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I have not read Andy Cave's books before and I am not even a mountain climber. I have been skiing for 9 years ( Late starter) having 2-3 ski holidays a year to try and catch up with the years I have missed. I have an affinity with mountains,with or without snow.
I find with reading such books as 'Learning to Breath' give me a greater understanding of what lengths these climbers will go to to achieve their aim. It has the adrenalin pumping in anticipation of a safe return to base.
An excellant read

This book is rare in the climbing genre, in that the description of the climbing largely takes second place to Caves growing up in Yorkshire, which is referred to frequently throughout the book. The book is split into two distinct halves, the first concerning his growing up and working in the mines, the second his climbing career. My father is from the same area as Cave, and I have therefore heard as many mining stories as I ever wish to, but the narrative is excellent and engaging. The growing up from a somewhat insecure teenager to young man is actually the best part of the book, and reads almost like a growing pains story at some times. This doesn't detract from how good the mining part of the book is though. You begin to feel true empathy for the plight of the miners, and Caves support of their strike is so deep running that he loses a friend over it, and can barely bring himself to speak to him years later.

The second half deals more with his mountaineering, as he leaves the pit and follows his increasing love of rock climbing into the World's mountain ranges. The climbing part is somewhat underwhelming and only covers 3 major expeditions, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, Gasherbrum IV (which is essentially a chapter on the boredoms of sitting out bad weather at base camp) and Changabang. His climbing of the North Face of the Eiger merits a sentence (he was the youngest Brit to do it, which he doesn't even mention) and ascents of world-famous peaks such as Ama Dablam are totally overlooked.

In many ways the story would have been better split into two books. The mining part is so engaging and could have taken up a book alone, while he covers a tiny percentage of his ascents, and I feel he doesn't give himself enough credit as a climber. I have noticed that Cave has a new book out which I hope will feature more of his mountaineering career.

Worth it for the first half alone (I am recommending it to my father based on this) but if you're looking for a book totally about climbing, this probably isn't it. If you're looking for a fantastic autobiography about a boy, then man, rising from the depths to the heights, quite literally, then look no further.

My mother-in-law recommended this book and I was a bit sceptical. However it is absolutely brilliant! I laughed & cried. A really honest account. I couldn't put the book down. I hope one day I'm lucky enough to meet the guy because he seems like a top chap. I climb a little bit myself although nothing like Andy Cave's level. It reassuring to see that in his early years he was just as scared on Stanage as I am today - so maybe there is hope for me.

As a rock-climber Andy Cave plays in the premier league, and as a mountaineer he has performed on some of the most exacting of Alpine and Himalayan routes. His book will be welcomed by those wishing to read of cutting edge exploits, but it does more than recount experiences and record achievements. He has a passion for striving higher, yet at age sixteen years it was downwards to the coal face that he followed the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Adopting a forthright approach Andy Cave provides a parallel portrayal of his early life with limited prospects, but an expanding future when he quit his job as a miner to devote himself to mountain activities and to pursue his education.

At weekends Andy Cave escaped the pit, first to nearby rock outcrops, then further afield to the greater mountain ranges. `Learning to Breathe' traces the evolution of a skinny youth, attracting the nickname `Rickets', into one of Britain's foremost climber-mountaineers, and it does so in four main sections. The first `Dust' covers from schooldays, into the mining industry, and out into the light. Along with many anecdotes the second section describes some magnificent routes including Divine Providence on Mont Blanc and Gasherbrum IV in the Himalaya, laced with comment on companions' relationships ranging from `scab' miner enemies to instructor or guide friends. A major section `Space' details his epic on Changabang in 1997. The final section `Ash' pulls together the hardships and tragedies of coal mining and mountain climbing with a single chapter headed `The Cost'.

What may be viewed as a high point on the North Face of Changabang was also a lifetime low with disaster whilst descending the South Face. Andy Cave treats the expedition with the same thoughtfulness as for sensitive family issues, and the same clear insight as for horrific features of the mining industry, and the same openness when revealing outrageous and gripping episodes in the mountains; all told with integrity whether describing disagreements with fellow miners or explaining unfair feelings towards climbing partners.

From family ties, feelings of guilt, and broken friendships in the pits there are honest comparisons with the fears he exposes in his climbing. It is this intertwining of contrasting worlds that gives `Learning to Breathe' a different if not unique twist, and the non-mountaineering element strengthens what is essentially a mountaineer's autobiography. After Changabang Andy Cave returned to his mining background to research into language variety and identity among former miners. His PhD in socio-linguistics has paid off with a keen ear for dialogue and an ability to share and reflect on delight and distress in his life, but it is obvious that Andy Cave has always been and continues as a natural raconteur. With enthusiasm and humour he pitches his tales in an attractive self-effacing style that is easy to read and completely engaging.

There is nothing dewy-eyed about `Learning to Breathe' and any fears may be dispelled with regard to fashioning of Andy Cave and mountaineering as a sentimental story like Billy Elliot and ballet. However the book encompasses a dramatic transformation, and perhaps the publisher's dust wrapper statement says it all: "From the depths of the pit to the roof of the world - an extraordinary odyssey".

Andy Cave has been one of Britains leading mountaineers for quite a while. I have been waiting for a book to be released on his life (and achievements). This book does not disappoint. It's well written - being easy to read and containing enough facts to keep you interested all the way through. Would recommend.