber, this was a teaching book for me. I enjoyed the praise and prayers and joy with the Lord.
July 18, 2013
Great book, awesome inspiration, and encouragement in ones faith.
March 4, 2014
A good friend of mine is friends with the other Eric in this book!!!! Such a fantastic read!
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