A Feeling for Rock

Book excerpt: A Feeling for Rock is a visceral exploration of rock climbing as a passion and a lifestyle. Through a medley of poetry, cartoons, essays, interviews, weavings, photographs and technical tips, it conveys the experience of being bamboozled by a route, connecting with the landscape or flicking through a guidebook. In addition, the book ventures into ethical regions of gender bias and privilege and questions our relations with each other and the rock. Chapters are headed by different feelings - Love, Curiosity, Astonishment, Pain, Lust, Fear, Wonder, Companionship and so on - which lie at the core of a climbing life. A Feeling for Rock is perfect for dipping into or a more immersive read. Being full of pictures and soft to the touch, it is also rather a beautiful item to hold in your hands. "Rock climbing has shaped my body, my bookshelves, my boyfriends, my community, my employment, my home, my holidays, the clothes I wear, the vehicle I drive, how I spend my money and what happens when I die. I am a product of the rock. The dynamic is visceral, spiritual, intellectual and emotional - no area of me untouched by this curious hobby."