On the Nose Paperback – October 1, 2023

Hans is both a legend in the climbing community and a genuinely great guy who is always as excited about the goals and achievements of others as much as his own. I have done the NIAD 4 times myself--about a hundred less times than he has! Early one morning, he passed me and my partner on pitch 3, and gave us a very helpful little tip about a delicate, tricky sequence just above us. My first thought was: he really does have this entire 3000 foot cliff memorized! Having done this climb myself more than once, I have to say that I find it almost inconceivable that anyone has climbed this iconic and beautiful wall as many times as Hans Florine. I was excited to get this book and have found it absolutely gripping reading. Most adventure climbing is of interest only to practitioners of the activity depicted, but this wonderful book is almost like a novel in the way it develops a plot filled with engaging characters and fine detail. The main character is, of course, El Capitan, that stunning wall of flawless granite at the entrance to Yosemite Valley. The other main character is Hans--but this is a love story, not a tale of conflict. Hans and the wall are not enemies; they're more like very close friends. Climbers will love it, but non-climbers will also be thrilled by the great storytelling which strikes the perfect balance between clarifying technical terms for non-experts and not talking down to experienced climbers. From the very revealing narrative of Florine's first attempt on the Nose--which did not go at all as planned--to detailed accounts of his blistering speed records (he climbs the Nose faster than all but Olympians run the marathon!), the story will not let you put it down. Beautifully written, well-paced, and loaded with great anecdotes from his numerous ascents with many famous climbers, this is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure writing. El Capitan is the ultimate cliff in the world's most amazing valley, and the Nose, while not the hardest route on the wall, is perhaps the greatest climbing line in the world. And this book is as good as any I've read on climbing. (Photo: My left hand right before topping out on the Nose in a Day!)

On the Nose is a great book. It is well written, inspiring, and thoroughly engaging – a definite page-turner. The book’s chapters detail some of Florine’s more noteworthy ascents of the Nose and are filled with funny anecdotes and interesting back stories. Despite being a world-class athlete and climbing legend, Hans is incredibly inclusive of climbers of all abilities and clearly gets a lot of joy introducing people to climbing the Nose (he has done the route with 87 different people, young and old, experienced and inexperienced). On the Nose is both entertaining and very motivating – you will finish it with increased enthusiasm to achieve your own personal goals.

Great read for all interested in El Cap and history behind the climb

Hans Florine. Lover of wine, father of two and driver of golden mini van. He is the El Cap wizard and nose speedster. His love and passion for Yosemite, The Sierras, El Capitan and the rock itself shines through in this humorous and humbling tale of his road to becoming a climbing icon.On the Nose delivers a captivating story of a young man's journey from drilling plastic climbing holds into the concrete of an overpass to linking up some of the hardest and most sought after rock climbs in the world. It is delivered flawlessly with epic story telling, humbling insight, and a very down to earth viewpoint. The fuel that has inspired climbers since the birth of the sport is passed down in this memoir to reader with the goal being to keep the stoke alive!If you have a passion for climbing, adventure, perseverance, or any of the good things in life. You'll dig this book!Good work Hans!

Engaging storytelling, I couldn't put this book "down"/didn't switch apps ☺️. This book was as inspiring as it was relatable. Thanks for writing this and sharing your story Hans and Jayme.

Welcome to the world of Big Wall climbing! Hans Florine has held multiple speed records on The Nose route on El Capitan, including the current record. On The Nose by Hans Florine and Jayme Moye attempts to explain how and why Hans has been able to make those records possible. In a saga that spans several decades, this book takes readers on a journey where tales of failure and inspiration will lead you to both laugh and cry. Equal parts touching, funny, and enlightening, this is a wonderfully fun read, with just enough explanation for the non-climber to appreciate. Enjoy being On The Nose with names of Yosemite legend; Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, Yuji Hirayama, Shipoopi, and the enigmatic, always wonderful, Hans Florine. Anyone who has ever had a dream to raise the bar will enjoy this story. Read On!

It was a good read, but not super great. Since the story line is so singular, it gets a bit stale after awhile, but the reason to read this is for inspiration. Wow, talk about dedication and commitment. Definitely a book not to miss, but this is not the edge of your seat adventure that you'll find in other climbing and mountaineering books.

Very inspiring and definitely makes this old girl want to climb!

una lunga, maniacale, serie di ascensioni sulle stesse pareti. Può interessare solo una ristretta cerchia di alpinisti od escursionisti. Non sempre comprensibile lo slang americano, del resto tipico dei climbers in Yosemite. Ripeto, non merita più di tanto.