Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill [Paperback]

Mr MG Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2012

The first novel in the World Adventurers Series, Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill chronicles the author's attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. At forty years old and on the verge of a mid-life crisis, he decided to make a dramatic life change by climbing a mountain. This is his true story of facing Kilimanjaro and life's challenges at middle age. This book is for anyone who feels “over the hill” and needs encouragement to make a major life change in the face of difficult odds. It's also for the casual climber or hiker interested in climbing one of the world's tallest mountains. Filled with insights and advice for those who are contemplating their own Kilimanjaro climb, this book will put you on the mountain and inspire you to go over it. Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill features more than 60 photos from the author's trek

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. A former U.S. diplomat, he served in South Korea, Paraguay, and Zambia before leaving the Foreign Service in 2011 to write full time. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex. Edwards published “Alexander the Salamander,” a children's e-book he co-wrote with his son Alex, in May 2011. He released a collection of short stories from different genres, “Real Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Stories,” in November 2011. His latest book, “Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill,” published in April 2012, chronicles his quest to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. It's the first book in the World Adventurers Series of travel adventures. For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com, his blog, worldadventurers.wordpress.com, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1470161982
• ISBN-13: 978-1470161989
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #651,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Gene (M. G.) Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. A former U.S. diplomat, he served in South Korea, Paraguay, and Zambia before leaving the Foreign Service in 2011 to write full time. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.

For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com or his blog, worldadventurers.wordpress.com. Contact him at [e-mail], on Facebook at www.facebook.com/migedwards.com or @m_g_edwards on Twitter.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars M.G. Edwards' book changed my life May 4, 2012

By T. D. Robison

Format:Paperback

M.G. Edwards' Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest to Go Over the Hill represents as much of an extraordinary personal journey as it is a physical challenge.

Forty years old and on the verge of midlife crisis, the author is at a crossroad - continue in an unfulfilling career as an American Diplomat or follow his heart's true desire since childhood of becoming a writer. One choice brings admiration, glamor, security, but also dissatisfaction; the other is tentative at best. He writes:

"The future weighed on my mind. Approaching middle age, I was overweight and out of shape, living a sedentary lifestyle, and stuck in a rut. A series of personal setbacks left me a bitter man. Every time I was convinced life would get better, another letdown hit me. A midlife crisis, something that just a few years ago I never thought possible, was brewing."

He lifts his eyes toward Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet above sea level, the catalyst to finding the answer. Refusing to allow a barrage of misgivings, doubts, and severe ailments diminish his resolve to attempt the climb, he sets out with three friends to tackle Africa's highest peak.

His words capture the magnificent beauty of nature, while candid revelations let you glimpse into the epicenter of personal conflict. "The barren wasteland reminded me how close we were to touching the heavens yet still bound to earth like ants on a giant mound." He lets you see, "the heavens opened up to reveal the summit of Kibo Peak" that reached "for the sky yet seemed close to the touch, and it beckoned me to head for the summit, a temptation that instilled me with a false confidence...." You'll experience life at camp, shivering inside a tent from unendurable chill and relentless downpours, and gaze upon a "crescent moon and an array of stars blossomed in the night sky and illuminated the landscape with twinkles of light dancing on the thick layer of frost that covered every surface."

M.G. Edwards' book will inspire not only those who dream of such an adventure, but anyone who faces their own inner Kilimanjaro.

I hope to have whetted your appetite, for this brilliant book will offer an adventure unlike any other that you will relish. Enjoy!

T. Donna Robison
Author
No Kiss Good-bye (coming 2012)
<...> Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down April 25, 2012

By Uncle Phil

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I admit I bought this book because the author is a friend.

I started reading it because that's what friends do.

I couldn't put it down because it is a well written story about a real person's adventure, triumphs, fears, challenges and success. It's not about a superhero but a person like me going on the type of adventures I like to go on. I take that back. He is my hero.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Inspirational April 5, 2012

By Blaise Hanagan

Format:Kindle Edition

As the previous reviewer had already commented. A book written on this topic would not be something I'd have chosen, since I'm neither a climber, have no interest in athletics, nor am I someone who would normally physically challenge myself in this way. That said, I read it for no other reason then I was already somewhat familar with this writer's work, having previously read his collection of short stories which I'd enjoyed considerably.

And what I found to my astonishment, was a book that was not only exceptionally well written, holding the readers rapt attention from first page to last. But it's also a book that gives you a glimpse into the writers inner conflicts, as he grapples with his career, along with the life changing decisions for himself and his family, that go along with it.

Every step along the way he challenges his physical endurance and stamina, as much so as stretching the mental alertness and dicipline needed in the quest to achieve the goal he'd set out for himself. Ultimately reaching his goal no matter how lofty even when it seemed unattainable.

This book and M.G. Edwards achievement,should serve as a lesson to us all. Even goals that may initially seem beyond our reach, often are more within our grasp then we realize.

Blaise Hanagan

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and Uplifting Read September 27, 2012

By Marci

Format:Kindle Edition

I love when M.G. Edwards, thru his writings, makes me feel like I am right there with him during the preparations and the climb. His colorful use of words throughout the book brought this non-fiction journey right to me. I love that feeling. I enjoyed the many personal goals he shared on this climb, showing how to work towards them. Equally enjoyable for me is his take on how he and his teammates worked together and managed their own personal goals and struggles during the adventure. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Getting over the hill :) May 5, 2013

By Tai Pan

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A well written guide for anyone considering climbing Kilimanjaro (or facing a mid-life crisis!). The author has a gift for turning a phrase, and I found his description of his attempt at the mountain's summit particularly compelling. He also thoughtfully includes a very helpful guide to Kilimanjaro-related resources and a detailed gear list for planning one's own trip to the Roof of Africa. A quick and enjoyable read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I could relate February 18, 2013

By James Delillo

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It was as if I were living it in his shoes. A very descriptive and emotional story without being overly sentimental.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great preview of what is to come December 26, 2012

By Swanny

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book! I feel like the author gave a great account of his experience and I enjoyed his style of writing. It was a very personal book but also gave a lot of great details about what to expect when trekking up Kili, which I play to do in June 2013. I was also delighted to discover the author chose to follow his heart and pursue happiness instead of security. It inspired me as I'm dealing with a similar situation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A superbly written book that can change your stars. December 9, 2012

By David C. Cassidy

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I began reading Kilimanjaro: One Man's Quest To Go Over The Hill, I quickly realized two things. First, M. G. Edwards is a superbly talented writer. Second, anything is possible.

This inspirational true story chronicles the day-by-day hiking trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Fascinating by itself, the real story is the courage and fortitude of the author as he summons the will to confront not only the perils of the mountain, but a far more dangerous demon: a burning mid-life crisis.

At forty years of age, out of shape, and struggling with an unsatisfying and demoralizing career, Michael Edwards knew that something had to give. Life had to change. For many people, such frustration and fear is all too real and paralyzing. Better the demon we know, no matter how unhappy and unfulfilled we are.

Virtually overnight--well, several nights--Michael Edwards changed his stars. Tackling something as monstrous as a mountain, he overcame adversity, cold, heat, searing aches and pains, channeling all of these victories toward a single goal: to prove to himself that from this point forward, nothing could stand in his way. Not a mountain, not an unhappy life.

Read this book. Change your stars. It's that good.