Snow rising

by Matt Baldwin

Change can happen in your life as quickly as you'll believe it.

Jason Snow has lived his life making choices that he believed would bring him happiness. Ironically, he acted in ways that got him the exact opposite of what he wanted. Now, his relationship with his wife is hanging by a thread, he is miserable at work, and worst of all, he feels disgusted at the thought that his kids are suffering because of choices he's made. Is there a way out?

Although this book follows Jason Snow on a life-changing quest beginning at the base of Mt. Hood, Snow Rising is not a novel. It's an invitation to take a personal journey. Author Matthew Baldwin says, "I invite you to join Jason Snow, and leave you with two questions: one, can you be an advocate for the changes you desire to see in yourself and in the world around you; and two, do you have the audacity to find out?"

Snow Rising can put individuals back together, revitalize marriages and families, and help recover fractured organizations. It shares four axioms, absolute truths, that are at the root of all happiness. But as the author says, "Then again, perhaps the answer is not in the answer, but in the journey to the answer."

Take the journey. Make the change. Know the peace.

Genres: Fiction, Lds Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 2010

Reviews

[Waven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was essentially a two-star book right up to the final pages, when it almost went four-star. So I settled for a three as I think that best describes the book - and its intentions - as a whole. Author Matt Baldwin undoubtedly had good intentions writing this ... and so I'll start with what I liked about it. The characters are fairly typical, which makes them easier to relate to for readers. The principles outlined in the "personal enlightenment" sections are simple, easily grasped, and sensible. Most of the statements are fairly uncomplicated, rational, and devoid of religious doctrine. And the cohesive summary in the last several pages of text is worth the read.

Getting there, however, is a long slog through 300 tepid pages. Trying to combine a fictional storyline with a non-fictional self-help theme proved difficult. The characters are flat, their dialog stilted and unrealistic. They feel false, which detracts a great deal from the potential of the book and its message. There is also an unfortunate "preachy" tone to much of it, not in a condescending manner but where I continually expected a minister to storm the page and break into church hymns and Bible verses. That didn't happen; Baldwin steers clear of entangling dogmas - for which he should be applauded - but that tone remained. For the non-religious, it can interfere with the points being made and again detract from the book. And though it's low on the list, I must admit that some of the language and grammar really annoyed me, mostly because it was repetitious and or rang false. (I must also admit I am rather picky about such things and may hold them in higher regard than other readers.) Altogether, this is a decent book, but it never quite manages to deliver. The prologue - and even epilogue - are full of promise, and I found them much more accessible than the rest of the book. In the end, I think Baldwin would have been more successful in his communication without the pseudo-novel format, which never fully developed and proved more distracting than illuminating.

[Tristan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Snow Rising is a book that uses the fictional story of Jason Snow, a corporate executive who lives in guilt, disconnected from his family and unhappy with life to explore how we can find lasting peace. In the story his mountain climbing guide teaches Jason about four truths that can bring peace.

I really struggled with this book. Early in the story they establish the main character, Jason Snow, who has done some awful things. He ran someone over with his truck in college and took off, refusing to take responsibility. He got someone fired from a job to save his own job. It kept piling up and not only could I not identify, I really did not like the character. Making someone dislike your main character is a bad idea because it makes the book difficult enjoy. It was a poor choice on the author’s part, and honestly, I did not like the rest of the book. While it was supposed to be ‘inspirational fiction’, I did not find it to be so for me.

Snow Rising focuses on four truths that lead to peace:

compassion
humility
gratitude
conscience
While those truths are important, the book lacked a foundation in God, a framework so essential to bring perspective to the truths. It was like offering building materials without a blueprint or foundation to build upon. I can try to practice any of those four principles independent of God, but I will fail. There cannot be true compassion, or gratitude, or conscience, or humility independent of the author of all truth. I felt the book left out nearly all mention of God in an effort to appeal to a wider audience. It was a disappointment. I do not recommend this book.

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free to review. I provide my honest opinion, which means that if I don’t like it, I’ll tell you. It also means when I say I love something I really do.}

[Carl Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books in the past where after finishing the book and putting it down I have said....eh...this was worth my time. Others were clearly not worth the time. Snow Rising for me was a unique experience. I put the book down after finishing and I felt like a different person than before I picked it up.

Not only was this book worth my initial read it has continued to be worth my time as I have picked it up and mined it again for nuggets of worth. Obviously, I highly recommend this book!

Baldwin does a good job of balancing some very intense concepts about how to effectively approach relationships and telling a story. He does this in such a way that you don't feel like you are being lectured to, in fact I found myself identifying with some of the flawed characters (what does that say about me??).

This read is for someone who is interested in pondering what is going to bring joy and happiness in this world and in our relationships. This read is also for someone who is truly interested in living the well-examined life...you can tell Baldwin feels deeply about these subjects and that he has spent years formulating these ideas.

Love the book...I highly recommend it!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is really a self-help book very thinly disguised as a novel. I believe it would have read much better if the author would have left the novel part out of it and talked frankly about his own life and the principles he believes in. While the truths of the book are profound it kind of felt like "truth for dummies" in the telling of it. I think anyone struggling to find peace and meaning in their life would benefit from the principles, which makes me kind of sad because, with the way the message is presented, I'm afraid it will be discovered by very few.

[Deborah Escobar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was well-written, in an informational style but with characters to run a "minor" storyline. It reminded me of "The Shack," but without the religious fervor, this book could appeal to anyone regardless of religion. The discussion on the whole belief system basically underpins an emphasis on character, which is one of my interests -- so it kept me reading. Couldn't help wishing throughout that Wall Street execs could read and take in what Baldwin espouses. Worth the read for the thought-provoking elements.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Matt Baldwin's "Snow Rising". I couldn't stop reading. So amazing how he taught about life through his story and characters. I was truly enlightened. I continue to think about the 4 characteristics that are so important to have as an individual. This book changed the way I look at others and myself,especially. Definitely a must read. Can't wait for the sequel. Carol Hansen(North Salt Lake)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with many insights on how to improve your relationships with others by improving and changing things about yourself and how you view the world and other people. I read it twice and will no doubt read it again. Highly recommended!

[Rex Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is probably wrong to call this a novel since it is really a dialogue between the protagonist and the hiking guide who takes the place of the guru on top of the mountain. Jason Snow is climbing Mt. Hood in Oregon in order to find something in life that he is missing. The guide doubles as a life coach who dialogues with Jason on how to fix his life issues, which are many. The only chapter that truly fits in the genre of a novel is almost at the end of the book when the guide falls into the crevasse and all four climbers have to work as a team to help her out. That one chapter is exciting and would fit into any good novel. However, in the context of this book, it serves to illustrate how to apply the principles that the guide has been teaching Jason throughout the book. This could be classified as a non-fiction self-help book about finding meaning in life but because the author disguised the discussion in the form of a story, it becomes a non-fiction book.
Do not read this book if you are looking for mountain adventure. If you want a discussion about finding meaning in life, then this is a good book to help your discovery process.
I agree with most of what is taught in this book. You could easily plug most of these lessons into the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be equally fed. I gave it four stars because I like a good philosophical read almost as much as a good novel. This was a blend of the two but more philosophical than novel.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story and narrative did not hold my attention. I didn't care all that much about the characters. The last 1/4 I barely skimmed just to get it finished and to see if there was going to be any exciting action scenes in the climbing story. There was, barely. I wished the life lessons and wisdom had been better woven into the story because Baldwin does share great wisdom through the guru - in this story, the climbing guide. One other slight irritation is I found the language and banter quite childish - darn, shucks, gosh. One of my biggest pet peeves is casual cussing - and yet even I recognized that adults - especially secular ones like these characters are, do not speak the way Baldwin wrote the interactions. What I did love was the detailed description of Mt Hood. On clear days I enjoy her majesty on my drive to work.

[Ranee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took a while to read, and I'm usually a fast reader. It has an interesting story and some good self-help, philosophy in it but I had to skim over half of it. The ending was good, if you want to skip ahead :D

[Pat Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a self-help book in the form of a novel.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good truths but didn't love the book or the story itself. Self help written as a novel.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to evaluate this book. It was pretty intense and made me think and concentrate. I was troubled by the selfishness of the main character and was disturbed with how he treated people. For his father to have been such an excellent man, how did the son not get taught any values or a moral standard to live by? I understand that the author wanted to present his axioms in a story form, and while I loved the principles discussed here and agree with them wholeheartedly, the presentation was a bit didactic. Often I kept wanting the story to move forward, like how long would it take to have these conversations on a mountain slope--surely longer than 10-15 minutes, so I felt impatient to continue the climb. But I understand that this was the author's way to introduce the principles to me, the reader, in a less than dry way that one otherwise might read in a different type format.

I read another reviewer's comments that he or she was bothered that the author didn't tie these principle in to a belief in God, per se. I think the author did that on purpose because the principles or axioms are true and he didn't want someone to reject them if they were couched in or attached to religion. I believe that if you believe in God, these principles or axioms find a natural place as a practicing religious person. I think the author wanted the acceptance of these principles to reach to those who aren't religious as well, because by embracing them, they will be happier people, more at peace, as well as those who have a religious base who try to practice them. I'm not the author, so I really don't know his thoughts, but that's my take on it.

I appreciated the way this book encouraged me to think and evaluate my own personal integrity. How well do I live and act according to my belief system? I'm sure I fall short, so I am glad I had the opportunity to reflect and recommit to striving to be compassionate, humble, grateful, and to choose the right choices.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Def: Fable: a short tale to teach a moral lesson...

Snow Rising wasn't all that short, but Matt Baldwin has written a pretty good fable anyway. Jason Snow is at the end of (to borrow an eloquent phrase) “a long train of abuses and usurpations,” and is suffering the consequences in his family, in his profession, and in himself. The rest of the story follows him, a few other mountain climbers, and a wise mountain guide as they face the challenge of ascending a mountain peak. The mountain becomes a metaphor for the inward struggles and challenges Jason must face to salvage his sinking ship.

Along the way, Clara, the guide, serves as his mentor, instructor, and conscience, helping him to see and understand the truths he has missed that will help him return to the correct path. In the end, not all of his problems are resolved (as would be true in real life), but at least we (and Jason) can see the path ahead more clearly. While the writing style is clearly from a first-time author, it still had the power to hold my attention. More importantly, it cause me to reflect on the lessons it taught.

The lesson and insights themselves are not hard to follow, nor are they uncommonly complicated. They are, in fact, simple and easy to understand (though perhaps difficult to follow), and perhaps for those reasons are all too often ignored or set aside by people seeking more worldly goals. Too many believe that such values as compassion, humility, gratitude, and conscience Clara's axioms) have no place in the dog-eat-dog world of business or the professions. And yet, every day I see people (myself included) suffering the consequences of disobedience to these eternal principles. If books such as this one help in any way to raise the profile of these and other positive values, then I am all for it.

[Cydnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a gift from my friend - who works with the author. First, I have to say that the book made me think. Here are some of my thoughts:
1] For anyone picking it up to read - scan the Prologue. It's way too wordy. Yes, it lets you know that this is more than just a novel, but... well I could go on, but then I'd be too wordy!
2] This reads like a motivational talk put into novel form. Some sections went on so long, and so deep, that I couldn't wait for the end of the chapter. In some aspects it worked - yet in other ways it was too heavy. I may have preferred reading it as a "make a better you" book.
3] I liked the characters. In a true novel, I would have wanted to learn more about Jason's hiking companions. Their descriptions were very minimal, yet when the time came for action [waaaaaay at the end] their personalities and reactions were integral to the story.
4] I thought it odd that Clara, the climbing instructor would spend so much time with one client and not the others. Sure,'she saw something in him that she connected with', but I don't think I've ever had that deep of a conversation with someone I just met. [talked a lot, just not deep - for those who know me and are thinking that as they read this!]
5] I am glad that I read the book. It made some good points about life, how we live it, how we affect ourselves and those around us, etc...
6] I am recommending my husband and oldest son read it. I think it will validate my husband's workplace ideals and values, and help prepare my son for future employment and interpersonal relationships.
7] I would recommend this especially for those who would like to try and better their work environments.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt Baldwin’s SNOW RISING follows the very human protagonist Jason Snow as he, his Yoda-like guide Clara, and three other amateur climbers hike up Mount Hood (in Oregon) during a personal crisis in Jason’s life: his marriage is hanging by a thread as he has continually relied upon making himself emotionally distant and put his career before most else to avoid pain. As he talks about an alternative philosophy to living with Clara, the true pain behind his current situation is unearthed like a submerged iceberg base.

Although by no means completely innovative—he himself admits this, Baldwin crafts a fairly enjoyable tale to present a way of living the good life and pursuing joy therein. With the axioms of Compassion, Humility, Gratitude, and Conscience, the way to the good life recognizes that there are core truths toward happiness with only beliefs and actions left for each individual to choose. Of course, the consequences of choices have an element of unpredictability, but overall, Baldwin argues for a more positive, less self-centered, less judgmental outlook on life by changing from a worldly to a more human-centered view on living. The promise of adopting the core CHGC axioms in one’s own life promises a relative state of peace and happiness. In general, I wholeheartedly agree with the premise of the book. Life is not quite this formulaic to be sure, but this outlook offers a good starting point and does not come off as overly preachy in my opinion (in fact the God question is acknowledged but left unanswered by either Jason or his mentor Clara). This is a quick read that is well-written and easy to move through, but the overall story is secondary to the philosophical message and the plot suffers slightly from this prioritizing.

[Jodi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read the Peacegiver and liked it, you'll like Snow Rising. And if you're familiar with the Arbinger Institute, you'll love it even more. Without reading text book psychology, readers will answers to questions that are necessary for building meaningful, lasting relationships with family and friends. Too many go through the motions in life, never reaching the summit of human connectedness. To those who are up for the challenge, and who aren't afraid to look at themselves in the mirror and CHANGE...Snow Rising will be a refreshing read. Anyone can apply the principles taught. In fact, they are so innately familar as you understand them, you'll say to yourself, "Of course! Say it like that and I get it!" Like the Peacegiver, you're taught without feeling like you being taught. Although, I would have liked to have more story in the middle of the book. The principles it teaches are necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life. I just wish more peope could figure these things out sooner rather than later.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want a copy of this book. While I checked it out from the library for this reading, it is a book that needs to be reread, marked up, and applied in life. The basic story of the book follows Jason as he makes a trek up to the summit of a mountain in Oregon. However, this book is much more. Jason's life is in ruins. He is far from his family emotionally and he doesn't appreciate the things in life he should. The book is really a spiritual and emotional look at Jason's life and how it is focused on the most unimportant things. This book really caused me to step back and think about the 4 truths or axioms that are presented and how well I am doing in my own life. I, like Jason and many others I'm sure, have work to do. This book is a real eye opener about how we can change ourselves to be the best we can be. There is little religion at all in the book. It is purely focused on being a better person.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won Snow Rising in a GoodReads giveaway.

This book's narrative isn't fantastic, but I suppose that's not the point. The author is really trying to use a fictional story to convey a lesson here. While I'm not really sure I agree with his philosophy completely, it did make me think about who I was and what I believed, which is always good and healthy. This might be a book that I'll have to revisit every now and then to just get myself thinking again.

Some favorite quotes:

"Optimism is not seeing the world through rose-colored lenses, or practicing positive mental attitude...Optimism is a recognition that the greater the problem, the greater the learning, and it's up to us to uncover the learning."

"Compassion is beyond empathy. Empathy is a feeling. Compassion is an act."

[Lois Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book, Baldwin is obviously following the lead of Og Mandino by writing a self-help book in story style. Problem is, Mandino kept his stuff super short and more to the point.
This book is full of a bunch of conversations from which I'm suppose to glean great truths. Honestly, If I want a self-help book, I prefer bullet points and clear explanations so I can easily refer back to the information. This is like finding a needle in a haystack.
The other huge problem with this book is that the narrator remembers this episode from his youth of being involved in a hit and run that he never resolves. From the way he described it, I'm amazed the guy didn't spend at least a couple years in jail.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

got a bit wordy in the middle, as I don't think that much deep conversation would happen on a mountain climb prep time, but I learned a lot and am
a better person for having read this--especiallly liked the part about the main character realizing how much his mistakes had cost those he loved, and how much less he had been helping them then he could have been.

Liked author's part at the end about "I believe that compassion overcomes hate, humility overcomes pride, gratitude overcomes pain, and conscience overcomes evil."...I believe this too, and intend to keep that thought at the forefront of my actions and thoughts toward family and friends in coming days...
the journey in Snow Rising was a good one, and I look forward to the sequel.

[DK6BEES · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few "perfect" books in this world and thus it can be hard to justify "5 stars." However, despite "Snow Rising's" minor imperfections, it gets all the stars I can give it because of the principles it teaches--they are fantastic. Mr. Baldwin uses "axioms" to show us that we can change. We can make better choices. We can 'be' better. This book spoke to my mind. It spoke to my heart. It spoke to my spirit. I can honestly say I am a better person from having read it. I truly believe anyone who wants to learn about ways they can change their life, both personally and professionally, this book can help them, too-- a lot. I heartily recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hard book to rate but ultimately I couldn't give it less than 5 stars. I could put it down and walk away, in fact it was a book I had to put down because I could only digest a chapter or two a night. It was also a book that got me thinking and kept me thinking when I put it down. It's well written and full of truth and I would recommend it to anyone looking to make changes in their life and in their relationships with others.
See my full review:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional story with philosophical enlightenment. Great idea. However, the story seemed to cease about midway, which was a little disappointing. It would have been a more enjoyable read if the story were to continue on. Moreover, I found the dialouge to be unrealistic and annoying. I suppose that's the reason I wasn't able to really connect with the characters. On the contrary, the principles are fantastic and conceptually easy to understand. At times it did get me to stop and think. I think this would be a good book to pick up every now and then just to refresh.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the principles. Good story. One of the characters seemed to do too much talking/preaching/explaining. Whatever you want to call it. Didn't flow too well with the story. It was good stuff that was being preached. I just can't believe they were sitting in the snow for hours talking about philosophy, etc. If you can get past that, you'll enjoy this book. If you've read any of Arbinger Institute's books (Anatomy of Peace, etc.) you'll recognize the principles in this story. I will definitely be reading the sequel. Can't wait to see if he really changes!

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book with insights on how to improve your relationships with others by improving yourself. Jason Snow has lived his life making choices he felt would make him happy. Now his personal relationships are hanging by a thread, he is miserable at work and his children are suffering because of his choices. Jason goes on a life changing quest beginning at the base of Mt Hood. I won,t tell you the ending but it is an inspirital read.

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a novel. It does, however, have somewhat of a story line to it. It is written to help the reader do a little self-evaluation. Nothing the aurhor says is new, but it is a good reminder of the way we should be living our lives.It points out how we all hold on to bad habits and weaknesses, mostly because we refuse to see them in ourselves. It made me think, and caused some discomfort. All in all a good thing, I think.

[Amy Groesbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self help book really gets your mind thinking. I really did enjoy most of the book. I was a little confused in the middle of the book when Jason first meets Clara. In my opinion, she gets deep too quick. I also struggled with the ending until I sat back and realized, it wasn't the point of this book to have a completed ending to Jason situation. That being said, try focusing mainly on the self help part of this book and not so much the story of Jason snow . Enjoy!

[Dale Johnson]

Very preachy book that reads like (and may have been) a promotional for a life coach. It is told in story form and is kind of fun and a fast read. I liked the ending.

I note that Matt Baldwin seems to have been a motivational speaker (from his LinkedIn profile) in the Portland, OR area (so it may actually have been a promo), but he now runs a real estate investment company in Utah. Also, the end of the book refers you to a company website (snowrising.com) that is now defunct.

[Jan Pliler · Rating 5 out of 5]

the concepts/philosophies in the book were extraordinary. the story line was unnecessary in my opinion, but gave the book an opportunity to show us ourselves in the characters.

Truly an amazing piece of information. The mountain to climb will be applying these axioms to daily living.

A must read!