The Other Side of the Mountain (Originally a Long Way Up)

This book is the story of a very wonderful lady with courage and determination that keeps her striving unselfishly to give to others in any way possible. Although the accident left her a quadraplegic in a wheelchair, she went on to teach school in Bishop CA. My son was her pupil and he adores her to this day. She also gave him an afterschool job at her home...thats where he learned about roses and that the bushes simply 'love' milk every once in awhile! Jill is a remarkable lady that has overcome the trajedy which ended her budding career as a skier but it didn't take away her wonderful character as a caring and decent human being. I suggest that every one should read or see both books and movies...they tell the real story as it happened....no "Hollywood" additions or deveations and they used local people to be actors. I give them all a 'thumbs up'.

An inspiring story of Jill Kinmont, aspiring skiier who became a quadriplegic in a pre-Olympic ski race. Ms. Kinmont fought to live a normal life in a time when the disabled were considered just that - disabled and incapable of living normal lives. Her college refused to allow her to enroll in teacher training simply because of her limited mobility, which today would be recognized for the discrimination that it is. Ms. Kinmont chose to live life to the best of her ability and work around her disability rather than let it define her capabilities, and in the process opened doors and gained recognition of the the needs of other handicapped people. Recommend this biography as well as the Life magazine article, still available through libraries. Much better than the movie, which was unfortunately given the Hollywood treatment and fictionalized.

I first learned of Jill Kinmont from the two films made of her life, which moved me to tears and filled me with admiration for her. They did have a hint of the Hollywood touch, though, so I was thrilled to get a copy of the book, which tells it more like it was. Though full of factual details about the tragic events in this young lady's life, this is never a dull read, nor a depressing one. The fact that Jill herself had a lot of influence in what went into the book makes it defy you to pity her. Her down to earth approach to life and all it has thrown at her is truly inspirational, and the book takes the same tone. Anyone who likes biographies, anyone who is interested in Jill's amazing story, anyone who just wants a rattling good non-fiction read that is more dramatic than much fiction, should get a copy of this book.

This memorable book is the definitve profile of courage. It tells the story of Jill Kinmont, a talented downhill skier whose Olympic success was imminent until a terrible fall in Utah rendered her a quadriplegic. But the true success of this book lies not with the representation of Jill Kinmont as a tragic heroine, but with the portrayal of her as someone whose commitment, dedication, drive, and determination have enabled her to succeed at life, despite the tremendous obstacles she has faced. Her skiing ability is legendary, but it is as a person she stands tall. Her story proves beyond all doubt than when our bodies are at their weakest our spirits are at their strongest.This is an amazing and memorable piece of work and will be cherished by those who believe in the immortality and infallibility of the human spirit.

This was one of the best books I ever read. It was inspirational, funny, and one of those books you can't put down. It showed me that there is nothing that can stand in your way if you are determined. I have seen both of the movies and read and reread this book a million times. I urge you to read this book!