Royal RobbinsTo Be Brave

As I climber, I had the distinct privilege of meeting Mr. Robbins last year during an American Alpine Club event that he and his wife graciously hosted at their cabin.Admittedly, and shamefully, I didn't know a whole lot about Mr. Robbins beyond what could be gathered from quickly through wiki. As impressive as the wiki information is, as it catalogs all of his greatest climbing achievements, it didn't prepare me for meeting a genuinely great human being.So recently I was delighted to discover his autobiography on Amazon. What impressed me the most was the fortitude of his mother in raising him and his involvement in Boy Scouts. As a Scout leader, I find this book to be truly inspirational. Mr. Robbins' life is, in many ways, a testimony to what Scouting can do for boys; how they develop into great men and leaders through the program. Having just finished reading this book, I'm looking forward to passing it along to my sons and I hope they are as inspired by Royal Robbins just as much. If you are a Scout, a Scouter, or just interested in reading a book about a person who triumphed over some bad decisions at a critical time as a young adult, you will truly find this first volume of Royal Robbins autobiography a must read.Thank you, Royal Robbins, for sharing with us the story of your life. I can't wait until the next volume in the series is out!

Very down to earth, well written insight into Royal's beginnings as a climber. The only downside to the bike is that he planned to write several more, which is shown in the way he wrote this book. When you finish it, realizing the others in the series will never be completed is borderline depressing. Rest In Peace Royal

Robbins is a legend, so he had some interesting material to cover, but much of the book reads like he was transcribing from his diary - lots of facts (e.g., pancakes for breakfast, details of not especially important trips). I give it four stars for the events, three for the writing.

A glimpse into the formative years of an American climbing pioneer. Written in an extremely accessible and personal style, this book is less a climbing memoir than a transformative story of a young man overcoming adversity in a simpler time, using the discovery of climbing and led along by mentors from the Boy Scouts of America.Three Stars. A good read, but not soul stirring or particularly memorable.

A great sport related story about an Iconic figure in rock climbing. Easy read in a few days at most. I met a friend of his, Reggie Lake who kayak with Royal and others on many first ascents many of the Sierra Nevada rivers and became interested in their lives. I enjoyed the book.

I read this book in three days it was so good. Very interesting to see how great climbers like Royal got their start into the sport. After I read this I Immediately ordered Fail Falling, the next book.Also I strongly recommend Beyond The Vertical by Layton Kor- also an amazing book!

I was disappointed with the book and I don't get the idea of narrating his life in so many different volumes. For the same reason it gets really boring because he is explaining his adventures in so much detail that someone who does not follow climbing will get lost in the book. Like who cares what your wife prepared for you to eat when you are spending the night in the ledge by yourself. Even if someone cares why spend two pages explaining that. Not going to spend my money on other volumes for sure.

I know Royal but I didn't know his beginnings. His tale of youth and becoming a premier mountaineer is a great read. Royal is a wonderful individual.