Where the Air Grows Thin - by Nicole Lobiondo (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For readers of Cheryl Strayed and Anthony Doerr, a lyrical adventure memoir tracing one woman's Seven Summits quest while caring for her mother through ALS--a story of endurance, love, and the cost of coming home changed.

"An incredible work of art."--Alison Levine, New York Times best-selling author of On the Edge

When Nicole LoBiondo set out to climb the Seven Summits--the highest mountain on every continent--she never imagined that her hardest climb would be the one waiting at home.

As Nicole pushes through extreme expeditions--from Antarctica's frozen plateau to the thin air of Everest--she returns home between climbs to care for her mother through a devastating illness. These parallel journeys reveal a story of grit, love, and the emotional cost of choosing strength when life demands everything at once. With clear-eyed honesty and vivid, cinematic detail, LoBiondo captures the reality of high-altitude mountaineering, the toll of long-term caregiving, and the universal struggle to survive what breaks us. Ultimately, she discovers that endurance is not just the ability to keep going up a mountain but also the courage to face loss, reshape identity, and rise again.

A gripping blend of adventure story and intimate family memoir, Where the Air Grows Thin is a powerful story of adventure, caregiving, ALS, and the journey of a daughter fighting to hold on to her mother while learning how to let go.

Review Quotes

"A testament to endurance, discovery, and family, Where the Air Grows Thin will inspire readers to consider the importance of reaching for a dream and the power of love to help us conquer the challenges along the way."--Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Shelterwood

"Nicole takes us on an intimate journey that feels both painful and beautiful at the same time. She reminds us that heartbreak can exist with gratitude, and that courage can always be found deep within us when we need it the most. Often the hardest summits aren't the ones capped in snow--they're the ones we climb within ourselves. An incredible work of art."--Alison Levine, New York Times best-selling author of On the Edge

"Where the Air Grows Thin is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of finding meaning in life's challenges."--Readers' Favorite, 5-star review

"Narrated with power, grace, and humor . . . a luminous memoir about a love strong and enduring enough to bear the knowledge that, while life does not guarantee victory or mercy, the very grief that can destroy can also bring wisdom and strength."--Foreword Reviews

"Readers will find her fascinating and her strength of character inspiring. A compelling read rich in adventure, remarkable places, and complex feelings."--Booklist

"This talented writer has a wild streak, and so does her unforgettable book. Nicole LoBiondo went to the mountains for solace. She found beauty, terror, and love. Her story reads like a tale told to a trusted friend in a windblown tent, high on a bleak Himalayan ridge."--Clint Willis, author of The Boys of Everest

"As a fellow survivor of the 2015 Everest earthquake and avalanche, I found Nicole's account deeply moving and personal. Through vivid detail and a compelling writing style, Nicole brings the mountain to life on the page. If you've ever wanted to understand what climbing the world's highest peaks is truly like, this is a powerful and unforgettable read."--Mike Hamill, owner and head guide of Climbing the Seven Summits

"Nicole LoBiondo's book has pierced my cynical view of climber narratives. She finds and relates the overwhelming majesty, harshness, and purity of high mountain vistas and the strengths and weaknesses of good people under stress. It certainly isn't a smooth journey, but the mountain climber that emerges by the book's conclusion can handle successes and setbacks alike."
--Dave Hahn, renowned mountaineer and guide

About the Author

Nicole LoBiondo is a writer and mountaineer who set out to climb the Seven Summits while serving as primary caregiver to her mother during a seven-year battle with ALS. She has climbed some of the world's highest peaks, including Vinson, Denali, and Aconcagua, while simultaneously navigating the profound terrain of caregiving, grief, and resilience at home. That parallel journey became the foundation of her debut memoir, Where the Air Grows Thin. Her writing explores the landscapes that shape us, both external and internal. Her work has appeared in HuffPost, Alpinist, and Outside.