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Sixty Meters to Anywhere Kindle Edition

by Brendan Leonard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 551 ratings
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When Brendan Leonard moved to the West at age 23, he was a mess. He had a tenuous grip on sobriety, only six months after his last drink had landed him in yet another jail cell. It was the final mistake in a long list that included multiple arrests, wrecked cars, broken bones, fistfights, and ruined relationships. In Montana, he took his first steps into the Rocky Mountains, unwittingly beginning a decade-long obsession with climbing and a journey that would take him all over the West and Europe. Written with unflinching honesty and vulnerability, Sixty Meters to Anywhere is the memoir of a barstool storyteller who left the bar and found adventure, redemption, and a life that almost never happened.
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  1. Print length
    184 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Mountaineers Books
  5. Publication date
    March 22, 2016
  6. File size
    2427 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brendan Leonard's writing resonates with the luminous, hard-rock clarity and the elusive sense of grace that can only be encountered at the sharp end of one's rope. A deeply honest, courageously wrought, searingly original testament to the austere rewards of climbing, the transcendent power of wild spaces, and the redemptive radiance of the American West." --Kevin Fedarko, author of The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon
"Nothing is off limits for Leonard in this shocking memoir about recovery from addiction and redemption in the mountains." --Grayson Schaffer, senior editor, Outside
"Brendan Leonard has earned his sensitivity to the human condition the hard way: by tearing himself apart until the pain could no longer be ignored. Brendan's online satirical pieces have always been a surefire laugh for me, but Sixty Meters to Anywhere reveals the darker path from where those quips and jabs emanate. Brendan's voice is at once crass, funny, heart-wrenching, and life-affirming. The heavy irony of Brendan's journey from the gutter to the mountaintop is that his personal perception of the pitfalls of being human, and the possibility of redemption, would make him just the type of bartender that the lonely and lost sometimes need in the long night before the dawn." --Chris Kalous, The Enormocast
"Sixty Meters to Anywhere takes us on a transformative personal journey, showing the power of climbing and the courage that lies within. Brendan writes with his usual blend of purpose, love and honesty, which reflect the person he's become and the life that he lives."--Kelly Cordes, author of The Tower: A Chronicle of Climbing and Controversy on Cerro Torre
"Brendan Leonard's prose has the clarity of crisp granite ridges and flashes of light on summer snow, of moonlight sifting through pine branches and footfalls on silent trails--of all those times when, near the top of a mountain as the air spreads out and the world expands below, you feel as though the simple, yet mysterious act of ascent could actually change your life."--Katie Ives, Editor-in-Chief, Alpinist
"Since climbing's earliest days, non-climbers have asked 'Why?' In Sixty Meters to Anywhere, Brendan Leonard gives the best answer I've ever heard."--Shannon Davis, former editor, Climbing magazine
"Honest as a trad lead, committed as a free solo, this is the story of how a rope becomes life's gift of redemption--and inspiration."--Steve Casimiro, founder, Adventure Journal
"Don't read this book unless you enjoy laughing, adventure, honesty, humility, and excellent storytelling"--Peter Brown, author of Graphic the Valley and The End of Boys

About the Author

Brendan Leonard's writing has appeared in Alpinist, Climbing, Outside, Men's Journal, High Country News, Adventure Cyclist, National Geographic Adventure, and dozens of other publications. He is a contributing editor at Climbing, Adventure Journal, and the podcast The Dirtbag Diaries. He divides his time between Denver and a roaming 2005 Chevy Astrovan. You can find him at semi-rad.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01E9MBNSM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mountaineers Books (March 22, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 22, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2427 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 551 ratings

About the author

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Brendan Leonard

Brendan Leonard

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Brendan Leonard is the creator of Semi-Rad.com and a columnist at Outside, and his writing has appeared in Runner’s World, National Geographic Adventure, Climbing, Alpinist, on CNN.com and in dozens of other publications. He lives in Montana.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
551 global ratings
Could be my own memoir
5 Stars
Could be my own memoir
Wow. I bought this in 2016 and just started, and finished it, in September 2021. Good things come to those who wait I suppose… I am also an ex-alcoholic, and a climber. I live in Colorado as well. It was great to see climbs described that I’ve done myself. But even more than that were the personal bits, and reflections of mistakes made when drinking. I cried multiple times reading this—and I don’t ever do that. I could’ve written this memoir myself; it’s so similar to my own life. It’s a great reminder of why it’s so important to stay on track. I’ll be keeping this for my life, and sending copies to friends. How utterly fantastic.
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Top reviews from the United States

L. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Brendan’s conversational writing style and intelligent perceptions make this a book that is a pleasure ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2016
Verified Purchase
Sixty Meters to Anywhere, Brendan Leonard’s story of redemption, survival, and arrival, is honest, insightful and entertaining. We would expect no less from the creator of Semi-rad.com. His sincere, brave narrative of rising from the ashes of addiction, arrest and general assholery to find an identity as a climber is a tale relatable to all. Brendan’s conversational writing style and intelligent perceptions make this a book that is a pleasure to read and hard to put down.
Brendan notes that, “In addiction, just like climbing, you can’t fall off if you don’t let go.” This inspirational message resonates throughout the book. Additionally, Brendan writes, “I’m a climber, finally identified by something I do instead of something I don’t do.” One can’t help thinking that snippets of wisdom like these are a comfort to those who struggle to overcome addictions.
Perhaps Brendan’s most important message is simple and summarized well in one quote: “Is it more foolish to risk your life or risk wasting your life?” He answers that question in pure pragmatic Semi-rad style, with integrity, intelligence and enthusiastic charm.
5 people found this helpful
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Landall Proctor
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Story
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
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I've read lots of stories about addiction and recovery. Lots of those stories include some sort of other activity that the person discovers to slot into the void that their previous vice used to fill. In this case, it's climbing, which is awesome. But the the thing I think I appreciated most about Brendan's story is it made me think about whether I'd make the same decision Brendan did, given the same circumstances. I'm still not sure. But that's what was beautiful about this story. Brendan's conviction and determination to make an assessment and then stick with it.

As with all of Brendan's books, Sixty Meters to Anywhere is well written and full of great stories, stitched together by a larger narrative. It's really great. You should read it.
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Willie Bailey
5.0 out of 5 stars My Hero.
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
As an avid reader of Semi-Rad and Brendan's previous books, this was my favorite. His third book hit a little closer to home. One of my dear friends struggled with addiction and found solace in the outdoors also. He is not a reader. I recommended this and he purchased it. It was a story very similar to his, so he was finished within days. He was moved and loved it. After he read this book and we discussed it. He says he stills struggles time to time as I imagine Brendan does. The discussion made Brendan's struggles more real to me. My admiration grew for my friend and Brendan. My friend has since married, had two beautiful children and races paddle boards in his off time. He has built a beautiful life and is very happy and content. I commend him for it all. My hero. Brendan has also accomplished so much since and built a great life. He has built a great following of loyal readers of Semi-Rad who look forward to every Thursday for a little motivation, humor or inspiration. He is trying to good and add something of value and substance to this world. We need more of that!
This book is a great read! I highly recommend it to anyone. BUY IT NOW!

To the person who gave it 1 star: Haters gonna hate right? Brendan penned his life, his struggles, his addiction, all of it and tried to contain it all in 224 pages. 5 stars every time for taking the time, putting in the work and having the guts to put his soul out there. Buy a climbing guide, live some life and put some love in your heart!
2 people found this helpful
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Alyson Nicklas
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s beautiful and real
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
It takes courage to own who you are, and what you’ve been through. I just finished 60 Meters to Anywhere. As someone who has been through her own hell and back with brain trauma and a slew of other traumatic events, it was so refreshing and empowering to read his story. It’s told with rawness, grace and humor. He owns his story without apology and with depth and honesty. Bravo, Brendan.

Go buy this book and read it. It’s beautiful and real, and you’ll learn something about yourself, and about the power that lies within owning your own story, your mistakes, and who you are.
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Patrick Thacher
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read! Not just for Climbers!
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2016
Verified Purchase
Great read. The book was both hilarious and inspiring. Brendan Leonard is genuine, and very easy to relate to. Whether you love the power of the outdoors, are an alcoholic looking for something else, or just someone looking for meaning in your life, this would be a great read. It shows the power of tenacity and perseverance to create a new and better identity. It is truly inspired stuff.
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Top reviews from other countries

rosalind hawes
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
It is rare to find an author willing to be honest about themselves without embellishment or ego. Leonards writing style is uncomplicated, he doesn't over describe the reality he is conveying and this lends his narrative a beautiful humility. Regardless of whether you are into climbing or not this is a heart wrenching heart warming auto bio of facing yourself and surviving.
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Adele Bachelu
5.0 out of 5 stars ... really wanted this book so I'm sure it is great!
Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
It is a gift for a friend who really wanted this book so I'm sure it is great!
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars An honest and thoughtful journey through some (semi)ordinary circumstances!
Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
I always enjoyed Brendan's writing style, as he mixes in humour beside some pretty heavy topics, without ever diluting the impact.

Sixty Meters focuses on his hardships with alcoholism and his discovery of climbing. It's honest, witty, and helps to bring back a bit of humanity into the idea of addiction.

A suggested reading for anyone who's found a bit of salvation in climbing :)
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ajwatts
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and Honest... and more than semi-rad
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2016
Verified Purchase
A heartfelt story about a pretty awesome guy. Honest and not self-aggrandising. If you like Semi-Rad.com and listen to the Dirtbag Diaries much of this will be familiar - but a good read.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
Great book. Honest. Well written.
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