A review by bridge_overbooked
In the Shadow of the Mountain: A Memoir of Courage by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

4.5

This was an incredibly powerful story & one that I think more people should read! I imagine that it's difficult to intertwine stories of abuse, female empowerment, mountaineering, queer exploration, & family trauma, but somehow the author does it in a way that seems natural. All of the things that she went through really put everyday issues into perspective.

"In the Shadow of the Mountain" is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey of healing and self-discovery through mountaineering. After experiencing trauma and addiction, Vasquez-Lavado finds solace in climbing, eventually becoming the first openly gay woman to complete the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent. The book intertwines her personal struggles with her physical challenges on the mountains, offering an inspiring narrative of resilience and empowerment. Vasquez-Lavado's story highlights the power of confronting one's inner demons while pushing physical limits in extreme environments.