Just Keep Climbing

I am a sucker for books featuring mountain climbing and Barry Finlay's excellent JUST KEEP CLIMBING attracted my attention and then held it through inspiring stories of how he and other exceptional people faced harrowing difficulties and came out the other side. I have the mantra "just keep climbing" running through my head now and I couldn't be happier about having read this encouraging, straight-talking, excellent book. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

My friend just climbed Kilimanjaro this summer so this book caught my attention. I realized after starting to read that this wasn’t going to be a travelogue about the actual climb but more about our climb of life.

Eight different people and their personal climbs in life were discussed. I found each story to be uplifting. I especially liked the updates of two of them at the end. I was inspired by these people. I renewed my own attention to things I strive for.

I don't often pick up books of this genre, which is really silly because every time, I'm glad I did. This is no exception.

I'm no stranger to Finlay: I've read and thoroughly enjoyed three of his novels, so I needed no persuasion at all to read this.

This is a collection of a handful or so people's life-changing challenges. The people are very diverse: age, circumstance, colour, nationality. The contrast to their diversity is their one commonality: they have a goal, or rather, a 'mountain to climb', a summit to reach, all of which require a great deal of strength (mental and physical) and gritty determination.

Interesting and inspiring though they are, what I enjoyed just as much was the author's own mountain to climb: a literal one, as it happens! That and some background of his life, along with what steered him along the authorial path after a completely different career, are as fascinating as the stories of inspiration.

A truly wonderful read.

Down? If you are looking for stories to pick you up, look no further than this wonderful book full of inspirational stories that will have you living life to the fullest,

Barry Finlay draws inspiration from his life - and the profound change he experienced as result of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro over a decade ago - to show how grit and perseverance can enable all of us to make similarly profound changes in our own lives.

It is not necessarily about the physical exertion that an activity like mountain climbing demands, but rather, how we approach the challenges we face or choose to meet halfway.

The mountains we face can be figurative or literal, but the right tools and the right attitude can enable an ordinary person to achieve extraordinary things. And this is what Finley demonstrates by sharing his own experience as well the stories of eight other people.

The challenges faced are different in each case, and the individuals and experiences that he profiles are diverse, but there are certain common strands running through each story. And that is what makes these stories so inspiring and so relatable.

I suspect it would be hard for anyone to read this book with an open mind and come out of it unchanged. Some of the chapters certainly resonate more strongly than others, but every single one of them has something valuable to offer.

So, if you are looking for inspiration, a pick-me-up, or something to give you a boost of serotonin for motivation, this may well be a good book for you to pick up.

Straight off, this is the first time I have come across a book written by an older person, with stories of older people climbing. I cannot express how much reading these stories of folks my age and older warmed my heart, gave me hope, and made me sit up and pay attention to what is possible as I age and continue to dream,
I enjoyed the author's writing style and the fact that people shared their stories authentically!
There was no sprinkling of fashion or trying to be cool, and it really felt like an afternoon of sharing over pots of warm coffee.
I absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for adult conversation and inspiration and someday want to climb (the proverbial Everest).

When it comes to finding inspiration in the face of life's formidable challenges, Barry Finlay's book, "Just Keep Climbing," is a representation of hope to the indomitable human spirit.

Finlay's journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of sixty is just the beginning of this awe-inspiring book. He interweaves his personal experience with the remarkable stories of eight individuals who have overcome their own trials and tribulations. The result is an uplifting and motivating collection of tales that serve as a powerful reminder that our potential for transformation is boundless.

The stories featured in "Just Keep Climbing" are not sugar-coated or embellished. They are raw, emotional, and deeply resonant. As you read each narrative, you'll find yourself immersed in the lives of these incredible individuals. From a seventy-year-old record-breaking sprinter to a competitive bodybuilder, and from those battling addiction to those confronting life-altering medical diagnoses, each story unveils the human capacity to rise above adversity.

The book illustrates the universality of human struggle and the power of determination. It doesn't matter whether you're facing a literal mountain, like Mount Kilimanjaro, or the figurative challenges life throws your way – "Just Keep Climbing" provides a roadmap for achieving success. Through the "five Ps of overcoming challenges" outlined by Finlay, readers are given a practical guide to navigate their own journeys, no matter how arduous the path may seem.

The book is also peppered with motivational quotes that serve as guides during moments of darkness. They offer the reader nuggets of wisdom and encouragement, reminding us that perseverance is a source of joy and success, even in the most trying times.

"Just Keep Climbing" is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It is a reminder that, just like Barry Finlay did on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, we all have the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, pursue our passions, and confront our inner demons. The book equips readers with the tools and strategies to ascend the mountains in their lives, whether those mountains are challenges to overcome or dreams to chase.

Barry Finlay's writing is engaging and heartfelt. He doesn't just tell these stories; he takes you on a journey alongside the individuals who have overcome immense odds.

"Just Keep Climbing" is an extraordinary book that delivers a powerful message: Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. It's a guide that will motivate, inspire, and empower you to conquer your own personal summits. This book reveals the human spirit's resilience and serves as a compelling reminder that we all have the potential to transform not only our own lives but also the lives of others.

"A Powerful Chronicle of Triumph Over Adversity"

"Heartfelt Stories of Courage and Resilience"

"Inspiring Testimonies of Perseverance"

"Motivating Tales of Overcoming Life's Mountains"

"Transformative Narratives of Triumph"

"Unforgettable Journeys Toward Personal Growth"

"A Beacon of Hope in the Face of Challenges"

"A Guide to Conquering the Impossible"

"A Treasure Trove of Inspirational Life Lessons"

"The Art of Thriving Against All Odds"

"Uplifting Testimonials of Human Strength"

"Discover the Inner Power to Overcome Any Obstacle"

"A Source of Encouragement and Motivation"

"Captivating Accounts of Victory Over Adversity"

"Empowering Stories of Turning Struggles into Successes"

A very inspiring book, I enjoyed the positivity of it!

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.