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Summary: Life and Death Struggle on Everest
Review: A compelling account of the tragic disaster on Mt. Everest. Krakauer does a good job of telling a story complicated by many different individuals and expedition teams. He writes about the climbers' different personalities so that the reader comes away with insights into how such accomplished climbers could perish. This is the best survival account I have read since _Alive_, the story of the plane crash victims in the Andes. It's a real page-turner, impossible to put down.
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Summary: Essential for Mountain Medicine Practitioners
Review: From the viewpoint of a nurse and outdoorsman, I was unable to put this book down for very long. If you ignore the discussion of the professional jealousy among these climbers a story of the survivability and spirit of the human animal emerges. Anyone who reads of adventure and knows the business of healing will surely be taken by this account of extreems. If you've ever walked into the wilderness as a medical professional you know the voice within you that echoes "what could I have done differently". That voice will love this read.
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Summary: This book sticks with you!
Review: I really enjoyed the excitement and adventure delivered by this book. I have never been a big admirer of non-fiction, but this has given me inspiration to explore more literature in that field. I would have liked to have known the team members better, but I think Jon just wanted to expose us to as many individuals as possible (this could have easily been at least another hundred pages long). Of course I feel sad for the tragic loss suffered on that day on Mt. Everest, but strictly as a piece of literature I really enjoyed this book.
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Summary: gripping, disturbing, haunting, but not satisfying
Review: After picking up this book, I couldn't put it down. Now that I am finished, I am left wanting more. Specifically, I yearn for another perspective. The intimacy of Jon Krakauer to this story makes it possible for him to tell it with compelling clarity. But that intimacy taints it as well. Confessions of his own weakness and guilt do not adequately conceal nor negate Jon's subtle sentiments of superiority over virtually everyone else on the mountain. This recurrent feeling emanates from so many passages. No doubt Jon would have been much happier as a member of Fischer's "go at your own pace" team where this loner would have been unencumbered, free to leave the laggards in the lurch. However, I suspect it is perhaps a good exercise in humility that he was not a member of the team in which everyone made it out alive (except the selfless and heroic leader). Certainly it is better for the telling of this story. Jon's vilified viewpoint of Boukreev's selfish actions is ironic when seen in the mirror of his own similar behavior. The distinction being that an expedition guide is supposed to be more humanitarian due to his salary? Maybe that is the key to understanding both Jon's assault on Anatoli as well as his own unshakable guilt. At least Boukreev's sinning was followed by some redemptive rescues. Perhaps this admitted attempt at catharsis would never have been written if Jon had some healing acts of heroism for his own frostbitten soul. But that would truly be a shame, for Jon Krakauer is a masterful author, and this is a gripping, disturbing, and haunting book which everyone should read. My reverence and respect go out to all who lived or died on the top of the world that day. And I pray that Jon Krakauer will find the peace he seeks which will surely not come from the massive revenues generated by this book. My next purchase will be the IMAX book, "Everest: Mountain Without Mercy".
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Summary: For a balanced account, read "The Climb"
Review: This was a great book, albeit a little melodramatic. I just finished reading "The Climb" by Anatoli Boukreev and I have a whole different perspective of the diaster. Read both books, Into Thin Air and The Climb for balance.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read -- but is it the RIGHT Everest book to read?
Review: As an armchair mountain climber wannabe, I found this a captivating story -- until I read the reviews of Anatoli Boukreev's book and realized that, in reading Krakauer's account of these events, I may have fallen prey to a popular writer's spin on a serious issue. Yes, I recommend that you read it if you entertain any fantasties about climbing anything.
But NO, do not accept it as The Right Version of this story. Buy Boukreev's book, too, and judge for yourself.
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Summary: Inspiring
Review: Jon takes you to the top of Mt. Everest as well as through the range of emotions that he experienced as a survivor of this tragedy. Not only do you learn many technical things about serious mountain-climbing, but you also feel anticipation, exhaustion, fear, confusion, guilt, courage, relief, & accomplishment. I believe that he was very brave to write his story so soon, and this was the primary reason that my personal empathy was so strong. He took me places that I have never been, and I now have a greater understanding of the human spirit. Thank you, Jon
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Summary: Gods of Everest don't like MTV!
Review: There are so many great comments already by readers that mine would only repeat what's been said. But I have a unique view about the accident based upon info in K's book. The SHERPAS have an interesting respect and morality as to their Sacred Mountain. When glamour hungry, immoral Westerners defile it in many ways the mountain [Mother Nature?] has to exact a kind of karma or judgement. Gee this Buddhism sounds a bit like the morality of Judeo-Christianity.
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Summary: They knew what they were getting into.
Review: The key to reading this book is remembering the title, "A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster." Because it is Krakauer's account, and it is shaped by his personal experiences as a rock climber and aventurer, the uniqueness of high-altitude climbing, and the differences between guided and non-guided expedition. Krakauer consistantly points to human error, of all involved, for the disaster. As Krakauer describes the days before the expedition, the story is full of ominous foreshadowing and the setup for ironic tragedy. Krakauer is unafraid (perhaps too quick) to point the finger at guides, climbers and sherpas for errors that contributed to the disaster, but these errors are the premise for the story: the method for conquering Everest is known, the plans and rules are known, and the human errors and willingness to break the rules lead to disaster and loss.
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Summary: GREAT ive read it 3 times , and it keeps getting better.
Review: i tell all my friends that they have to read this book.its a must read for anyone ....kudos to mr krakuer
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