Alex’s Books
Alex's books 'Icefall' and 'Another Peak' are much more than adventure stories. His books offer an honest, real and relatable perspective of overcoming challenges both in the Himalayas and closer to home.
Signed copies are available to purchase below – ideal for adventure enthusiasts, athletes, or anyone experiencing mental ill health or major challenges in life – whatever their age.
Obstacles are opportunities in disguise – and Alex knows this all too well. High achievement requires high sacrifice, but Alex is a man determined to make his Everest dream a reality!”
– Bear Grylls
Icefall
2016, Coventry House Publishing
A suspenseful memoir marked by adventure, hardship, and achievement, Icefall is the remarkable true story of a teenager’s journey to conquer Mount Everest. Plagued by adversity and epilepsy as a child, Alex developed a determination and will to succeed that would ultimately lead him from his home in Cheshire, England to the face of Everest at only eighteen years old. Though his will to reach the summit was extraordinary, he could have never anticipated the unprecedented dangers and risks that the mountain had in store for him.
In this inspirational tale of tragedy and redemption, Alex reveals the universal truth that adversity may be the greatest teacher of all, but nothing can teach you more about life than death.
Icefall won bronze in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest 2016 and was featured in the Chester Literature Festival.
Buy online
Another Peak
2019, Trigger Press
Reaching Everest was always the dream, but after an avalanche stopped Alex the first time and an earthquake the second, he had to take a step back. But even as he climbed down, he couldn’t stop wondering ‘What’s next?’ A restlessness in his bones, and a need to help make things better after the lives claimed in his two climbs, led Alex to his hardest mission yet: ClimbTheUK; to cycle to the highest points of the United Kingdom.
But a history of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders rears its multiple heads once more, making this the hardest thing Alex has ever had to do. Finding himself alone too often, with only his thoughts for company, it becomes less of a fight of man and nature and more of man and mind…
Buy online
Personally signed copies are available during check-out (please leave note in ‘Special Instructions’)
What other readers thought…
“A remarkable story told with grit and honesty” – Mark Beaumont, Record-Breaking Athlete and Broadcaster
“Alex’s courage and never-say-die attitude shine through in this book. Even when he was at the limits of his physical endurance, he found the strength to carry on. Read his story. Feel inspired. Do something amazing” – Chrissie Wellington OBE, British Triathlete and four-time Ironman World Champion
“Descriptions of Everest Base Camp in both 2014 and 2015 are honest and harrowing. This is a great read and I’m excited to see what Alex does next.”
Adventure Travel Magazine
“It was an epic event which provoked him to sit down and write an autobiography at the unfeasibly young age of 19. The result is an enthralling tale, well told.”
Cheshire Life
“Books about Everest have become so commonplace that readers might wonder if there’s still anything new to say about the mountain. And, let’s face it, ‘inspirational’ is an over-used word these days – in fact, I tend to avoid it. But in the case of Alex Staniforth and his book Icefall, inspirational is the right word to use.”
Alex Roddie / full review
“Fantastic, fascinating journey of a young man. I enjoyed the book immensely and it gave me hope and inspiration to strive for better things. If anybody has struggles in their life this is a lovely book to give a positive outlook. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, it is well written… what a little gem.”
Reader review
“I was very much looking forward to Alex’s book hitting the shelves, and I wasn’t disappointed! Proof that when someone puts their mind to achieving a goal, it can be reached, despite the multitude of hurdles that have to be overcome. If you’re lacking inspiration and get-up-and-go, then this is the book for you.”
Reader Review
“Adversity can be so cruel but Alex has fought back time and time again. The book also shows that one mans achievements are grown within a community and that we are to never rule out our dreams. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring me to get out and get on.”
Reader review
View more reviews on Amazon>
I started working with Alex earlier this year, and his coaching has been incredibly impactful. His coaching style is really intuitive, I feel like he always knows how to meet me where I am. Even when I go into a coaching session without a clear agenda, I leave with clarity, a sense of direction, and practical action steps to take forward. What I appreciate most is how he helps me stay accountable and regularly realign my goals, so I don’t lose track of the bigger picture. Because of that, I’ve already achieved so much more than I expected in this time. The fact that he is also a really nice guy with a wealth of experience in the very fields I’m pursuing (mountaineering and long-distance running), is a great bonus. Alex can always relate to my pain points, from injuries to loss of motivation to life getting in the way – which makes me feel that whatever stage I’m at is valid and normal.
Sandra Kaulfuss
Thanks so much for coming down to talk with the team. You absolutely hit the brief – everyone has been talking about it ever since. It also encouraged one or two people to open up about their own anxieties and stories later in the day. And we had some really healthy conversations.”
– Gas Contract Manager, National Grid
I was particularly impressed with the preparation and tailoring Alex was able to do to make the message even more pertinent to our business – it was a truly inspirational session summed up by one comment “I can’t believe you just paid us to listen to that!”
– Robert Neale, GM Core Manufacture, Rolls-Royce Submarines
The team were blown away and left feeling incredibly inspired. I know for some in my team who are struggling at the moment it would have resonated even more. I also know everyone has left feeling and thinking differently because of you, in a really positive way.
— Sue Harries, Digital Director, Screwfix
Alex collaborated with my team in preparing for the event in such attention to detail, ensuring his talk would not only resonate but inspire the audience. And that it did! Feedback received from participants was exceptional, so many inspired to push outside of their comfort zone and to see what opportunities lie ahead.
Natalie Prempeh - People Director, Samsung Electronics UK
Sometimes the approach to mental health within organisations as big and cumbersome as ours can feel a bit of a tick box exercise, but your sessions felt very different, very humble, very real and very authentic.”
– Chris Mead, Chief Superintendent, Cambridgeshire Constabulary
What a refreshing delight Alex is! Authentic, funny, passionate and simply genuine in every word of his heartening journey shared. If you’re looking for a real example of resilience and winning in the face of adversity – Alex is your man.
– UK Sales Director, Kellanova
Alex’s story of resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to connect deeply with each member of the audience, sharing practical takeaways on perseverance and mental strength, was impactful and memorable.
– Jamie Radford, CEO, Accounts Payable Association
Your session was fantastic and the content still buzzing around the room today, and I have to admit I re-quoted a few key messages in my closing remarks too. Lasting memory and something I will take back to practice ‘just think what we can achieve if we pull in the same direction’ – inspired!”
— National Chair, HEFMA Leadership Forum
His ability to quickly grasp the messages specific to our team and then weave this into his delivery was impressive. His authentic and humble articulation enabled there to be something in the messaging for everyone”
– Jonathan Ford, Off Trade Director, Heineken UK
What challenges are you facing?
Alex would love to help you take that first step.