The Line in the Sky
The Impossible Climb—a line in the sky. This book twines together an emotional drama drivin by the people exploring the corners of the earth through the mountains. It’s choreographed with culture and hardship. Alex Honnold, being one of the main focuses of the book, dares far into the unknown to free solo the 3,000 foot granite wall of El Capitan. The book tells the stories of men and—“less of women” who ventured into the unknown to the tallest peaks of the world. When reading the book, you will feel emotions consisting of sadness, courage, and fear. So be prepared, the mountain awaits.
The book starts with the explanation of the author, Mark Synnott’s life as a youngster and adult climber. He tells of his expeditions in the great Trango towers of Pakistan, to even his skiing club near the place where he grew up. The book shows how climbing works in a brief summary so you are not dumbfounded while exploring with the characters. Mark Synnott also talks about the history of Yosemite Valley, the Native Americans that lived there, climbing legends, and the mental conflict of life and death in the expedition mentality. Nearing the end of the book, he explains the efforts it took for Alex Honnold to free solo El Capitan. He talks about Alex Honnold’s life as a young boy and his hard childhood. Mark Synnott captures the monologue of Alex Honnold’s mind in such a magical way. Holding the balance of human normalities of the brain to Alex’s unique brain function. The adventures and expeditions you will read, you will discover.
The book has some faults to which I would like the readers to be aware of. Of course, the sport of climbing has been predominantly cultivated by men in the past but as the decades have gone on, women have played an important role in the world of climbing. Yet, I am so conflicted to say that even though the book is great for the audience interested in climbing, the book leaves behind the heroism of women’s climbing and mostly mentions their beauty. On the other hand— this book tells a message everybody should hear. As a climber, reading this book changed my perspective on how I look at life. You only live once, so live it to the fullest. No matter how much money you have, or what you look like. Do what you love to do, and don’t be afraid of venturing into the unknown, because you might find something magical there.