If I Live Until Morning

A True Story of Adventure, Tragedy and Transformation

By: Jean Muenchrath

Narrated by: Sarah Brands

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Best Book Awards Finalist - Travel and Essays Category (Sponsored by the American Book Fest)

An inspiring memoir about a courageous woman's survival and recovery from an adventure-induced trauma - and the power of her dreams to overcome tragedy and live life to the fullest.

Her wilderness adventure turned into a nightmare. After skiing more than 200 miles along California's John Muir Trail, Jean faces death from a mountaineering accident on Mount Whitney. Broken and bleeding on the highest peak in the continental United States, she vows to realize her greatest dreams if she lives until morning. Her escape from the Sierra Nevada Mountains turns into an amazing five-day survival story. Jean's recovery is equally daunting.

In this outdoor adventure memoir, her three-decade journey takes her from the depths of despair and chronic pain, to the heights of the Himalayas and on travels around the world. When the specter of Mount Whitney continues to shatter her life, Jean befriends Tibetan lamas. Their ancient wisdom guides her on a path beyond her wildest dreams.

©2018 Jean Muenchrath (P)2020 Jean Muenchrath

Critic Reviews

"This is an inspiring book, and well written. Highly recommended for all who love mountains, nature - and life." (Story Circle Book Reviews - reviewing books by, for, and about women) 

“An incredible, beautiful Story.” (Backpacker Radio) 

“This is a story of courage, and at the center of the story is the author’s drive to survive, to heal, to manifest a new reality. If you are looking for an inspiring story, then this is it! Narrator Sarah Brands voice is warm, pleasant and clear. It fits perfectly with the book’s style and tone.” (Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews) 

Definite listen for those looking for “more” (than the obvious/given)

Muenchrath’s is an amazing and inspiring story of remarkable strength, courage, determination and love. Sarah Brand, with her calm and softly modulating voice couldn’t have been more perfect for telling this particular story.

Not worth my credit

True the author went through an ordeal I can only imagine but after years of introspection and having generous people in other cultures and religions share their wisdom she fails to even have a glimmer of insight into the meaning of life in service to others.
Each chapter left us wishing the book would finally be over.

Surviving until morning was just the beginning

This life long journey starts with an epic, well documented, and captivating survival adventure.

But then life goes on as the author takes you along on her continuing spiritual, travel, and continuing life journey. Excellent and a lot to consider in framing one’s own journey.

Motivating

Despite the tragedy and difficulties she encountered, I want to explore this world much more before I leave it.

Inspirational

Couldn’t stop listening to loved the full story and to see the journey of life very inspirational

Focus could have been better

While the overall message of the book was inspiring, it took nearly the entire book to arrive at the main message. The story is bogged down with unnecessary details, which had the result of making the book a bit boring and slow moving. Despite the unnecessary details, I found myself wanting to know more about details that seemed glossed over. I am happy for Jean that she survived her tragic ordeal and found her happiness in life. It seems this book was more for her than for the reader.

Not What I Expected

The narrator did a great job but the story was a struggle to finish. If this hadn't been chosen for my book club read I would have stopped by chapter 5. The best part of the book was the end. Not just because it was almost over but because it started to get interesting but the writer didn't develop the story well and it was hard to connect to that characters.

Maybe if you were an avid hiker or really into Buddhism, you might enjoy it more than I did.

A good read if you want to know about Buddhism

I really wanted to like this as I love stories of adventure and survival; but this book ran on and on about Buddhism. Also, the actual trauma, which should have played a more prominent role given the book title; was written in a bland, matter-of-fact style.

Amazing story!

I truly appreciate her spirit and daring.
The adventures she has had because of her daring spirit.

beautiful story

Absolutely loved this book. couldn't wait to listen to it everyday. An incredible story told through the eyes of a great adventurer. loved where the story went the second half of the book.