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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Ascending America: Five Kidney Donors, 50 Peaks in 50 States, One Record-Breaking Journey by Matt Harmody, MD, follows a team of living kidney donors as they attempt to climb the highest point in each of the fifty states in record time. The narrative introduces each team member, highlighting their diverse backgrounds, from military service and aviation to librarianship and endurance racing, all united by their shared experience as kidney donors. The team faces extreme weather, exhaustion, and life-threatening situations, including crevasse falls, equipment loss, and the mental strain of high-altitude climbing. Interwoven with the adventure are reflections on the significance of kidney donation, aimed at raising awareness and demonstrating that donors can lead physically demanding, active lives. The book later expands into a broader guide that explains kidney disease, transplantation, and the systems that support donation.
Matt Harmody writes in a detailed, immersive first-person style that places the reader in the action, often describing technical aspects of climbing alongside moments of tension and teamwork. The pacing varies, with slower sections that explain mountaineering strategies and medical context, balanced by fast-moving sequences during critical climbs and emergencies. Dialogue reveals personality differences, while the inclusion of weather conditions and climbing techniques grounds the story in authenticity. Readers who enjoy adventure narratives with a strong human element will find the combination of physical challenge and personal mission compelling. The structure allows the story to serve as both an expedition account and an informative look at organ donation, making it appealing to those interested in either topic. Ascending America may appeal to readers who appreciate adventurous, reflective style stories offering an engaging blend of endurance, risk, and purpose.
