The Push

Praise

“If you want to be inspired by a great leader, if you want to feel what it takes to do what no one thought possible, if you want to be absorbed by a heroic journey–Tommy Caldwell’s story is one of the best you could ever hope to find.  Here, in his own words, you get more than just a climbing adventure, you get the inside view of how a person can endure crushing setbacks and persist to fulfill a spectacular vision.  And in sharing his story, he has become a teacher to us all.”
—Jim Collins, author of Good to Great

“The Push is the most insightful book about climbing I’ve ever read, and quite possibly the most enjoyable. Whether Caldwell is explaining his astounding feats on vertical terrain, or the agony of trying to sustain a doomed relationship, or the merits of what he calls ‘elective suffering,’ the writing is consistently captivating and unfailingly honest.” 
—Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air

“Yes, Tommy Caldwell is a badass, but he is no different than you or I. I’ve always been interested in how people do the impossible. This isn’t just a book about climbing, it’s about laser sharp focus in all aspects of life. Tommy’s story provides insight how we can all push a little further and a little higher.” 
—Scott Jurek, author of Eat & Run

“The rarest of adventure reads:  it thrills with colorful details of courage and perseverance but it enriches readers with an absolutely captivating glimpse into how a simple yet unwavering resolve can turn adversity into reward.”
—The Denver Post

“You always know Caldwell’s going to make it to the top of that 3,000-foot hunk of Yosemite granite.  But it doesn’t matter – the book’s raw honesty helps it transcend the sports-autobiography genre.”
—Outside
 
“Stands out as a genuine achievement . . . the authenticity of Caldwell’s voice comes through clearly in passages of well-crafted prose . . . The Push is not simply a book about rock climbing, but about human relationships and the ways in which we can hurt each other while trying to be kind.  Caldwell, for all his magnificent achievements on stone, reminds us that in the end, the only really serious enterprise is living.” – The Guardian (U.K.)

“Full of rich stories that fluctuate between gripping, tender, moving, laugh-out loud funny, devastating and inspiring . . . Caldwell’s writing also crystallizes moments of intense natural beauty . . . The Push is an adventure is its own right, exploring the unknown self, being open to growth, sharing friendship with others – and encouraging readers to do the same.”
– The Kansas City Star

“Caldwell expertly blends the triumphs and tragedies of a life well lived with discussions of mastering the vertical climb . . . an eloquent, absorbing story about testing one’s limits.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“Climbers will inhale Caldwell’s book and want more; adventure readers will love his descriptions of climbs and techniques, even if they are new to the sport.”
—Library Journal