Vanessa O’Brien is a British and American mountaineer, explorer, public speaker, and former business executive. As a result of her dual nationality, she became the first American and British woman to successfully summit K2 on July 28, 2017 when, on her third attempt, she successfully led a team of twelve members to the summit and back. In 2018, she received Explorer of the Year from the Scientific Exploration Society for her efforts. In 2022, Vanessa became the first woman to reach extremes on land, sea, and air, completing the Explorers’ Extreme Trifecta after passing the Kármán line on Blue Origin’s sixth human spaceflight, NS-22. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the Scientific Exploration Society (SES).
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"O'Brien pours her unflagging energy and hard-won life wisdom into every aspect of her book . . . A vicariously engaging addition to the literature on mountaineering as well as a beacon of inspiration in these dark times. O'Brien's warm, witty voice will bring a wide audience to her world-class adventures."
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Thrilling . . . O’Brien makes readers feel as if they’re on the mountain with her through her vivid descriptions and detail . . . Readers will devour O'Brien's sensational, electrifying tale."
– Publishers Weekly
"Readers will enjoy vicariously experiencing O'Brien's thrills and fears, and she does a fine job of sharing her joys and failures. This should be a high-point for armchair adventurers."
– Booklist
"What a wonderful, honest, refreshing book, full of free spirited adventure, humour and profound thoughts to provide inspiration to anyone who simply dreams of getting out and doing their own thing."
– Sir Chris Bonington, world famous mountaineer and internationally bestselling author of ASCENT
"Ernest Shackleton listed those qualities an explorer should possess over a century ago: Optimism, Patience, Idealism with Imagination, and Courage. Vanessa’s qualities are truly akin to these."
– Alexandra Shackleton, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s granddaughter
"A must-read for anyone interested in adventure and exploration. Vanessa’s memoir gives us insight into what drives her and how she approaches challenges, both in her personal life and on the world’s highest peaks."
– Jim Clash, Forbes adventure journalist
"An extraordinarily moving and touching story."
– Sir Humphry Wakefield, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
"Refreshing and delightfully written, To the Greatest Heights is a rare mix of heart-stopping adventure and powerful self-reflection by one of America's finest mountaineers."
– Johanna Garton, author of EDGE OF THE MAP
"TO THE GREATEST HEIGHTS is a brutally honest, beautifully crafted and truly inspirational account of an almost impossible journey completed thanks to the author’s unswerving commitment, determination and courage."
– Neil Laughton, Chairman of The Scientific Exploration Society
"An excellent exposition of the will and resolve of a woman to achieve the most challenging objectives and goals in life. A saga of physical and psychological pain and determination. A treat to read."
– Masood Aslam, (Ret) Lt-General Pakistan Army
"O’Brien’s story is deep in insight and observation. An impressive read."
– Peter Hillary, Chairman of the Himalayan Trust
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