Name: Michael McBride's review of Without Ever Reaching the Summit by Paolo Cognetti
Item: Without Ever Reaching the Summit
Rating: 3
Author: Michael McBride

Paolo Cognetti

In this exquisitely written journal-turned-journey of self-discovery, international bestselling author Paolo Cognetti examines our universal desire for connection through a voyage in the Himalayas. Why climb a mountain without ever reaching the summit? In 2017, Paolo Cognetti returned to Nepal, not to conquer the mountains but to journey through the high valleys of the Dolpo with a copy of Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard in hand. Drawing on memories of his childhood in theAlps, Cognetti explored the roots of life in the mountains, truly getting to know the communities and the nature that forged this resilient, almost mythical region. Accompanying him was Remigio, a childhood friend who had never left the mountains of Italy, and Nicola, a painter he had recently met. Joined by a stalwart team of local sherpas, the trio started out in the remote Dolpo region of Nepal. From there, a journey of self-discovery shaped by illness, human connection, and empathy was born. Without Ever Reaching the Summit features line illustrations drawn by the author.

A Journey

Without Ever Reaching the Summit

An awestruck love letter to one of the most spectacular places on earth, from the author of international bestseller The Eight Mountains Paolo Cognetti marked his 40th birthday with a journey he had always wanted to make: to Dolpo, a remote Himalayan region where Nepal meets Tibet. He took with him two friends, a notebook, mules and guides, and a well-worn copy of The Snow Leopard. Written in 1978, Matthiessen's classic was also turning forty, and Cognetti set out to walk in the footsteps of the great adventurer. Without Ever Reaching the Summit combines travel journal, secular pilgrimage, literary homage and sublime mountain writing in a short book for readers of Macfarlane, Rebanks and Cognetti's own bestseller, The Eight Mountains. An investigation into the author's physical limits, an ancient mountain culture, and the magnificence of nature, it is an awestruck love letter to one of the most spectacular places on earth.

A Himalayan Journey

Sarah Christine Gill

Michael McBride

A quick, calm and contemplative read. I love Paolo Cognetti's style so much! Even though this book did not speak to me as much personally as The Eight Mountains did, I can always take some comfort and wisdom from his writing. 

Michael McBride &
Without Ever Reaching the Summit by Paolo Cognetti

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Michael McBride &Without Ever Reaching the Summit by Paolo Cognetti

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Michael McBride &
Without Ever Reaching the Summit by Paolo Cognetti