The Call of Kilimanjaro

Book excerpt: "My own journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro opened me to a life of adventure, and this book brought me right back to the slopes of that magical mountain. An honest and affirming tale of embracing the unknown and the transformative power of nature, Jeff's journey is an invitation to all of us to get outside our comfort zone, see the world, and let it change us." —Josh Gates, Explorer, Host of Discovery's Expedition Unknown An honest and engaging account of one amateur hiker's journey to spiritual transformation as he climbs to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. After his brother-in-law Chris passed away, author Jeff Belanger made the decision to take the trip of a lifetime, both in honor of Chris and in pursuit of clarity about his own life and goals. The Call of Kilimanjaro is a day-by-day record of Belanger's ascent to the peak of Africa's highest mountain. By turns contemplative and irreverent, joyful and thoughtful, boyish and wise, this is a book for all ages - from 10 to 100 - and a memoir for armchair travelers with an interest in spirituality. By example, Belanger teaches us to take stock of our accomplishments, eye the lofty goals we've placed in front of ourselves, and push higher than we've ever dared, turning an honest eye toward past, present, and future, through the end of life and beyond.