Alone on the Wall (Expanded edition) Kindle Edition

I was surprised after reading Alone On The Wall to discover that David Roberts is a climber, because when I was reading this book, it really seemed like he didn't "get it". It didn't seem like Roberts really understood or was on board with what Honnold was and is doing--his lifestyle, his climbing, and yes, his free soloing. Maybe it was because he didn't insert his own opinion into things--a lot of Roberts' writing is just summarizing interviews with other people. But there's a ton of people out there who either don't climb or climb more conservatively who have opinions about Honnold, and if I wanted to hear that, I'd read any of the hundreds of articles about Honnold on the internet. This book was a chance to hear from Honnold and find out what he thinks, and instead Roberts' writing is about what everyone else thinks--I just don't care about that.For the parts of the book which were actually written by Honnold--a lot of what he wrote is just responding to what other people say, which yields some insights, but I'd much rather have read what Honnold wanted to say. The problem here maybe is that Honnold doesn't want to say anything--he'd rather be out climbing. Which is great--that's how he became the climber who inspires me. But it doesn't make for a great book.I'll also point out that this book was published two years ago as of this review, and was probably mostly written in the year before that. In that time, I've seen Honnold mature a lot--his interviews on TV and podcasts show a person who has had a lot of emotional and mental growth over the last few years. The Honnold who wrote passages in Alone On The Wall is not the Honnold we know today--the one who wrote this is a bit immature, a bit distracted. I get the feeling that Honnold was pressured to write this book a bit before he was really ready to be writing a book--it's a bit weird to write your story before it's over. I really hope this isn't the last book we see from Honnold, because I think if he were to write a book now or later in his life, it would be a lot better.Contrast this with The Push by Tommy Caldwell. There's a book written by an older climber who knew what he wanted to write. At the surface level, it turns out to be a book that's much less about climbing, but it's far more vulnerable and insightful, and gives readers a much better understanding of what motivated Caldwell to become one of the best climbers in the world.

I became interested in Alex Honnold after the 60 minutes story. I never forgot his name, and just got around to ordering this book for my Kindle during an extended medical leave due to surgery . I thoroughly enjoyed his descriptions of the many "rocks" he's climbed. Having never been a climber myself, I was afraid it would be too technical to hold my interest. I couldn't have been more wrong. I was fascinated by his explaining how and why he's chosen to do this with his life. I also enjoyed reading about his various climbing partners and their adventures. I wish I had heard of him before our family visited Yosemite in 2011, as I would have heeded the park stranger's invitation to spend some time in El Cap meadow with a pair of binoculars to watch the climbers.

In my youth I climbed the route Alex went up in 3 days of the hardest climbing I had ever climbed.I spent the whole book nervously reading, it’s been 25 years since I have been in the route but still remember those cruxes. The achievements Alex has made in his career are incredible. To the non-climbers the choices on routes Alex chooses to solo may seem crazy, to those of us who have climbed seriously know how insanely bold those decisions are. The only place I have ever experienced complete concentration with no outside influences was leading a pitch. I could relate to Alex’s descriptions and emotional battles. He is in a class of his own, I hope to never open a paper to find out we have lost this person.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sports/adventure biography. First of all, the format of the book is easy to follow with two narratives, one of Alex and one of the co-author, D. Robert. At first, I wondered why Alex chose this format as he already writes decently. Then, I realized this format provided a third person perspective for the readers to appreciate the gravity of some of the accomplishment. Alex's choice of co-author definitely was superb - I have read several D. Robert's books, always enjoyed them. Secondly, aside from the obvious (but still thrilling) climbing accomplishment/adventure, Alex's sense of humor really came through. The book was very entertaining to read! Finally, I think anyone who appreciates athleticism/adventure, climber or not (I have climbed but am not an avid climber), will enjoy this book for a lot of the "lessons" are universal. A side note, I really appreciate Alex's downplaying on those "lessons" - he doesn't overstate them, but really just tells a story and lets the readers decipher whatever apply to them. It is not "preachy", even though it still inspires the audience.

I've (sport) climbed a lot in the past but - with child, age, and aching joints - I now get most of my climbing pleasure through reading climbing books.I found the book fascinating but, compared to various other books in the same genre it did seem to lack some depth. A constant niggle is that I felt there's a lot of plugging going on, for this book, that film etc. I'm not 100% convinced it was intentional, but it was nonetheless quite off-putting. Secondly, compared to the likes of Joe Simpson or Jon Krakauer, the book could feel a little shallow / superficial at times. Given what Honnold does for a living, the book should have been edge-of-the-seat stuff, but it just wasn't, at least for me.This is still a good book about a truly great climber, and I'd recommend it.

I read Tommy Caldwell’s book The Push last year and really enjoyed it. Then I watched Free Solo, Alex Honold’s breathtaking film. I’m not a climber but visited Yosemite recently and have read numerous climbing biogs over the years - enthralled at the mindset of the climbers and the natural beauty of the mountains and achievement of the athletes. Sadly this book has not grabbed me in the same way. Doubtlessly Alex is an amazing climber with a fascinating (but also alarming) attitude. This book does not tell you enough about the man and his motivations, There is little personal detail or depth, it’s just a list of climbs. I appreciate that in order to fund their lifestyle climbers usually have to make films and write books - in this case it feels a bit like a tick box exercise which could have been much better. However, this is not meant to take anything away from his skill and bravery - maybe it’s just better illustrated on film rather than in a book.

This book by Alex Honnold is as genuine as the man himself. The story is about about his life growing up and mainly about how he climbs, his thought processes and emotions or rather lack of emotion that powers him on. As you read you become attached to the man and try to figure him out. His sincerity comes across in this book very well, and trust me, you won't want to put it down.

A breath-taking story of one very cool, courageous and modest climber. Alex Honnold has the nerve that screen so-called heroes try to project. He is a true hero - though even he does say "don't try this at home"! This book leaves one in awe of his achievements. Most of us are but mere mortals in his shadow.

I really enjoyed this book & the first person descriptions of some of his solos are edge-of-the-seat stuff. However most of this book is in the third person with quotes from Alex & others added. It made the book a bit disjointed. When I've heard Alex interviewed he has quite a distinctive voice so it's a shame the whole book isn't all written in the first person. I'm waiting for a proper autobiography (with or without a ghost-writers assistance)