Survival Is Not Assured - by Geoff Powter (Paperback)

About the Book

Jim Donini's groundbreaking journey to the top: tragedy, redemption, and a Patagonian peak at age 74

Book Synopsis

"A bold and full account of a remarkable climbing life, exceptionally well told..."--Yvon Chouinard

National Outdoor Book Award Winner
Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist

Jim Donini has been an icon of American climbing for the past 50 years, pushing the boundaries of alpine ascents around the world and inspiring generations with his achievements. In Survival Is Not Assured, award-winning author Geoff Powter dives into Donini's remarkable life story, exploring his groundbreaking climbs and his tumultuous experiences both on and off the rock. From the tragic death of his best friend in a car accident to his integral role in the Yosemite "Valley Uprising," Donini's life has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but his spirit of resilience and determination has been unyielding.

Through personal interviews and never-before-shared stories, this authorized biography examines the life and legacy of this iconic climber, providing an inspiring and thought-provoking look at an American legend.

Review Quotes

In this extraordinarily well-done biography, Geoff Powter lifts the veil on the life of alpinist Jim Donini. What makes this book stand out is the way that Powter inserts the reader in the biography. It's akin to hiking with Donini to the base of a climb, and listening, while Donini casually reveals more and more of himself.--Ron Watters "2024 National Outdoor Book Awards Judges"

A deeply human portrait of an alpine climbing legend that extends well beyond Jim Donini's visionary ascents and ventures into more complex terrain: the layers of beauty, tragedy, and purpose in a remarkable life.--Kelly Cordes "author of The Tower"

Portraying such a complex and iconic personality as Jim Donini is a daunting task, but Geoff Powter pulls it off with grace, powerfully combining his skills as a writer, climber, and clinical psychologist. He takes us along on a wild journey, both physical and emotional, to understand his subject. Reading this book feels like listening to intimate conversations as Powter encourages his interviewees to dig deep, revealing the many facets of Donini's character and the triumphs and tragedies of his life.--Maria Coffey "author of Instead"

Powter's account of an extraordinary person's extraordinary climbing life is vivid and acute. More moving still is his morally complex exposé of how the intoxication and solace offered by climbing can change the course not just of a single person's life, but the lives of all of the people around them. This book is a great, totally unique achievement.--David Smart "author of Royal Robbins"

This is a beautifully written book that pulls at the heart and lifts up the spirit. Like all great books, I finished reading and wanted more.--Barry Blanchard "author of The Calling"

This is one of the best reads of climbing and exploration literature, and of the complex psychology that drives adventure. Powter has accomplished the remarkable feat of compassionately revealing an exemplary and charismatic mountain life that is also filled with terrible tragedies and very human complexities. Powter's skill, and willingness, to explore both sides of the story is a humane victory for both the writer and his subject.--Sharon Roberts "psychoanalyst, lifelong adventure traveler"

Writing a biography of a living climber is fraught with peril. Both Geoff Powter and Jim Donini deserve medals for their bravery in tackling the most difficult and important aspects of a life so complex and remarkable. Most impressive is their delicate dance in pursuit of trust and truth. Powter uses all of his skills as a writer, a climber and a psychologist to produce this muscular, yet sensitive volume, his best yet.--Bernadette McDonald "author of Alpine Rising"

A bold and full account of a remarkable climbing life, exceptionally well told...--Yvon Chouinard

Jim Donini is a wild mountain lover and a legitimate legend for all he has achieved, and his remarkable story is written right into his skin. In its deep folds, you can read all the great peaks and the deep valleys he has had to cross. He has never taken the easy way: when he sets off from base camp, he always leaves with the heaviest backpack and looks for the most challenging route, and he always has the biggest smile on his face. Many climbers his age retire from the game and settle for telling stories of things they once did, but this is never Jim: He is still out there, exploring and dreaming, often showing the way to partners half his age. Spend just a little while with Jim and you can see why he connects so well with the new generations of climbers: because under that wise old skin, there is still a wild boy who imagines towering walls, long, cold leads, and big storms, and still knows what those mountain moments bring. For anyone who wants to understand what it takes, and what it can cost, to have the fullest mountain life, this book is a wonderfully compelling, insightful and honest guide.--Thomas Huber