Up: A Mother And Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I enjoyed "Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure" by Patricia Ellis Herr much more than I thought I would. The book tells the true story of Trish's daughter Alex, who climbed all 48 four thousand footers in New Hampshire before her seventh birthday. I hike in the Whites frequently and have bumped into Trish & Alex once-- and can attest that Alex is an extraordinary little girl who delights in hiking. Trish can come off a bit preachy-- she loves her daughters and thinks they are the best, brightest, most amazing daughters ever (which is natural, but not necessarily the most fun thing to read. I don't think she is really looking down on other parents, but sometimes it comes off that way.) Overall, I found it fun to read about Alex's adventures and particularly enjoyed the occasional appearances of several hikers that I actually do know. Trish definitely achieved her goal of showcasing what little girls can do if given the chance. I'd never heard of "peakbagging." In this particular book, it involves hiking all 48 of the mountains in New Hampshire that are taller than 4000 feet. I've read many books about hikers--all adults--who completed the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and a lot of mountains and other trails. But never a mother and her five year old daughter! I would have said it was impossible for a child to do this before she turned seven years old. Read this book! You'll be amazed!
What do You think about Up: A Mother And Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure (2012)?
I loved this story. I liked the way she turned experiences on the trail into life lessons.
—fidanken
Very readable memoir of a mother and 5-year-old-daughter team hiking the whites in NH.
—tuthill24
Delightful book, a wonderful summer read for hikers.
—Darryllackey
