“Beyond the Mountain” ($29.95, Patagonia Books) is world-class climber Steve House’s account of what it’s like to be him, and that means fundraising like a maniac, negotiating with difficult countries and working through the pain and frustration of difficult mountains and relationships while chasing the dream. His book is surprisingly and compellingly well written and charmingly lacking in ego, not surprising for an accomplished climber famous for being low-key. It’s not all about him even, say, when it’s about his now-legendary new direct route with Vince Anderson on the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat. Here’s what I really love: There’s a glossary, which means House doesn’t assume you’re a climbing know-it-all. And if you aren’t, this isn’t a bad book to start with. Note: An ambassador for the Patagonia brand, House will speak and sign books at the Boulder Book Store (1107 Pearl Street) Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Patagonia in Boulder (1212 Pearl St.) Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Patagonia in Denver (1431 15th St.) Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Kyle Wagner
