Climbing with Mollie

By: William Finnegan

Narrated by: William Finnegan

Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning memoirist of Barbarian Days William Finnegan had devoted his days to chasing waves as a lifelong surfer. When his adolescent daughter, Mollie, proves to be a natural-born climber, Finnegan follows his newfound passion toward rock climbing. It’s an arduous apprenticeship, and it turns the parent-child dynamic on its head, as Mollie slips into the role of coach and mentor, while her father has to push his limits to keep pace.

Finnegan takes listeners deep into the world of climbing–indoors and out, from climbing gyms to rock faces in Central Park, Mexico and Canada. Mollie, a wry and gentle soul who had shown no previous interest in sports, grows into a ferociously gifted climber, and she leads the way. What begins as a hobby for the father-daughter duo becomes an obsession, as they start taking every opportunity to slip on their climbing shoes, chalk up their hands, and attack problems, climber-speak for routes. They learn a new language of specialized moves and rock types, they seek tougher climbs and forge new memories–not just muscle memories. Through it all, they add a new dimension to their relationship. 

As he and Mollie start climbing outdoors, tackling harder and higher climbs, the endeavor increasingly takes on another aspect: danger, which climbers call exposure. Finnegan offers a candid and gripping look at risk, fear, and humility in the pursuit of a perilous hobby. While he navigates the boundaries of trust and adventure, as well as the far edge of his physical limits, he reminds listeners that to fall is to be human.

This Audible Original includes an additional interview Finnegan did with his daughter, Mollie, for the story. 

©2019 William Finnegan (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

How to be a good Dad.

Not sure it was the intention, but the author illustrates how to be a good Dad by being involved without being controlling. At least eventually and with respect to climbing.

Not terribly interesting

The authors reading was boring to listen to. The interview at the end is the best part by far.

A serendipitous find!

So enjoyable, clever, detailed, doting, dad, daughter. Sweet intimate tale about a learned and shared passion. The bonus interview was icing on the cake! Thanks!

Very Cute

I Love the connection the share through a sport. Thats really cool. I enjoyed it a lot.

Strangely fulfilling

My 10 y/o daughter and I listened to this in a brief road trip. Serves as a great reminder about the importance of building deep connections and prioritizing what’s important in your life.

good story. room for improvment though

good story and well written, but the story needed a bit more of lows between the highs of the climb. tell the story of the car rides, the discussions, the drama, your health ailments expanded etc. listening I feel like we were only getting skin deep from a proud dad.

Awesome Writing & Narration

William Finnegan tells a heartfelt story about relationship, adventure, and rock climbing. Thank you so much!

Good listen

Very well done. An interesting story. Loved the way a father and daughter found something that brought them closer. It seems today, parents and children are miles apart, with nothing to bring them closer. This story was a breath of fresh air. Very good voice performance, also. I recommend it.

Excellent book

I love the book, the relation between father and daughter, the sport of climbing that for me is so difficult and I admira the people that do it. Finnegan is a good writer.

Great Father Daughter documentary

I love books like this. They get me back into my adventure spirit and excited to the adventures with my kids.