Learning to Fly

Learning to Fly recounts rock climber Steph Davis's path into the world of skydiving and BASE jumping. After a personal crisis forces her to rebuild her life, Davis turns to the sky as a way forward. The memoir follows Davis's progression from her first skydiving course through increasingly technical jumps and challenges in the air. She details the physical and mental preparations required for each new milestone, while continuing her established career as a professional climber. Davis examines fear, risk assessment, and decision-making through her dual perspectives as a climber and jumper. She documents the specific skills and mindset needed to safely practice these high-stakes activities. The book speaks to broader themes of starting over, finding new purpose, and the relationship between calculated risk-taking and personal growth. Through her direct experiences with extreme sports, Davis illustrates how confronting fear can lead to transformation.

Readers describe the book as a raw, honest account of Davis' journey through rock climbing, base jumping, and personal struggles. Many connect with her vulnerable discussion of divorce, career changes, and finding identity outside of relationships. Readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Technical climbing details balanced with emotional story - Practical insights about overcoming fear - Photos that complement the narrative Readers disliked: - First third focuses heavily on relationship/divorce - Some repetition in later chapters - Limited discussion of her early climbing years - Abrupt ending Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Her writing about fear management applies beyond just climbing." Critical review: "Expected more climbing, less relationship drama. Still worth reading for the mental training aspects." - Goodreads reviewer

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🪂 Steph Davis is one of the world's leading female free solo climbers and became the first woman to free climb the Salathé Wall on El Capitan in Yosemite. 🏔️ The book chronicles not just her skydiving journey but also her recovery from the death of her first husband, Mario Richard, in a BASE jumping accident in 2013. ✈️ Davis initially took up skydiving to overcome her fear of falling—a seemingly paradoxical choice for a professional rock climber. 🎯 The author lives in Moab, Utah, and runs a vegan food business called "Moab BARks" when she's not climbing or flying. 🌟 The book's title has a double meaning: it refers both to Davis learning to skydive and her metaphorical journey of learning to let go and embrace life after loss.