Impossible Climb (Synnott) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for THE IMPOSSIBLE CLIMB … then take off on your own:

1. You could spend the entire discussion session attempting to answer this question: what motivates Alex Honnold desire to climb El Capitan? What drives his—or any extreme sports participant's—need for risk?

2. Follow-up to Question 1: Discuss the role of brain chemistry/structure, especially what studies have revealed about Honnold's amygdala. Does the fact that his brain is different make his climbing feats less remarkable? Or not? Is it the risk-taking that is impressive … or the finesse and skill involved? Actually, what most impressed you about the Honnold's climb: the detailed preparation, the in depth know-how, the ability to see fissures and cracks?

3. What do you think of Alex Honnold as a person: why does he describe himself as a "total loser"? Clearly he has the right stuff for climbing, but does he have the right stuff for ordinary living: the messiness and give-and-take of relationships; the dull routine of daily existence? A friend calls him selfish, obsessive? How would you describe him?

4. What do you think of Mark Synnott, the author? He talks about having been away frequently from his family and putting aside the "responsibilities of being a husband and father." Is his drive to climb self-indulgent to the point of selfish? Do you think his children will come to understand as they mature?

5. How would you describe the relationship between Mark and Alex?

6. Consider the tension between climbing as a solo art and the fact that it attracts a fair amount of media attention and corporate sponsors. How does Synnott see the juxtaposition?

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