Uplifted

The Evolution of a Climbing Life

By: Sonnie Trotter

Narrated by: Sonnie Trotter

How is a person changed by commitment to their passion, and how does their commitment change over time? These are questions that esteemed climber Sonnie Trotter asks as he reflects on the most thrilling adventures of his sport and his life.

2025 is Sonnie Trotter’s 30th year climbing. He’s been at the forefront of the sport for most of that time, specializing in first ascents on rock faces most people cannot imagine scaling. In Uplifted, Sonnie recounts the most memorable moments of his career, also describing the rich relationships that are the spine of the sport. In addition, he investigates the psyche that draws one to and then evolves during years of engaging with this uniquely challenging endeavor.

From learning to climb in an ancient grain silo in southern Ontario, to mastering some of the hardest, tallest rock climbs on Earth, Sonnie shares entertaining but candid tales about life on the road, living in the dirt, overcoming obstacles, and changing within his sport. He writes as if he is sharing stories around the campfire at the end of a great day, evoking that feeling of being bone-tired but loving the camaraderie so much so that you don’t want to retire to your tent. He embodies a "humble masculinity" in what is perceived as a high-adrenaline, hard-charging sport, but reveals that climbing is very much about careful consideration, insightful reflection, and balancing challenge and risk.

Sonnie speaks openly about how his attitude towards the risks climbing demands has shifted as he has aged and his life’s circumstances have altered. Now married with two young children, he describes how he has reconciled these parts of his life and his identity. This is a crossroads that many – whether from commitment to a sport or through other circumstances of life – have faced and will relate to.

Excellent

I really enjoyed the book. Great stories from one of the best climbers of our time.

Inspiring, joyful read

I've always looked up to Sonnie as a climber based on his climbing achievements, mostly through climbing footage. The book was a great way to learn more about the person and the stories behind his climbing journey, and it made me more inspired and hungrier to continue to develop as a climber and to pursue further adventures.

Awesome book

Awesome book. Great collection of climbing and life stories. Well narrated to boot - the book flew by in the best way. Thank you Sonnie!

Inspiring

Listening to Sonnie’s account of these various adventures are both far out yet relatable. It is easy to connect with his thinking and inspire you to appreciate the process while simultaneously push yourself to your limit of adventure.

Average

I found Sonny's memoir to be very average. I'm sure he is a pixelate climart, but this book was not very exciting. I cannot recommend it