William Finnegan

The sun. The sea. The many-hued blues of the waves and the water. I cannot remember another book which has so absorbed my senses as William Finnegan’s “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life.”

The crashing of waves on his ears. The birds. The boats. The banter of surfing friends.

The taste of the salt-water and the icy arctic winds off Montauk on Long Island.

With Finnegan we journey to the world’s premier surfing waters. Honolulu. Fiji. Madeira. Australia. Guam. And on.

Of course, it is winter and I am in slushy Toronto. Not so cold today. Snow lined streets hush the din of traffic.

The traffic inside Finnegan’s memoir is the dialogue with the rocks, the sandy-bottomed bays, the furious energy of the sea. And the speed of gliding down a 20-foot swale in the ocean.

There is day and to my surprise there is night riding. It sounds pretty dangerous.

And to what end?

Finnegan never comes out and says what exactly he loves about surfing. Is it the speed? Is it the thrill of danger? Does he love the sea? It frees him from having to compete in the schoolyard. We never find out exactly what it’s all about for him.

He sure doesn’t want to be a nine-to-fiver.

At one point in his adolescence he admits that the thrill of meeting beach girls was a driving force. Somehow he confuses his devotion for surfing with his girlfriends’ devotion to him. He’s a little surprised when women leave him but not that much.

He eschews calling surfing a sport and hates the popularization of surfing when it impinges on his freedom or safety or the sense of exclusivity.… (plus d'informations)

Introduction:
Hey there, fellow book-loving furries! It's Kiba Snowpaw, your friendly ice wolf from the frosty world of HowlStrom, bringing you an adventure that's as heartwarming as a cuddle by the fire on a chilly night. Today, we're diving into "Climbing with Mollie" by William Finnegan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoirist who usually rides the waves but, in this tale, takes us on a new journey up the mountains. So grab your hot cocoa and let's embark on this unique adventure.

Basic Plot Summary:
Imagine this: You're a seasoned surfer, and life's pretty swell (pun intended). But then, out of the blue, your daughter Mollie decides to swap the waves for the rocks. Yep, she's got a newfound love for rock climbing. "Climbing with Mollie" chronicles William Finnegan's plunge into this vertical world, where Mollie, the once-bookish girl, becomes an extraordinary climber. Their roles shift as she mentors him, and he must climb to keep up.

Analysis/Evaluation:
William Finnegan takes us on a thrilling journey into the heart of rock climbing. From climbing gyms to natural rock faces in Central Park, Mexico, and Canada, you'll feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins. Finnegan's storytelling is as smooth as freshly fallen snow, making even the most technical climbing terms feel like a breeze.

Characters:
The stars of this story are undoubtedly William and Mollie. Their transformation from a surfer-dad and book-loving daughter to a dynamic climbing duo is inspiring. Mollie's evolution into a climbing prodigy is captivating, and her relationship with her father adds a layer of warmth to the tale.

Structure:
The story flows like a glacier carving its path through mountains. Finnegan seamlessly blends climbing anecdotes with life lessons, creating a narrative that's both educational and emotionally engaging.

Impact:
"Climbing with Mollie" isn't just about scaling rocks. It delves deep into the concepts of risk, fear, and humility. Finnegan's portrayal of the climbing world's dangers, known as "exposure," will send shivers down your spine. It's a reminder that, no matter how high we climb, we're all still human.

Hook and Thesis:
Picture this: You're at the edge of a precipice, and the wind howls in your ears. You're hanging by a thread, both figuratively and literally. William Finnegan's tale hooks you from the start and drives home the thesis that the bonds we form in pursuit of our passions are stronger than steel carabiners.

Praise and Critique:
This heartwarming adventure is like a cozy fur coat on a frosty day. Finnegan's vivid descriptions of climbing techniques, like belaying and bouldering, are insightful. However, some readers might find the climbing jargon a tad overwhelming. While the father-daughter dynamic is beautifully portrayed, the brief interview with Mollie at the end feels somewhat underwhelming.

Evaluation:
As a furry with no prior climbing experience, I found this book to be a captivating glimpse into the world of rock climbing. It's a tale of courage, bonding, and the incredible heights we can reach when we dare to embrace the unknown. Four paws up!

Comparison:
If you're into stories of unlikely adventure duos, this book is like a snowflake in a winter storm. It's akin to "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," where ordinary folks discover extraordinary passions. While it might not be as cinematic as "Free Solo," the emotional depth makes it a must-read.

Conclusion:
So there you have it, fellow furry friends! "Climbing with Mollie" by William Finnegan is a heartwarming adventure that'll melt even the iciest of hearts. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just looking for an inspiring tale of human (and furry) connection, this book is a must-read. So grab a copy, cozy up, and get ready to embark on a journey that'll leave you feeling as warm as a cup of cocoa on a frosty night. Happy reading, and may your adventures be as epic as a snowstorm on HowlStrom!… (plus d'informations)

William Fennigan’s adolescent daughter, Mollie, became interested in climbing. William, an avid surfer, showed a genuine interest in his daughter’s new passion.
As a writer and journalist, William wrote this short story, Climbing with Mollie, about rock climbing and their father-daughter relationship.

William described Mollie as young woman who didn’t favor team sports and preferred to spend her time reading or engaging in individual hobbies. William observed Mollie’s physical transformation as a climber and he quickly began spending time with her in rock climbing gyms and traveling to find places to climb in nature. Mollie’s skill level improved and she began participating in climbing competitions. William joined Mollie’s new passion and took his climbing shoes along on their journeys.

This short Audible Original, available only...

I have photos, videos, and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog… (plus d'informations)