Where The Air Grows Thin
This memoir began as a love letter to my mother, to the mountains, and to the impossible act of holding on while learning to let go. In writing this story, I wanted to honor the courage it takes not only to climb, but to care. Not only to ascend, but to stay.
At its heart, Where the Air Grows Thin is about how we survive what we once believed we could not. It is about rising again and again into the thin air of our own becoming.
Available for pre-order here:
“A testament to endurance, discovery, and family, Where the Air Grows Thin will inspire readers to consider the importance of reaching for a dream and the power of love to help us conquer the challenges along the way.”
— Lisa Wingate,
#1 New York Times bestselling author
“A reminder of the power of love and the importance of finding meaning in life’s challenges.”
— Readers’ Favorite,
5-star review
“This talented writer has a wild streak, and so does her unforgettable book. Nicole LoBiondo went to the mountains for solace. She found beauty, terror, and love. Her story reads like a tale told to a trusted friend in a windblown tent, high on a bleak Himalayan ridge.”
— Clint Willis,
author of The Boys of Everest
“Narrated with power, grace, and humor . . .
a luminous memoir about a love strong and enduring enough to bear the knowledge that, while life does not guarantee victory or mercy, the very grief that can destroy can also bring wisdom and strength.”
— Foreword
“Nicole LoBiondo’s book has pierced my cynical view of climber narratives. She finds and relates the overwhelming majesty, harshness, and purity of high mountain vistas and the strengths and weaknesses of good people under stress. It certainly isn’t a smooth journey, but the mountain climber that emerges by the book’s conclusion can handle successes and setbacks alike.”
— Dave Hahn,
renowned mountaineer and guide
“A raw, visceral account… If you’ve ever wanted to understand what climbing the world’s highest peaks is truly like, this is a powerful and unforgettable read.”
— Mike Hamill,
Everest expedition leader
“Nicole takes us on an intimate journey that feels both painful and beautiful at the same time. She reminds us that heartbreak can exist with gratitude, and that courage can always be found deep within us when we need it the most. Often the hardest summits aren’t the ones capped in snow—they’re the ones we climb within ourselves.”
— Alison Levine,
New York Times bestselling author
“Readers will find her fascinating and
her strength of character inspiring.
A compelling read rich in adventure, remarkable places, and complex feelings.”
— Booklist
“Nicole beautifully captures the mountains and the journey of life.
A truly inspiring read.”
— Tendi Sherpa,
Himalayan mountaineer and guide