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My Old Man and the Mountain

By: Leif Whittaker
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer
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Publisher's summary

In 1963, the world followed the first American Mount Everest Expedition, and watched as "Big Jim" Whittaker became the first American to stand on top of the world. He returned home a hero.

My Old Man and the Mountain is Leif Whittaker's engaging and humorous story of what it was like to "grow up Whittaker" - the youngest son of Jim Whittaker and Dianne Roberts, in an extended family of accomplished climbers. He shares glimpses of his upbringing and how the pressure to climb started early on. Listeners learn of his first adventures with family in the Olympic Mountains and on Mount Rainier; his close yet at times competitive relationship with his brother Joss; his battle with a serious back injury; and his efforts to stand apart from his father's legacy.

With wry honesty he depicts being a recent college grad, still living in his parents' home and trying to find a purpose in life-digging ditches, building houses, selling t-shirts to tourists - until a chance encounter leads to the opportunity to climb Everest, just like his father did.

©2016 Leif Whittaker (P)2020 Tantor
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What listeners say about My Old Man and the Mountain

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Lief and Eric what a great combination

If you are a mountain, climber or avid outdoorsman, who has. ever dreamt about Everest. This book will fascinate you. Using the terms and describing scenes that only a completely immersed climber can do, Lief has taken me on Everest once again.
Big Jim, his dad, and I are almost identical in build. So I was able to identify with the trials and travails of being 6 foot five in the mountains.
He more than adequately represents the pain and suffering involved in high altitude climbing.
The book is filled with a little nuggets of great knowledge of the Alpine environment. Extremely well written, and easy to follow. I highly recommend this for a very entertaining read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the story, well done.

This was an enjoyable story about a family’s experience. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved this.

Father- son relationship insight. Great detail of climb and challenges. Highly frightened. wish we could see photos that must be included in print version.

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Not good

Bad writing. Bad story. Not worth your time. I would not buy this if I were you.

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