Above the Clouds

How I Carved My Own Path to the Top of the World

By: Kilian Jornet

Narrated by: Steven Brand

"Kilian Jornet is the most dominating endurance athlete of his generation." (New York Times)

"Inspiring and humbling." (Alex Honnold)

The most accomplished mountain runner of all time contemplates his record-breaking climbs of Mount Everest in this profound memoir - an intellectual and spiritual journey that moves from the earth’s highest peak to the soul’s deepest reaches.

Kilian Jornet has broken nearly every mountaineering record in the world and twice been named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. In 2018 he summitted Mount Everest twice in one week - without the help of bottled oxygen or ropes.

As he recounts a life spent studying and ascending the greatest peaks on earth, Jornet ruminates on what he has found in nature - simplicity, freedom, and spiritual joy - and offers a poetic yet clearheaded assessment of his relationship to the mountain...at times his opponent, at others, his greatest inspiration.

©2020 Kilian Jornet (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Kílian’s motivation isn’t what you might imagine. It has nothing to do with race results. And his happiness derives not from victory. Instead, it’s adventure that sparks Kílian’s joy. Immersion in nature. Living outside the comfort zone. And always, always exploring." (Rich Roll)

Not my favorite.

I had higher hopes for this one. I had a hard time relating and engaging.

Loved it

Fantastic insight into what Kilian's mind is like and what it takes to achieve what he has achieved. If you've followed anything he's done so far you will enjoy it.

Great story

Intreresting story, well edited. There's a lot to learn from Killian about running and how to approach running

I could’ve done without

I honestly don’t know what I took away from this book. Its not a bad book it’s just kind of a couple brief stories about climbing some mountains in different aspects of his life. I wouldn’t call it motivational. It’s just kind of well. I’m not mad that I read it, but I also could’ve done without it.

Interesting

Interesting but not very profound. At times it felt somewhat lackluster like a 'page-filler' effect.

Great insight and good stories

Kilian’s success in mountaineering and ultra running is well known. This book dives into his life, his approach to the mountains, and his view of what it means to be a world class athlete in the ultra endurance field. Solid read and would recommend to others who have interest in the outdoors as well as those seeking wisdom regarding ultra endurance sports.

Kilian is s a freethinking explorer.

I can’t remember if it is in the last or next to last chapter where Kilian goes off on social media and the farce of a spectacle that our daily life has become but it was beautiful. I liked how he doesn’t keep ANY of his rewards, he gives them away. The guy is arguably a GOAT and his approach to sport and life is just so damn refreshing. I usually listen to audiobooks when I cut the grass and I must’ve looked like a crazed lunatic at times as I was busting out laughing at some of his very genuine and unpredictable ways of looking at life, sport and competition. As an American it seems to be a very European perspective and in the age of f’n total social BS it was a very pleasant break. Some of the mountaineering was way, way over my head and I didn’t understand really any of it but I pushed through. I also appreciated the inclusion of his love for his wife and her role in his life. I hope to some day have such a soul partner. Great book Kilian, thank you 🤙

Feeling inspired

True inspiration! In the same time truly human being, down to earth and humble Kilian Jornet 💯👍🏼

An easy listen...

In awe! incredibly inspiring and easy to listen to!
Motivation comes from within, this man clears the mind.

Short on the spiritual

A good depiction of his accomplishments but mostly disappointing. Not what I had expected. I guess I had hoped for something deeper.