The Sharp End of Life

A Mother’s Story

By: Dierdre Wolownick

Narrated by: Ann Richardson

Wife and mother. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66, Dierdre Wolownick-Honnold became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite - and in The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story, she shares her intimate journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence.

Dierdre grew up under the watchful eyes of a domineering mother and realized early on that her parents’ plans for her future weren’t what she wanted for herself. Later, what seemed like a storybook romance brought escape, with new experiences and eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her husband was not the happy-go-lucky man he had first appeared. Adapting as best she could, Dierdre juggled work and raising two young children, encouraging them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her “little lady” Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in amazement as Alex started climbing practically before he could crawl.

After years of struggle in her marriage and her ultimate divorce, Dierdre found inspiration in her now-adult children’s passions, as well as new depths within herself. At Stasia’s urging, she took up running at age 54 and soon completed several marathons. Then at age 58, Alex led her on her first rock climbs. A world of friendship and support suddenly opened up to her within the climbing “tribe”, culminating in her record-setting ascent of El Cap with her son.

From confused young wife and busy but lonely mother to confident middle-aged athlete, Dierdre brings the listener along as she finds new strength, happiness, and community in the outdoors - and a life of learning, acceptance, and spirit.

©2019 Dierdre Wolownick (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

enjoyable

I find other people's lives interesting. I appreciate her sharing her story .
I personally find fiction somewhat aggravating but a true account of almost anything if it's told well, is enjoyable.

Heartfelt story of a mother

This really was a beautiful, rich, and heartfelt story. I think most people know of Dierdre through her son Alex but she has her own story to tell, and the hard work, will power, and strength she shares in this book is worth every minute.

Excellent Storytelling

From the beginning of this book I didn't want to stop listening. Dierdre is an amazing writer and much of her background resonated with me. Her ability to overcome obstacles and challenges is inspiring. Her description of how climbing impacts and enriches life like nothing else rings true for me as well.

A Fantastic Mother and Family Portrait

Often success in life can be measured by the stressors that created it. A Great read!

Hope for climbers in the second half of life

I didn’t realize this was Alex Honnald’s mother. I was just interested to hear the story of how someone like me, who came to climbing later in life, was able to build enough skill and fitness to climb El Capitan. This book gave me hope for my own journey as a climber. I appreciated the honesty of the writing and the insecurities that Dierdre shared. We’re all fallible humans who experience challenges in life, but if we work hard we can achieve extraordinary things.