Having heard of this author because of her accomplishments on Mount Everest, I picked up this book hoping to learn more about Melissa Arnot Reid. I certainly did! Here is my review of her memoir.
Title/Author: “Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest” by Melissa Arnot Reid
Rating: 4 of 5 stars (very good)
Review: Climbing the highest peaks in the Himalayas is dangerous enough when carrying supplemental oxygen to aid with breathing at such high altitudes. Making it to the summit of Mt. Everest without any of those tanks is an amazing accomplishment for anyone. The author of this memoir, Melissa Arnot Reid, became the first American woman to complete this amazing task.
She did not have an easy path to this point, especially in her personal life. Between her rocky relationship with her mother, her feelings of not being worthy of love or success, and failed relationships made her feel that her only escape was climbing. Starting off as a guide for climbers on Washington’s Mt Ranier, she became a skilled climber that eventually made Everest’s summit six times.
The book is mostly about her struggles with the aforementioned personal issues in which she opens herself for all to see. That is precisely what she felt was what she couldn’t do in her relationships with people, especially those close to her. How she overcame those on one of her expeditions to the Himalayas is a story that sounds more like a fantasy (although she does describe it as a dream). What I liked about that is whether she was describing her professional or personal life, she came across as an unlovable person (by her own description) but this completely changed her. Because of that, it really was nice to finish the book on a happier note for both her new love and her summit to the top of the world.
As a reader who really enjoys reading about expeditions to the highest points in the world, I found this book to be a hard read at first, but I was rooting for Reid to overcome all her troubles and find happiness - mission accomplished for both her place in history and for her life.
I wish to thank Crown Publishing for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Climbing-Toward-Mount-Everest/dp/0593594088/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
Wow, thanks for a terrific review of this book. I did enjoy reading about all her expeditions as well but I also struggled because I didn't like the person she was until the end. Was happy that she was able to overcome her many issues and find peace and happiness and a place in history!
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