Finding Elevation

“Beautifully written, Lisa Thompson’s Finding Elevation takes us through her story arc that anyone climbing a physical or proverbial mountain can relate to. From frustration to despondency, leading to hope, exploration, and self-discovery, Lisa inspires us not to give in to our doubts. With every step, deep breath, and occasional fall, she motivates us with the tools to push past our limits and find the courage to decide who we want to be despite the challenges and obstacles so prevalent in our lives.” —Chuck Garcia, CEO of Climb Leadership International, adjunct professor at Columbia University, and amateur mountaineer 

“An honest and gripping look at the world of high-altitude mountaineering by one of America’s finest alpinists.” —Johanna Garton, author of Edge of the Map 

“Thompson gives readers an intimate view into the world of high-altitude mountaineering. She writes honestly about struggling to balance fear while exploring her own limits.”   —Garrett Madison, world’s premier Everest guide and expedition leader 

“Lisa’s brutal honesty makes this much more than just another climbing book. It is an absorbing autobiography peppered with interesting and sometimes frustrating characters. It is the story of a young woman facing and overcoming glass ceilings both externally and internally. It is the story of a rare determination and focus. Not only an absorbing read but also inspirational.” —Victor Saunders, author, mountain guide, and past president of The Alpine Club 

“This outstanding mountaineering memoir will appeal to readers of outdoor adventure, climbers, and those who revel in successful women athletes.” —Library Journal, starred review 

“Conveying heartfelt emotions, suspense, and triumphs, Finding Elevation is an upward journey of body and mind.” —Foreword Reviews 

“Finding Elevation is an inspiring memoir that shares the challenges the author faced when fighting breast cancer and then conquering the highest mountains in the world: Mount Everest and K2. Lisa takes the reader on a journey as she searches for the answer to the question we so commonly find ourselves asking: Why? Her perspective is intriguing, and her book is difficult to put down. This book is highly recommended to all types of climbers—climbers of physical, mental, or emotional mountains. We all have mountains to climb.”—Lucy Westlake, youngest American female to summit Mount Everest and world record holder as the youngest female to climb all 50 U.S. state highpoints