The Sharp End of Life – A Mother’s Story

Wife and mother. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66,
Dierdre Wolownick became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite–and
in The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story, she shares her intimate journey,
revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and
persistence.

Dierdre grew up under the watchful eyes of a domineering mother and realized
early on that her parents’ plans for her future weren’t what she wanted for
herself. Later, what seemed like a storybook romance brought escape, with new
experiences and eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her
husband was not the happy-go-lucky man he had first appeared. Adapting as best
she could, Dierdre juggled work and raising two young children, encouraging
them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her “little lady”
Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in
amazement as Alex (Honnold of «Free Solo» fame) started climbing practically
before he could crawl.

After years of struggle in her marriage and her ultimate divorce, Dierdre
found inspiration in her now-adult children’s passions, as well as new depths
within herself. At Stasia’s urging, she took up running at age 54 and soon
completed several marathons. Then at age 58, Alex led her on her first rock
climbs. A world of friendship and support suddenly opened up to her within the
climbing “tribe,” culminating in her record-setting ascent of El Cap with her
son.

From confused young wife and busy but lonely mother to confident middle-aged
athlete, Dierdre brings the reader along as she finds new strength, happiness,
and community in the outdoors–and a life of learning, acceptance, and spirit.