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ECF
Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 7, 2019 - 12:29pm PT
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Have you ever read a book and then gone to see the movie of it? Of course you have. And most times people say the book was better.
But have you ever seen a movie and then read the book? Now the images are already burned into your mind as you read the words, creating a different experience.
So you saw Freesolo and it left you wanting more details, more context. You are not alone in that, I have heard many people say that.
I recommend buying Synnott’s book.
There is some stuff in there you guys will be very interested in knowing. Mark has known Alex for a long time and they have gone on several international trips together. This is a friend’s telling of a tale, with all the deeper insights you would expect from a personal connection.
If you can, I’d preorder it through Amazon before they sell out.
A climbing book sell out? Lol you say... but the audience for this is much wider than all the other climbing tales. I’ve heard a lot of non-climbers talking about Freesolo and I’m surprised at their level of enthusiasm. I know an accountant, a fisheries biologist, an oncologist, and an engineeer that all want to talk to me about Freesolo. It really has made the leap over into mainstream thought.
The book isn’t just about Freerider, it takes a much broader view of the evolution that lead up to that, including some stories from Mark’s early years in Yosemite. It is much more than just the book version of the movie.
Don’t hold your breath for video of the whole climb, get the book.
When it sells out, you can sell it on eBay for double what you paid for it.
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perswig
climber
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Haven't seen the film yet, but I'd buy that book.
Many moons ago when I still did that kind of thing, I would occasionally cross paths in the GOS or Huntington with Mark and his clients, and sat through AIARE 2 with him, he knocking off certs toward IFMGA, me trying to not get killed by Mt. Washington's 'spatial variability'.
He has a great combo of laid-back and micro-focus, and he could really stomp the Mt. Wash mank.
Interested to see what his writing style looks like now.
Dale
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ECF
Big Wall climber
Ridgway CO
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 9, 2019 - 10:03am PT
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I’ve known Mark for almost 30 years.
He is the most brutally honest person I have ever met.
In my opinion, when this book comes out, it will be the focus of discussion on this forum for weeks.
I won’t give away any details, but you are going to want to read it. If not now, you sure will once the discussion starts.
I’m stocking up on popcorn now.
It will be a nice break from the politics and TDS.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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I’m sure Mark did a good job and I will get the book. If he succeeds in getting this crowd hooked and off of the political/religious threads he deserves a medal.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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No reason one can't do both, donini...
This is an intriguing book recommendation...thank you!
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Manley
Trad climber
from Kentucky, living in St. Louis
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Feb 21, 2019 - 04:11pm PT
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Thanks for the enthusiastic heads up on Mark’s new book, I’ll definitely read it.
And yes, I know exactly what you are taking about. I saw Freesolo, then read the updated Alone on the Wall, then read The Push, and then finally saw The Dawn Wall. I really enjoyed that accidental sequence.
Can’t wait to read Mark’s perspective on it all. Last work of his I remember reading was really good.
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radair
Social climber
North Conway, NH
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Feb 22, 2019 - 07:15am PT
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Mark is really an excellent writer and I am stoked to read the book. If you ever get a chance to see him speak, about any topic, jump at it. He is one of the funniest guys I've ever met. Very humble too. Top notch guy.
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Feb 22, 2019 - 07:53am PT
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Never met the guy, but if your nickname is scrappy, and you’re from, NH, you’re ok in my book. I’ll buy the book for sure. Once I can afford to, lol.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Mark is going to be at the Boulder Bookstore, in the
People's Republic of Boulder, CO, tomorrow evening, March 7, 2019.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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This looks promising. The except is a good piece of writing.
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Rattlesnake Arch
Social climber
Home is where we park it
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Mar 16, 2019 - 05:24am PT
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The book was a good read. I have a few nits to pick:
1. Purports to be about Alex Honnold's free solo, but Mark seems more interested in cementing his own place amongst the climbing greats.
2. I wonder if Alex even authorized him to write the book. I haven't heard of Alex endorsing it anywhere.
3. Feels like Mark has jumped on the Free Solo bandwagon to improve his prospects.
4. Too many unnecessary references to Alex's bowel movements and sex life. (TMI)
Still, it kept my interest till the end. Money well spent.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Mar 16, 2019 - 06:59am PT
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Greg Crouch took a copy with him to Germany on his way to an art festival where his wife will be showing some of her work. He is writing a review for the Wall Street Journal....I’ll wait to see that.
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High Fructose Corn Spirit
Gym climber
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Mar 18, 2019 - 08:08am PT
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"Revealing were more details about how out of control on several free solos Alex was including sketchy onsight angst soloing after breakups etc. and Alex at times confronting overwhelming fear he was gonna die."
kingtut, that's interesting, do you have a quote or two from the book to post in support of these statements?
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Gunkie
Trad climber
Valles Marineris
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Mar 18, 2019 - 11:47am PT
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1. Purports to be about Alex Honnold's free solo, but Mark seems more interested in cementing his own place amongst the climbing greats.
I'm 30 minutes into the read (one commuter train ride worth) and that was definitely part my first impression. However, it's enjoyable so far and looking forward to the train ride home (and to work and to home and to work...)
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Rattlesnake Arch
Social climber
Home is where we park it
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Mar 18, 2019 - 01:07pm PT
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Nice...
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Milkman_photos
Trad climber
California, San Francisco
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Mar 18, 2019 - 03:56pm PT
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Bought and read the book. It is a great book, but expect to view it as kinda 2 for 1 deal. The first half is very heavy on the climbing career of mark synnott and doesn't feel particularly relevant to the marketed story or even building the story of Mark and Alex's relationship. Part two is a really cool bts look at Honnold's more and less publicized solos. All told, it is a really great book if you go in with the proper expectations, but it doesn't have the cohesive structure of other classic and modern classic climbing books.
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steveA
Trad climber
Wolfeboro, NH
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Mar 19, 2019 - 05:59pm PT
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I'll be picking my copy up Wednesday, after work. Mark's doing a local book signing in Jackson, NH, where he lives. It ought to be fun since many of his friends will be there.
Mark has been a guide here for many years and I'm sure the book will be interesting.
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