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  • The Calling

  • A Life Rocked by Mountains
  • By: Barry Blanchard
  • Narrated by: Barry Blanchard
  • Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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The Calling

By: Barry Blanchard
Narrated by: Barry Blanchard
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Summary

With heart-pounding descriptions of avalanches and treacherous ascents, Barry Blanchard chronicles his transformation from a poor Native American/white kid from the wrong side of the tracks to one of the most respected alpinists in the world. At 13 he learned to rappel when he joined the 1292 Lord Strathcone's Horse Army Cadets. Soon kicked out for insubordination, he was already hooked on climbing and saw alpinism as a way to make his single mother proud and end his family's cycle of poverty. He describes early climbs attempted with nothing to guide him but written trail descriptions and the cajones of youth. He slowly acquired the skills, equipment and partners necessary to tackle more and more difficult climbs, farther and farther afield: throughout the Canadian Rockies, into Alaska and the French Alps and on to Everest, Peru, and the challenging mountains in Pakistan. From each he learned lessons that only nature and extreme endeavor can teach. This is the story of the culture of climbing in the days of punk rock, spurred on by the rhythm of adrenaline and the arrogance of youth. It is also a portrait of the power of the mountains to lift us.

©2014 Barry Blanchard (P)2017 Random House Audio

What listeners say about The Calling

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Enthralling

I am sad that I have finished this audiobook! One of the only books I think I have preferred listening to, rather than reading first hand.

Barry Blanchard tells his story so well. Full of gripping tales that are so vividly described, you could be there on the wall with Barry and his pals.

The book is also powerful and moving in the way it describes the lifelong friendships and bonds built with his fellow climbers.

10/10, could not recommend this book enough.

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  • kb
  • 25-04-19

an aplinist's adeventure

This audio book ruled, and it makes it so much better Barry is the one telling the story. I could see how someone might be turned away if they weren't into climbing. Honestly you probably like some form of climbing if you got this book in the first place. In that case it is a great book! I highly recommend this audio book!

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  • Casey L. Stroud
  • 17-04-19

stories of a man in the mountains rocked with love

barry is an eloquent storyteller. his writing seeps with passion and his humanity.
the fact that he narrated it is icing to the cake

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  • Tyler
  • 06-02-19

Inspirational.

Very happy that Barry narrated his story. It feels like he's sitting beside you tellng his amazing story.

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  • Brenden horn
  • 06-06-18

Wow... Get this book

I loved this book so much and when I find myself on long drives or hikes I’m might dive back into the world of Barry Blanchard and his extraordinary detail and imagery.


RECOMMEND HIGHLY

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 31-05-23

Absolute top notch book

Captivating book only made better by being read by the author. What a fantastic listen and amazing life. Barry seems so incredibly humble and of course well accomplished. I wish I could find climbing partners like Barry.

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  • Katherine C.
  • 22-04-23

So good

I loved that the author read his own work. A must read for anyone who appreciates mountaineering literature.

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  • Faissal
  • 22-12-22

Great chronicling of the author's journey

I liked how the author chronicled his physical journey, and dropped nuggets from forays into his mental/head space.

It's sobering, rather than being too upbeat, and it fulfilled my wanting a book that takes me on a journey, and makes me think.

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  • Juan
  • 13-12-22

Compelling story

Great story for those who understand that a life is better when we live our passions. Barry Blanchard's narration brings the book to life and brings you closer to the events and the people in the book .

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  • Roxie in Dallas
  • 03-12-22

armchair adventure with compulsive clinber

typically I love hearing authors voice reading own words but his gratuitous cursing pulled down one notch. mostly fascinating

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  • Spencer W Moore
  • 03-08-22

Author reading his work makes this 100%

Barry Blanchard reads the text himself, with full on Calgary accent and Rockies slang, you get to hear the fear of God as he curses just as you would expect when taking a massive alpine whip on a sketchy piton. Heartfelt and full of dope history, and good book recommendations.