Into Thin Air

Rating:
Summary: Great even if you know nothing about climbing.
Review: I couldn't put the book down! It was very exciting reading. A day has not passed since beginning the book that I didn't think about the men and women who were in the Everest Disaster in 1996. This book is worth reading even if you've never been interested in climbing or Everest before. I now have a strong desire to travel to the mountain just to see it. I really admire those who dream of climbing Mt. Everest and attempt to make it. Even with all the danger and the disaster in 1996 - it makes a person ponder whether or not they could make it.

Rating:
Summary: Unparalleled Writing
Review: There is nothing that even comes close to the genius contained in this book. Krakauer writes with such fluidity and poetic beauty that you feel incredibly connected to the events he is describing. The only other comparison that can be made is to his masterpiece INTO THE WILD. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: A tragic, and personal account of a life experience
Review: I absolutely loved this book, and though that the author did an incredible job describing the the emotions, and views of all. I loved the way that he included not only his personal opinions, but those of the whole groups. Yes, it was tragady that something like this happened, and yet, we came to understand the world because of this. A must read for anyone that enjoys adventure. I cried outloud!

Rating:
Summary: Compelling, enthralling, uplifting and saddening, all in one
Review: This book captivated me. I literally could not put it down, and was in tears at the conclusion. Krakauer is incredibly intelligent, introspective, and sensitive. I can't imagine anyone writing a book more complete and comprehensive about climbing Everest and capturing all the emotions that are involved in such an undertaking, all the while capturing the attitudes and feelings of people as diverse as Rob Hall and the Sherpa climbers. I was left feeling that Krakauer was an incredible human being, forever changed by his ordeal. I highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: compelling
Review: A must book for anyone involved in backpacking, trecking or climbing or anyone who has ever found themselves in a survival situation. The author's description of those left on the mountain to die is the most moving personal account imaginable. This book is the next best thing to climbing Mt. Everest. Very well writen.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling story of human fallibility.
Review: In the drama of our continuing conquests over nature, we are compelled to examine our own lives for meaning when Jon reveals how a life-long mission to climb Mt. Everest, a quest shared by many, combined with unadulterated desire to foment a disaster that has rippled throughout the world.

Rating:
Summary: OK, I lied...
Review: I did not read the book, but I intend to soon. What I did do is listen to Dr. Beck Weathers' own account of the same tragedy and miracle of that ill-fated day. Dr. Weathers was the guest speaker at a recent Coldwell Banker convention in Orlando, Florida. There was an estimated 6800 agents there, probably 5000 made it to that particular evening session. Dr. Weathers is the one who beat incredible odds. His focus to survive was his love for his wife and children. When he spoke of them, he fought back the tears and trudged on with his story. He was left for dead along with a couple of others in his group. He cried for the 90lb woman who was with them, as she didn't make it down. He told of the years of preparation it took to tackle this mountain. No one who climbed was oblivious of the dangers. No one was a novice climber. They all accepted the risks. We were so very fortunate to hear this man and his incredible story--we were even more fortunate to meet him afterwards. I will never forget his words, his tears, his humility. Look for his book if he ever has one published. He did speak of "Into Thin Air" and I look forward to reading it, but it couldn't possibly be as riveting or as articulately told as Dr. Weathers' words that night.

Rating:
Summary: Krakauer recounts a tale that pierces to the soul.
Review: Never have I read a book (or seen a film) that truly raised emotions like this. Krakauer's easy to follow writing style coupled with the emotional devastation he deals with every day made this book nearly impossible to put down.

I often found myself attempting to cover my eyes so as not to continue reading of this heart-wrenching disaster. As an amateur backpacker, this story really struck a chord.

Outstanding!

Rating:
Summary: Can't Stop thinking about it...
Review: After reading Into Thin Air twice, I still think the same thing....most of these people are idiots, but I can understand how they can become obsessed with the idea of climbing Everest.

Ihave also read Climb, by Bookreev and DeWalt, and it seems to be less emotional and more of an account of the events. I don't think, if I read Climb first, I would have been as enthralled as I am about the whole story.

Even if you do not approve of Krakauers actions,as I do not, it is a "can't put down" read.

I have judged this book on the merits of the writing, and gathered various accounts on my own to make my ultimate judgement on what happened.

As [e-mail] from Austin TX , 01/14/98, rating=1: put it DON'T CELEBRATE FAILURE !!!!!!

This was not judged as a book but as who was right or wrong and some people cannot agree with what Krakauer did on the mountain or has done since..(movie...book)....but again...I couldn't put it down. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition

Rating:
Summary: Exhausting!
Review: My first thought upon finishing this book: "Why?" However, having not been there, I can't judge what really happened. I loved this book. I loved the struggle and the attempts at heroism in such extreme conditions. Jon Krakauer has achieved success in defining his opinion and view of these tragic events. READ THIS BOOK!