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First and foremost my heart goes out to all of the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in their assault on Everest. This book is well written, and had much to say regarding the hazards and effects of high altitude mountaineering. Although I was familiar with the majority of events through other media and while this book is several years old, I remained captured by its visions, consumed through the minutia, and utterly powerless to put this read down. Captured like snapshots are the final hours of many who perished, questions that may never be answered, those who were spared death’s grip and their post trauma suffering. It also depicts the heroic rescue efforts of the other expeditions, their sacrifices, and applauding deeds; my hat goes off to these men and women. This book conversely provides simple bare open collaborated truths, which shed clear light on those spineless, self-centered, egotistical persons concerned only for themselves who did nothing at all, or were too late in discovering their own faltering human qualities. You know who you are. Limited photography is questioning. I would recommend this book to any outdoor enthusiast, especially those contemplating venturing above 5,000 metersRead full review
Excellent read of a true event on Mount Everest. I saw the film and wanted to read about it because there is usually more detail in books than in films. But the film was very close to the true account, sad and harrowing at times Very well written, many characters to keep up with, all of them interesting. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Will try to find more books by this author.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I read this book for the first time in 8th grade. It was the first book I read where I finally understood what people mean when they say, "I couldn't put it down." Really good read.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Although I am not a climber myself, I have been fascinated by those who aspire to climb the highest points on earth. Watching the television accounts of Hillary and Tenzing at the first successful assault on Mt. Everest in 1953 had me hooked as a then 6-year-old. Jon Krakauer is a unique combination of journalist and mountain climber. I had read a condensed version of this book several years ago, but wanted to have a copy of my own. Jon was sent by OUTSIDE magazine to participate in, and write about, a guided ascent of Mt. Everest in the Spring of 1996. He was part of a team led by Rob Hall, a well-known guide. His account of what happened on that disasterous assault is particularly vivid and accurate, as he was a part of it, and not just someone who researched it. There were actually several groups from various countries attempting a summit bid at the same time. Jon brings us glimpses of the colorful personalities, the motivations of individuals, and examples of tremendous courage as well as inexplicable acts of callousness. We are drawn into the extremes of climate, thin air, fatigue and the technical complexities of such an undertaking. We can see how different people react to meeting their own 'worst nightmares'. This is a look at an 'extreme' sport, at the extreme end of the scale. The culture of the Sherpas is put into perspective, as is the 'business' and bureaucratic side of mountain climbing. We are given a look at more of the 'iceberg' of climbing, not just 'tip' as is generally reported. Although factually conveyed, Jon Krakauer tries to be as compassionate as possible, even as a number of individuals were against his writing this book in the first place. If you relish a frankly related chronical of a famous REAL event, this book is for you. I had serious trouble putting it down once I started reading. Reading next to a warm fire would be advisable. Enjoy.Read full review
If you are going to read any book about the Mt. Everest tragedy of 1996 which claimed a dozen lives, including guides Rob Hall and Scott Fisher, this is the one to read. Having read a number of books from various people who made the trek that year, this is the absolute best. It is the most factual, the easiest read, filled with helpful maps and footnotes, and a real page turner. Surprisingly, this is not a book of any genre I would ever be inclined to read, and it landed in my lap by accident. WHAT A FIND! If you saw the IMAX documentary, you owe it to yourself to read this book, which gives you a more intimate behind the scenes play by play of what went wrong. This is a book I will long remember and plan to read again. Having read the books of others, they truly pale in comparison, not only in the author's ability to convey a well written story, but in the factual details. While there were many treks that May from a number of guides, Jon Krakauer was on Rob Hall's expedition. Some of the authors were not part of Rob's team and could only write second hand information, a poor substitute in my opinion. A treasured work of documented history, this is one book which will forever stand the test of time.Read full review
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