The Impossible Climb

Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life

By: Mark Synnott

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

Instant National Best Seller

New York Times Monthly Best Seller

One of the 10 Best Books of March - Paste Magazine

A deeply reported insider perspective of Alex Honnold’s historic achievement and the culture and history of climbing.

“One of the most compelling accounts of a climb and the climbing ethos that I've ever read.” (Sebastian Junger)

In Mark Synnott’s unique window on the ethos of climbing, his friend Alex Honnold’s astonishing “free solo” ascent of El Capitan’s 3,000 feet of sheer granite is the central act. When Honnold topped out at 9:28 a.m. on June 3, 2017, having spent fewer than four hours on his historic ascent, the world gave a collective gasp. The New York Times described it as “one of the great athletic feats of any kind, ever.”

Synnott’s personal history of his own obsession with climbing since he was a teenager - through professional climbing triumphs and defeats and the dilemmas they render - makes this a deeply reported, enchanting revelation about living life to the fullest. What are we doing if not an impossible climb?

Synnott delves into a raggedy culture that emerged decades earlier during Yosemite’s Golden Age, when pioneering climbers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding invented the sport that Honnold would turn on its ear. Painting an authentic, wry portrait of climbing history and profiling Yosemite heroes and the harlequin tribes of climbers known as the Stonemasters and the Stone Monkeys, Synnott weaves in his own experiences with poignant insight and wit: Tensions burst on the mile-high northwest face of Pakistan’s Great Trango Tower; fellow climber Jimmy Chin miraculously persuades an official in the Borneo jungle to allow Honnold’s first foreign expedition, led by Synnott, to continue; armed bandits accost the same trio at the foot of a tower in the Chad desert....

The Impossible Climb is an emotional drama driven by people exploring the limits of human potential and seeking a perfect, choreographed dance with nature. Honnold dared far beyond the ordinary, beyond any climber in history. But this story of sublime heights is really about all of us. Who doesn’t need to face down fear and make the most of the time we have?

©2019 Mark Synnott (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A thrills-and-chills - and occasional spills - view of the mad heroes of free climbing.... Fans of mountaineering will find this a winner.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Enthralling...gripping.... Much more than just an account of Honnold's mind-bending climb: it is a story of the complex friendship between the two men.... This compelling book reads like a thriller as it ranges over the rarefied world of extreme climbing. It is a portrait of fascinating people and of an extraordinary place, the Yosemite Valley.” (The Daily Mail)

“With the possible exception of the lunar landings, free-soloing El Capitan may rank as one of the most audacious - and terrifying - things a human being has ever done. Synnott’s narrative plasters you on a 3,000-foot granite cliff and doesn’t let you go until the climb is done. It is one of the most compelling accounts of a climb and the climbing ethos that I’ve ever read.” (Sebastian Junger, author of Tribe, War, and The Perfect Storm)

“Bracing...brings Honnold’s epic, rope-free ascent to vivid life.” (Harper's Bazaar)

very good

i like this audiobook. i think it is great for the new fans of climbing.

Gives the context

Gives loads of leads to follow up. It’s not a bad starter book to this world.

A Work of Climbing Art

A well-written backstage look at Alex Honnold’s incredible journey and free solo climb of El Capitan intertwined with detailed history and personal climbing accounts from the author. This book flowed perfectly for me, and I felt I was sitting at a picnic table in Yosemite hearing the stories from a friend. A must read/listen for any climbing enthusiast.

I know very little about the climbing world, but

I know very little about the climbing world, but found this fascinating. I by chance did a climb on Seneca Rock but I'm not a fan of heights. I am real big on outdoor activities though. I will listen to this audible again and even research some of the places mentioned for climbing in the book. Some of them sound like interesting places to visit. On my one climbing experience I will admit I was very charged up after the climb. I can see why this would be an addicting activity for those who really pursue it. I can also see where this is very similar to runner's High which I have experienced several times. very thought-provoking. highly recommend. author did a great job.

A great listen

Mark Synnott is a great writer and was perfectly positioned and qualified to write this book. If you’ve seen the movie Free Solo, and you should, you will want to read / listen to this. It is gripping and informative whether or not you are a climber. Well read as well. Highly recommended.

Amazingly written story!

An outstanding account of much more than just the free solo of El Cap that can be throroughly enjoyed by climbers and non climber alike!

Gripped

Truly one of the greatest physical achievements in history... and so much more. 11/10 recommend

The personalities

Detailed story of Alex Hannold’s climbing feats as well as several other climbers. Hard for a non-climber to visualize the techniques.

Not just about Alex it's about Life!

This book covers a whole range of climbing history and stories about a lot of different Climbers from Dean Potter to Alex Lowe this book really has it all! I was a little confused as first because the book seemed to be jumping around and chapters seem to come to a abrupt and unexpected end, but when you view each chapter as a single story being told it really comes together and is a enjoyable and fun listen!

As close as one can get to the climbs

Agree that Mark has captured as much as possible to accompanying Alex and his fellow climbers in their passion for achieving their potential. Honest and objective and an meaningful insight to the reality of solo climbing.