Patricia Ellis HerrCritiques

Check out my review at:
http://www.shannonsbookbag.blogspot.com/2012/08/up-herr.html

It was lots of fun to share Patricia & Alex's adventures. I laughed and got teary eyed at different times while reading this book.

This book is the author's story of taking up hiking with her 5-year-old daughter Alex and deciding to hike to the top of all 48 4000-foot peaks in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Herr relates some of her early mistakes and some unexpected dangers (a sudden thunderstorm on an exposed peak or a violent bird on a trail). On and off the trail, Herr must face the judgment of others who think that Alex is too young to be participating in White Mountain Hikes. But she also receives a lot of support, including from a kilted hiker who goes by the name MadRiver, who becomes their greatest ally despite claiming not to like children. Alex troops onwards and upwards and in less than two years becomes one of the youngest people to ever summit all 48 peaks (although Herr is never specific about whether Alex is the actual youngest). The message is that anyone can do it, although in my most cynical moments reading this book I'd have to append that anyone can do it if they're prosperous enough to home school, buy a second home in New Hampshire, and acquire thousands of dollars of hiking gear and clothing (the author is positively steeped in privilege and doesn't seem to be aware of it). That being said, the heart of this book is the story of a mother and a daughter enjoying themselves outdoors in one of my favorite places, and the blessings of experiencing things through young eyes.½

I love the subject - empowering kids to think big - but it was just too preachy for my tastes. It read like her kid is perfect and anyone that wants to raise their kids differently is wrong, doesn't get it, watches too much TV and/or is a working mother.½

I enjoyed "Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure" by Patricia Ellis Herr much more than I thought I would. The book tells the true story of Trish's daughter Alex, who climbed all 48 four thousand footers in New Hampshire before her seventh birthday.

I hike in the Whites frequently and have bumped into Trish & Alex once-- and can attest that Alex is an extraordinary little girl who delights in hiking. Trish can come off a bit preachy-- she loves her daughters and thinks they are the best, brightest, most amazing daughters ever (which is natural, but not necessarily the most fun thing to read. I don't think she is really looking down on other parents, but sometimes it comes off that way.)

Overall, I found it fun to read about Alex's adventures and particularly enjoyed the occasional appearances of several hikers that I actually do know. Trish definitely achieved her goal of showcasing what little girls can do if given the chance.½

When Patricia Ellis Herr mentioned to her five year old daughter, Alexandra, that some people went "peakbagging", summiting the 48 peaks over 4000 feet in New Hampshire's White Mountains, she suggested they try it, but expected this could be achieved in a leisurely sort of way before Alex's sixteenth birthday. Wait a minute! Alex and her mother had achieved this goal before the child turned six. Herr and her husband homeschool their children, so they respected Alex's energy. The book, divided into Lessons, describes the learning experiences of mother as educator and child safety guru, and daughter as an athlete, developing climbing skills. It also provides insights into the kinds of bullying and prejudice that keep girls close to home. Don't miss this one!

I really enjoyed this book! What an amazing little girl and a mom who really knew how to follow her daughter's lead. It makes me want to hike in New Hampshire and we have a 4k hike planned for later this month! I enjoyed reading about the different people they met on their journey as well as hearing about the support and criticism that came author's way as she started blogging.