I admire people that dare doing this expeditions and climb mountains. I would if I could but I'm to afraid. This book is a perfect book for me. It made me feel like I could at least try to climb the highest mountain i Sweden, Kebnekaise, so next year this might happen.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lisa Thompson became the second American woman to reach the summit of K2, considered to be the world’s most dangerous mountain. Having read several books on other attempts at climbing this peak (some successful, some not) I was intrigued to learn more about her story and for the most part, it was excellent reading.

The only downfall to this book for me was something that was important to her story - the struggles that she faced outside of climbing that could have been hindrances to her goal of not only claiming K2, but also Mt. Everest; that expedition is documented in the book, but not with as much detail. While her victory over breast cancer was inspiring, reading about her failed relationships in both her family and in her marriage that ended in divorce felt more about self-pity than courage. While it was great that was able to push the, to the side during her climb, reading about it was a downer that seemed to get sadder as it went along.

But just like Thompson, if the reader can get past them and keep reading, they will be in for a treat. If that reader has a basic understanding or knowledge of mountaineering or the layout of K2, that is helpful but not necessary as Thompson writes in a manner that even non-climbers will understand. Her style of describing the K2 expedition is wonderful. She touches on how to deal with the male-dominated world of climbing without sounding bitter or snarky. Her bond with two other climbers, including the only other female on the trip, was fine as the reader will get to know them quite well. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the camps at various points, including base camp.

During both expeditions, but especially the one on K2, the book reads like a well-written drama even though the ending will already be known. That is what makes this mountaineering book one to include in one’s library - even more than the historical or inspirational aspects. It is just a fine story to tell.

I wish to thank Girl Friday Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Finding Elevation is a brilliant book about climbing mountains and also about overcoming personal adversity. Lisa Thompson is an extremely courageous women who not only became the second American woman to summit K2, she also overcomes breast cancer and other major personal traumas. I found the details of climbing both Everest and K2 fascinating especially the complex process of the climbs, the number of fatalities, and the crazy traffic jams going up and down the mountains. I found her story and the mountaineering gripping and amazing. She is one serious superwoman. This is a fantastic book.

Lisa Thompson, the second American woman to summit K2, tells her story of climbing that mountain. Lisa came into mountaineering later in life and eventually it became a passion. After surviving breast cancer, she decided to try to summit Mount Everest, and later K2. Despite being full of doubt, Lisa was able to accomplish these challenging mountains.

This was an interesting book because you usually hear about mountaineering from the male perspective. You got to hear about the sexism in the sport and Lisa self-doubt. Yep, she is an amazingly accomplished athlete, despite not seeing herself that way.

Thank you to Girl Friday Productions & Net Galley for a copy of this book.

Wow! I've read a few mountaineering books (Dark Summit by Nick Heil and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer), so I was keen to read Finding Elevation by Lisa Thompson. Her story of climbing mountains, including Everest, then K2 after surviving breast cancer is extraordinary.

I found the book a very compelling read. It’s clear and well-structured, and I learned a lot. Lisa’s determination, training, courage, and mental strength really shine through, and there’s power in the way she writes about it all.

I also really appreciated the parts about her family, her childhood, her failed marriage, and the people who supported her along the way. This made the book feel personal and human.

Lisa is very self-aware, and the book is very honest.  I felt quite emotional by the end. I’d definitely recommend it.

I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Great book and story, it was well-written, a pleasure to read, and inspiring. I love reading about people climbing Everest and K2, it's a weird fascination, but this is my first time from a woman's perspective and I loved it

This was a really interesting account of not only climbing K2 but also the author’s journey to herself. In contrast to a lot of climbing books I really enjoyed how she went into the nitty gritty of training for the mountains, as well as the nuts and bolts of high altitude climbing. The determination to succeed and the effort this takes really came through. I found this well paced and an enjoyable read.