Take the Lead: Hanging On, Letting Go, and Conquering Life's Hardest Climbs

At six, Sasha DiGiulian started climbing and won her first National Sport Climbing Championship at seventeen. She was a world champion a year later but faced scrutiny and body dysmorphia. Despite this, she persevered, graduated from Columbia University, became an adventurer, environmentalist, and entrepreneur, and is one of the most recognizable faces in climbing. The book emphasizes the power of perseverance, fearlessness, and positivity in tackling daunting climbs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2023
Publisher: St Martin's Press

At the tender age of six, Sasha DiGiulian embarked on a remarkable journey by stepping into a climbing gym for the very first time. Within a mere year, she found herself competing at the highest level, showcasing her unwavering determination and passion for the sport. Dressed in an all-pink ensemble, with her blonde hair neatly tied into pigtails, Sasha embraced her unique identity as a girl in a traditionally male-dominated realm, vowing to never compromise her femininity in pursuit of fitting in. From a young age, she possessed an undeniable love for climbing, coupled with an extraordinary natural talent that propelled her forward.

At the age of seventeen, Sasha achieved a remarkable feat by securing her first National Sport Climbing Championship. A year later, she claimed the title of World Champion, cementing her status as a rising star in the climbing world. To her fans, it seemed as if Sasha had conquered the world. However, beneath the surface, she was navigating the complexities of social media scrutiny, grappling with body dysmorphia, and quietly facing a potentially career-ending injury.

In her memoir, Take the Lead, Sasha shares her captivating life and career in a relatable and inspiring manner, taking readers on a journey from her early days as a novice climber to her accomplishments as a Columbia University graduate, adventurer, environmentalist, and entrepreneur. Her story resonates with readers of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and Megan Rapinoe's One Life, emphasizing the power of perseverance, fearlessness, and positivity in tackling some of the most daunting and fearsome climbs, both on and off the wall.

Sasha's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, she never lost sight of her goals. Her determination, resilience, and positive attitude have inspired countless individuals to embrace their own passions and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Through her memoir, Sasha shares valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, embracing one's uniqueness, and staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. She also sheds light on the challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated sports, highlighting the need for support, representation, and equality.

Take the Lead is a powerful and inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It serves as a reminder that with perseverance, determination, and a positive mindset, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals. Sasha's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 217 x 146 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250280701