Touch the Top of the World

A Blind Man's Journey to Climb Farther Than the Eye Can See

By: Erik Weihenmayer

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Erik Weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of 13. But Erik was determined to rise above this devastating disability and lead a fulfilling and exciting life. In this poignant and inspiring memoir, he shares his struggle to push past the limits imposed on him by his visual impairment - and by a seeing world.

He speaks movingly of the role his family played in his battle to break through the barriers of blindness: the mother who prayed for the miracle that would restore her son's sight and the father who encouraged him to strive for that distant mountaintop. And he tells the story of his dream to climb the world's Seven Summits—and how he turned that dream into astonishing reality, something fewer than 200 mountaineers have achieved.

From the snow-capped summit of McKinley to the towering peaks of Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro to the ultimate challenge, Mount Everest, this is a story about daring to dream in the face of impossible odds. It is about finding the courage to reach for that ultimate summit and transform your life into something truly miraculous.

©2001, 2002 Erik Weihenmayer (P)2002 The Audio Partners Publishing Corp

Critic reviews

"An inspiration to other blind people and plenty of us folks who can see just fine." (Jon Krakauer, author of Into Thin Air)

"Vivid and compelling." ( Time)

"A heartfelt, astounding tale." ( The Washington Post Book World)

Amazing story of overcoming

True inspiration. “Super Blind” is an encouragement to all people about overcoming the odds when they’re stacked against us.

Super inspiring!

Ever feel like the odds are stacked against you? Then you need to listen to this! Be careful listening around youngins, as there is some colorful language.

A book everyone should read.

Erik's story is for everyone. It will inspire you to do more with your life and reach a little higher.

Outstanding!

I listened to this book three times because it is so rich with descriptions of the author's travels and his tenacity in overcoming a "handicap." He shows us all that our only handicap is our own limited thinking!

Inspirational and entertaining

Erik’s dialog and outlook on his experience resonates with so many of the struggles we all face but his example, character, and humility are exceptional. I see the Marine in him from his father and tenderness from his mother. It has been an inspiration to watch him speak but his book is way better!

The narration is wonderful as well... Great books can be boring on audio if the speaker is monotone. This played well on the morning commute or relaxing at home.