To the Summit: A Woman's Journey into the Mountains to Find Her Soul

by Margo Chisholm, Ray Bruce

A formerly obese and bulimic cocaine addict recounts how the death of a friend helped her overcome her problems and reach amazing goals, which included climbing the peaks of Mount Everest

327 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1997

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting story. Some of the deeply personal stuff - the journal writings where this woman converses with the other "personalities" - is kind of off putting, but when you think about it every person's journey is different so I have to respect this woman's transformation, no matter how she managed to get there. At times I felt like I was one of those voices saying "you can't do this, go home, I'm sick of your whining", but in the end I truly respected and admired Margo Chisholm for her accomplishments and found her to be inspirational. If her battle with her own personal demons doesn't interest you, you will at least put this book down wondering what it would be like to walk in her footsteps. I never imagined an "ordinary" person, much like myself, would ever set out to do what she did, but there is a sense of "I she can climb mountains, so can I" when I put down this book.

[Sarah White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring. Not your average 'spiritual journey' story.

[Michelle Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had to power through this book. It is an amazing story, and I’m glad I read it…but it was a challenge. The writing style just isn’t captivating for me personally but I don’t think that means you shouldn’t give it a try.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good

[Rachel Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read of bravery and devotion to her passion. Greatly motivating to pursue your hopes and dreams.

[Chrissy Ockerbloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating book about overcoming major obstacles.

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea of this book is so inspiring - an overweight woman struggling with all sorts of addictions climbs the seven summits, a difficult and expensive feat for any person. And yet... I just can't relate to the details and it's been painful to get through the first third of the book. I am finally calling it quits. A non-climber and/or a woman looking for motivation to loose weight or overcome addiction might like this more. I'll stick with adventure books like "South" about Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition - now that was a impressive climbing story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring book of a woman who went from very destructive behavior to climbing the highest peaks in the world. Interesting story of her personal journey but some times a bit annoying. And who the heck can afford to travel the world and climb peaks in great style with the best equipment without working?

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried to get all the way through this book, cause i was told it was really good. But NO it's not! I was so bored i wanted to shoot my self in the head. The lady that wrote this is seriously messed up in the head and after she found god wow i just couldn't take it anymore.

[Blair Cromwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes you want to go climb mountains. At times Margo is a whiner and you want to tell her to suck it up.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story of overcoming struggles many of us face, but the middle kind of drags on.

[April Sanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so good.

[Chamie]

Too "poor me" for me.