{"product_id":"the-sharp-end-of-life-dierdre-wolownick-9781680512427","title":"The Sharp End of Life: A Mother's Story","description":"The author proves that age is just a number and that determination and grit can take a person to unexpected heights. For her, that meant conquering El Capitan at the age of 66. Wolownick's story of her drive to push her physical body beyond her mental limits will serve as a stimulant for those yearning to do more with their lives. A motivational tale of a woman who overcame her biggest critics, including her inner self, to achieve one dream after another.-Kirkus Reviews \u003cbr\u003e Wife and mother. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66, Dierdre Wolownick became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite--and in \u003ci\u003eThe Sharp End of Life: A Mother's Story\u003c\/i\u003e, she shares her intimate journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Dierdre grew up under the watchful eyes of a domineering mother and realized early on that her parents' plans for her future weren't what she wanted for herself. Later, what seemed like a storybook romance brought escape, with new experiences and eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her husband was not the happy-go-lucky man he had first appeared. Adapting as best she could, Dierdre juggled work and raising two young children, encouraging them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her \"little lady\" Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in amazement as Alex (Honnold of Free Solo fame) started climbing practically before he could crawl. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e After years of struggle in her marriage and her ultimate divorce, Dierdre found inspiration in her now-adult children's passions, as well as new depths within herself. At Stasia's urging, she took up running at age 54 and soon completed several marathons. Then at age 58, Alex led her on her first rock climbs. A world of friendship and support suddenly opened up to her within the climbing \"tribe,\" culminating in her record-setting ascent of El Cap with her son. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e From confused young wife and busy but lonely mother to confident middle-aged athlete, Dierdre brings the reader along as she finds new strength, happiness, and community in the outdoors--and a life of learning, acceptance, and spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Dierdre Wolownick\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1680512420\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781680512427\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Mountaineers Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/01\/2019\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 256\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.20lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.90h x 6.30w x 1.20d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e 02\/15\/2019\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e 04\/01\/2019 pg. 95","brand":"Dierdre Wolownick","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":44048992076031,"sku":"9781680512427","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_d00e54ef-beeb-40e3-ad41-3258ccc71524.jpg?v=1684998994","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-sharp-end-of-life-dierdre-wolownick-9781680512427","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}