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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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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Mar 19, 2019 - 06:50pm PT
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It’s conceivable AH would have done the climb without it, but by no means certain. Doubtful, even. There’s a chicken-egg problem here that isn’t clear. I think Alex was well aware from past experience what the presence of a camera and the financial rewards did to his motivation and performance. It seems pretty clear he fully leveraged that to achieve first and foremost his own climbing plans and dreams.
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WBraun
climber
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Mar 20, 2019 - 09:40am PT
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If it was impossible than it would never have been done.
When you prepare your consciousness in a certain way you can fly without the aid of mechanical means also ....
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Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
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Synnott is on New Hampshire Public Radio for an hour talking about the book. Program is called The Exchange, if anyone wants to check it out.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Alex’s motivation for extreme soloing far predates his fame and fortune. He was a virtual unknown when he free soloed Moonlight Buttress and the NWF of HD. I doubt that visions of corporate sponsorship and movie fame were even on his radar at the time, but he took full advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves as well he should.
Climbing has become an important physical and spiritual activitiy for a couple of million people and feats like Honnold’s amaze and inspire many millions more. The top climbers train as rigorously as any professional or olympic athlete and if they can be compensated for their hard work and skill...great! Aside from Alex and one or two Euros the monies earned by top climbers are less than the golfer who finished last on earnings for the PGA Golf Tour.
All sports are driven by companies striving to market their products either by direct sponsorship or by the billions of dollars thrown into advertising on television and print ads. It’s America folks and the big economic driver is consumer spending whether that be a new car or a goretex jacket from the NF.
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Plus one for Jim's comments. Reading the book now and really enjoying it. For the younger gen, it does give a pretty good overview of Cali/Yos climbing culture, esp. with the Stone Masters et al. Alex is a brother from another planet for sure.
BAd
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Gregory Crouch
Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
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Apr 25, 2019 - 11:50am PT
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My review of it will be in tomorrow's WSJ. (Friday, 4/26)
I'll link to it once I've got that all figured out.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 25, 2019 - 04:52pm PT
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I just finished the book. I Thoroughly enjoyed the read and felt that the time Mark spent detailing his experiences were a completely valid part of the story. They help the non climber or perhaps the non serious climber get a feeling for the climber life and how it alters your mindset. I also felt that the pages spent on the other expeditions were important as they also set the stage for understanding the pressures involved in meeting the expectations of sponsors, film crews and other expedition members. When Alex became a North face athlete it was no longer just him and the rock. Like it or not all the other BS comes with the paycheck and the job..... That responsibility / pressure of always coming up with the next big rad project that is more rad than the last project and then making it successful to keep your job possibly even contributing to the recent deaths of NF team members??????
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Gregory Crouch
Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
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Apr 26, 2019 - 11:49am PT
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Rattlesnake! Awesome. Hope you consider it a dollar well spent.
For the rest of you, here's a readable copy of the review posted on my website.
Enjoy.
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Rattlesnake Arch
Social climber
Home is where we park it
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Apr 26, 2019 - 12:23pm PT
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Yes, a dollar well spent. Now my $0.02 worth.
1. The Nat Geo article was presumably authorized, but are we sure the book was part "authorized celebrity biography"?
2. Mark has some unflattering portrayals of Alex. Perhaps the reason Alex fails to answer key questions was that he didn't really want this book written about him.
Anyhow, a celebrity biography doesn't require authorization, and Mark is certainly entitled to write whatever he wants about his friend.
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Gregory Crouch
Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
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Apr 26, 2019 - 12:27pm PT
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Rattlesnake... too much contact between Synnott and Honnold through the years for it to qualify as "unauthorized" in my opinion. But that's just a guess. The book doesn't provide any more evidence than that.
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Rattlesnake Arch
Social climber
Home is where we park it
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Apr 26, 2019 - 01:40pm PT
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3. There was a wealth of world class photography of Alex's climb available, none of which made it into the book. Instead, a rather odd selection of pictures.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed reading it.
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Apr 26, 2019 - 02:10pm PT
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Nice review, Greg. And...I had to spend $4.00 to get a copy of the WSJ at a Starbucks on the way to work.
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Gregory Crouch
Social climber
Walnut Creek, California
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Apr 26, 2019 - 02:29pm PT
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^^^ Oh no, think of all the people to whom I'm going to owe cups of coffee... ;-)
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 26, 2019 - 03:18pm PT
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RSA if you paied attention to the book you would see that while Mark highlights some character flaws he also gives credit to Alex for maturing in those areas. Additionally those character flaws were pretty well documented in the movie.
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Rattlesnake Arch
Social climber
Home is where we park it
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Apr 27, 2019 - 06:28am PT
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Agreed tradman. However, Alex has made it clear that he was uncomfortable with his character flaws being exposed in Free Solo, but he was well compensated in several ways for allowing this. The book has a different cost/benefit profile for Alex and presents him a bit less favorably than the movie, IMHO.
I admit all this is speculation. What we do know Gregory sums up succinctly in his well written article.
I said my two cents worth and now I'll shut up.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Apr 27, 2019 - 06:37am PT
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Good review Greg! I think you drilled down to the central question for climbers and non climbers alike, and one that remains unanswered.
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Gunkie
Trad climber
Valles Marineris
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Apr 27, 2019 - 12:40pm PT
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I read it and I really liked it. At first I thought Synnott was too self-focused. But those early in the book stories put a nice frame around the primary subject matter. Well done.
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