For Pauline Sanderson, attempting to climb Mt. Everest starting at Base Camp wasn’t enough of a challenge. Instead, she decided to join a team to bicycle 5,000 miles through eight countries, starting at the lowest point on the planet (the Dead Sea), and finishing at the highest point (Mt. Everest)!

At age 40, just after getting married, buying a home, and starting a new job, Pauline decided it was the perfect time to begin her adventure of a lifetime. In her book, The World’s Longest Climb, Pauline recounts her travels and adventures. In the 244 colorful pages filled with beautiful color photographs of her journey, we get to know Pauline, her enthusiasm for life, her love of humor, love for her “Mum” who shares her wonderful personality, and her new husband Phil Sanderson.

The pictures help give the reader a taste of the countries she traveled through and the numerous challenges faced by the team. With anti-western bureaucracy, the team faces a lot of hurdles as they ride through Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Tibet.

Pauline discusses the more serious side of things as well. With the end goal of reaching the summit of Everest, the team has to work together to battle the altitude gains and work together to accomplish their goal. As Pauline states in the book, “There is no time for worrying over trivia in our relatively short lives. Save that energy for what really counts.”

Pauline’s use of British slang can be a bit of a challenge for American readers to understand at first, but it doesn’t take away from this story of determination, courage, and fun!

Toward the end of the adventure, Pauline’s husband Phil joins the bike team for the Everest climb. Do Pauline and Phil achieve the goal of reaching the summit? That’s for you to find out 😉

Hiking Lady’s Recommendation: 4 of 5 stars

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