The Climb

Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: I just finished reading 'Climb' and I thought it was fantastic. You get lost in the adventure and only are saddened when you remember that this wild ride of disastermand heroism is a true story. I havn't read 'Into Thin Air' yet, but when I began the 'Climb', I knew that it was supposed to be some sort of rebuttal to it. It dosen't read as a rebuttal. Its told as a story and only at the end does Boukreev challenge the accusations made in 'Into Thin Air'. I think many who read Krakauer's book first have formed their own opinion and when they read 'Climb' they start out on the defensive. If you've already read 'Into Thin Air', then read 'Climb' with an open mind. There are many sides to every story, and this is one of them written by a man who deserves to be heard.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, exciting and insightful to a non-mountain climber
Review: I enjoyed the book. It seemed defensive only as a rebuttal to what the author believed to be the truth. I have not read "thin air," but will at a later time.

Rating:
Summary: Less than one star if I could
Review: This book could have been an interesting and different point of view from Into This Air. Instead it is a defensive, ego inflating bore! Boukreev is trying out for sainthood, every page has a passage about how much everyone loves and respects him and about what a great climber he is. He offers no new insights into the tragedy, he is only interested in making himself look good and Jon Krakauer look bad. It doesn't work for me. I couldn't wait to be finished with it.

Rating:
Summary: Increasingly interesting as the story progresses.
Review: Having first read Krakauers 'Into thin air' I had already formed an opinion about the events as told. At the beginning of Boukreevs re-telling it seemed to me that the story was written defensively, trying to explain what was written in Krakauers book, but by the time I finished 'The Climb' I was convinced that I had read the true telling of the story. I was not, however, very pleased with the co-authors writing style. Ínto Thin Air' had more of a 'being there' feeling. I think that anybody interested in the events on Everest should read both books.

Rating:
Summary: Anatoli has much to teach us
Review: This book is useful on two levels. First, it is a rebuttal of Jon's book. Second, it gives insight into the making and life of a world-class climber. As a climber, I found the technical descriptions of the mental and physical preparations and the overall mental process useful and insightful. The changes in the demeanor of all the people during the climb are discernible. Like many Russians who do not have command of English, Anatoly was reserved, sticking to the events and sparingly so. Its a refreshing counterpoint to the puffed wheat in Jon's books and the awful practice he (and many others) have of making hay and money and fame off other people's deaths and disfigurements. Hats off to Dave Brashears and the American Alpine Club for giving Anatoli its highest award.

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: If Anatoli Boukreev could've gotten past trying to pose as a saint this might have been a good book. His ego gets in the way of every page. My understanding is that he wrote this book mainly to refutiate Into Thin Air. What a mistake, he is writing from such a defensive position how can one believe what he says. I'm sure the truth between him and Krakauer lies somewhere in the middle, but you sure won't find much of it in this book.

Rating:
Summary: A good alternative to "Into Thin Air"
Review: As someone who is very interested in Everest, I found Boukreev's story much more compelling than Krakauer's. While "Into Thin Air" may have been better written, it suspiciously leaves behind important information necessary for the understanding of the 1996 tragedy. Boukreev's attempts to bring forth what really happened are supported by his use of actual transcripts of interviews, and debriefing sessions on Base Camp. After reading "The Climb", one must also challenge Krakauer's memory of the events that transpired... the fact that he is not a professional climber, that his oxygen supply was exhausted before arriving at Camp 4, and that he chooses to ommit statements from those involved in the climb, point to an innaccurate description. Anatoli Boukreev earns a well deserved respect with this book, as a hero, an elite climber, and a courageous human being who risked his own life to save those of people he barely knew... while his critics slept in tents on Camp 4.

Rating:
Summary: Essential for all serious climbers and those in awe of them.
Review: This excellent book raises serious questions about accountability and responsibility in "commercial" climbing--and in the rest of life as well. Boukreev maintains that individual initiative and accountability are key ingredients in successful high-altitude mountineering. His heroic performance should inspire us all to give more of ourselves for our fellow men. Perhaps his thoughts may have a positive influence on the rapidly expanding commercial guided-expedition industry, where the risks are well known and the stakes are often measured in human lives. He constantly reminds us that lots of money and a big ego can't replace personal dedication to ethical behavior, rigorous training, careful conditioning, and paying ones dues.

Rating:
Summary: Boukreev's attempt at ego preservation
Review: After reading Krakauer's book, Into Thin Air, and being deeply touched by its events, I was eager to look deeper into the story of what exactly happened on the trip. What I found in Boukreev's book was not only disappointing but provided a reverse effect from what the author desired. The book is written with far less grace than its counterpart and when issues of personal fault arise in the story, Boukreev refuses to admit that the enemy was the mountain and that everyone made mistakes. The book is written more as an accusation and reputation builder than an account of a chilling and tragic experience. This is infinitely too bad as another account of the expedition that sticks to the events and the story, not to the fault of the people, might be as fascinating as the original version. This book pales in comparison to Krakauer's version.

Rating:
Summary: Aboveall, straight realistic
Review: Beyond the "Into Thin Air" reduttal, it shows that such great adventures require more than weekend explorers can usually afford. Moreover, it shows how vulnerable can be the guaranties that commercial expeditions may offer.