A searing and uplifting account of one woman’s spiritual journey from surviving a terrible accident to a triumphant ascent of Kilimanjaro

On the second day of this century, world- renowned photojournalist Alison Wright was traveling on a windy mountain road in Laos when the bus she was riding in collided with a logging truck and was severed in half. As Alison waited for help to arrive—in excruciating pain and believing she was moments from death—she drew upon her years of meditation practice and concentrated on every breath as if it were her last.

Learning to Breathe is an extraordinary spiritual memoir about the will to survive. After the bus collision, Alison spent fourteen hours without proper medical attention (her arm was first sewn up by a boy with a needle and thread) and endured months of surgeries and grueling physical therapy. She struggled to remain positive while doctors discouraged her from expecting a return to her previous life. Never one to accept defeat, Alison set herself a goal: to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Alison did climb Kilimanjaro, reaching the summit on the morning of her fortieth birthday. Gasping for air once again, she stood at the highest point in Africa, thankful for every moment she’d had since the accident and determined to never again take one single breath for granted. Bringing the story full circle, she retraces her steps in Laos to thank those who helped her, and she has since resumed traveling the world photographing children and the underprivileged.

“ Alison Wright is a wonder. I’ve known her for years as an extraordinary photographer and a serious meditator, and I thought I knew her story well. I knew nothing. I didn’t know what a profound writer she also is. Her life is one of a true pilgrim and a seeker of truth. It is a life of exploration, devotion, and transformation by fire. There is muscle and tears here, and the fierce flame of inspiration. She’s the real deal.”
—Richard Gere

Alison Wright has traveled the world as a photojournalist, focusing her efforts on documenting the traditions of endangered cultures and raising worldwide social consciousness. She has published three books of photography as well as articles in National Geographic, American Photo, Natural History, Outside, Time, Forbes, O: The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Imprint: Hudson Street Press
Distributor: Penguin Group USA, Inc
Publication Date: 08-14-2008
Pages: 288
Measurements: 9.28in X 6.32in X 1.09in X 1.22lb