The Push: A Climber's Journey of Endurance, Risk, and Going Beyond Limits

Being a beginner climber, I was looking for some read for inspiration, maybe some climbing tips. Of course, I've heard about Tommy, seen multiple videos with him but knew literally nothing about his life. The book had a high rating that's why I chose it over all others.I had no idea what to expect from a book written by a climber and I was surprised by how well-written it turned out to be. Tommy's life is fascinating. It includes incredible ascends in Patagonia and on Dawn Wall, being kidnapped in Kyrgystan, hanging out with Chris Sharma and Alex Honnald - all this makes "The Push" a great adventure book.This biography is very intimate since Tommy shares a lot of details of his personal life, thoughts on his relationships with his father and ex-wife - a lot to reflect on.But even though he mentions some training and climbing routine don't expect to find here a training program or tips - this book won't help improve your climbing techniques but will show you the world of professional climbers and get to know one of them pretty well.

This book was engaging and thrilling from beginning to end. The climbing descriptions of route, gear, methods and training were superb. The writing was too notch. Thank you and congratulations on all your accomplishments. I enjoyed reading about your family also. I highly recommend your book to anyone who loves rugged adventure and romance.

This was really quite an incredible book. Tommy is a very talented writer, in addition to being a remarkable climber. The memoir does a very good job of mixing the personal aspects of his life with the adventurous parts in a way that lets you see how his perspectives and priorities evolved as he got older. I climb so I am already familiar with all of the climbing jargon in this book so I can't be objective, but I thought he did a very good job of defining it, and with explaining some of the history around the climbs.If anyone reads and enjoys this book, there is a documentary called Valley Uprising that came out a few years ago. It's the history of climbing at Yosemite Valley and digs deeper than this book does. This was a little before the free climb of the Dawn Wall. I don't remember if Tommy is featured in it or not, as the movie spends a lot more time in the 60s and 70s, but some of the supporting characters in his book are, like Dean Potter and Alex Honnold.

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography (thus far) of the world class rock climber Tommy Caldwell. The book is better written than most in this category, and is hard to put down. Caldwell gives fascinating accounts of his many dramatic life experiences, including being held hostage by terrorist rebels during a foreign trip, as well as his epic climbing adventures. The core of the book concerns his preparation for and detailed description of the free climb of the Dawn Wall route on Yosemite's El Cap, widely considered the most difficult free climb ever done. However, Caldwell offers the reader much more, and provides candid accounts of the highs and lows of a professional athlete's life, including the failure of his first marriage, self-doubts, and depression. The entire "journey" to the top of the Dawn Wall can be read as a path to redemption and fulfillment. Even though I am not a climber, I found Caldwell's story inspiring and memorable.

I loved this book. When I saw Tommy's interviews in Free Solo, I had a feeling I'd enjoy this book, and after seeing Krakauer's endorsement, I knew I had to check it out.And it was well worth it. One of my top reads this year, so far.The book is about climbing, yes. But it is even moreso about drive, despite incredible obstacles. Tommy's entire life journey is one of facing hardship and failure with incredible grit and perseverance, and a willingness to change and grow. Whether navigating a doomed first marriage, being kidnapped by militants in Kyrgyzstan, or a seven year obsession with arguably the hardest climb in the world, Tommy constantly digs deep and keeps going. Not only will his book make you want to spend more time in the mountains, it will make you want to chase your own passions with the same fervor. Highly recommend.

Really enjoyed this book! Fantastic biography with honest insights and revelations of thoughts and feelings through some serious adversity (relationships, climbs, terrorist kidnapping...). I especially found the candid discussion of his relationships with his climbing partners (Kevin Jorgensen, Alex Honnold, and Chris Sharma to name a few heavy hitters) to be very honest and beyond the typical superficial biography, while also not being mean at all, just open and refreshingly honest. This is not quite up to Krakauer and that’s the reason for 4 out of 5 but that’s pretty solid and Krakauer is a high bar. Anyway, I definitely recommend this book.Also, as of this review writing, the top rated review on Amazon is something from 2013 and doesn’t appear to have anything to do with this book. Aha! So, MANY of the reviews for this book are for the book Push by Sapphire (a VERY different book)!

Whether you climb or not, Tommy has a unique thrilling story to tell. If you just started climbing, don’t expect climbing instructions here, but if you‘re an experienced climber, you won’t feel talked down to either. Tommy is not a “cool” guy by classic standards, but his determination in never yielding to anyone else’s terms and his passion for doing what he loves, will prove he is one of the coolest people in history. This life story is riveting, personal, and relatable. Tommy will also get you motivated to get outdoors and enjoy the world through new eyes.

Probably my favorite book I've read. So detailed, and the story telling was very captivating. Couldn't stop reading! Truly a beautiful life Tommy has lived. It's a inspiring story to a young novice climber like myself. I will be reading this again in the near future.

Excelente obra!

Un libro fascinante de escalada en roca y la vida personal de Tommy escrita por él mismo.

La historia de la vida de un gran escalador que narra des de su punto de vista filosófico la concepción de la escalada y otros de diferentes con máximo respeto. Reflexiones profundas e interesantes de una vida alucinante.

An extraordinary account of Caldwell's climbing life so far. A humble, honest man that has climbed more mindblowing routes on big walls than you'd think possible. I admire Caldwell as much for this beautiful account as for his climbing.P.S.The book is co-authored by Kelly Cordes. You should read his brilliant work on Patagonia's Cerro Torre as well (»The Tower«).

amazing book