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The Calling
- A Life Rocked by Mountains
- Narrated by: Barry Blanchard
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
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The Calling
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Publisher's Summary
With heart-pounding descriptions of avalanches and treacherous ascents, Barry Blanchard chronicles his transformation from a poor Native American/white kid from the wrong side of the tracks to one of the most respected alpinists in the world. At 13 he learned to rappel when he joined the 1292 Lord Strathcone's Horse Army Cadets. Soon kicked out for insubordination, he was already hooked on climbing and saw alpinism as a way to make his single mother proud and end his family's cycle of poverty. He describes early climbs attempted with nothing to guide him but written trail descriptions and the cajones of youth. He slowly acquired the skills, equipment and partners necessary to tackle more and more difficult climbs, farther and farther afield: throughout the Canadian Rockies, into Alaska and the French Alps and on to Everest, Peru, and the challenging mountains in Pakistan. From each he learned lessons that only nature and extreme endeavor can teach. This is the story of the culture of climbing in the days of punk rock, spurred on by the rhythm of adrenaline and the arrogance of youth. It is also a portrait of the power of the mountains to lift us.
What listeners say about The Calling
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2020-05-08
A climber’s book
A collection of incredible stories from the mountains that doesn’t mess around in layman’s terms. Refreshing compared with some other mountain literature.
Well written, personable, and intense. I appreciated that it’s read by the Barry himself.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Matthew
- 2019-12-20
Awesome all around.
I love this book. The overarching narrative and all the stories within are amazing. And with Barry himself doing the audio, the authenticity of the book shines through brilliantly. I personally find it incredibly entertaining and hilarious at times. Heart breaking and super inspiring. Being a climber that lives in Calgary, I love being able to relate to the stories of mountains in the area too. I've already listened to the book several times (I own the book too). Well done Barry!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Frazer
- 2019-07-01
if you rock climb you need to read this book
loved it. could have done with less swearing. makes me really appreciate the old times and the origin of the sport.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- owen mcleod
- 2021-10-02
stunning book read by one of the alpinism greats
engaging narration, thrilling stories, and heartfelt moments make up this lovely autobiography of Barry's life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous
- 2019-06-27
Did you just say salamander sounds?
Absolutely loved it. Barry Blanchard does an excellent job as a narrator and story teller. The book had me laughing at his hilarious recounting of stories. It left me with an even greater appreciation for mountains and climbing. Hands down one of my favorite audiobooks of all time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- alan
- 2024-10-12
Absolutely outstanding
Probably the best book ever written about a climbers life. Written with heart, transparency and vulnerability. Thank you Barry.
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