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Summary: Stunning page turner-MUST READ
Review: I could not put this book down. Your emotions run the gamut. This first-person account of the challenge of his time spent on the earth's most unforgiving location is a must read. From beautiful scenery to human tragedy Krakauer does his best to describe the his story of the confusing and excruciatingly difficult experience that he and his fellow travellers experienced trying to reach the highest point on earth-Mt. Everest. I could not put it down, each page brought another spine tingling tale of events that challenged each climber each day.
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Summary: The best Ever
Review: I felt as if I was on the mountain with Krakauer, Rob Hall and the rest. I don't think that anyone person was to blame for anything that happened on the mountain. All the negative comments that were directed towards Krakauer after he wrote the article for Outside magazine were unjust. The only person that could have saved those people that tragically died that spring were themselves.
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Summary: A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN REAL LIFE DRAMA !
Review: Krakauer brings you with him to the mountain and lets you feel the excitement, agony, chaos, and ultimate despair of this tragic journey to the top of the world. You will believe you have travelled into thin air as this fascinating tale of death and survival unfolds. The frailties of the human mind in the "Death Zone" (above 24,000 feet) have never been described better. And the unbelievable story of one man, Beck Weathers, will give you the chills! Don't miss this book.
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Summary: Left at a loss for words
Review: I read this piece cover to cover without putting it down once. So many mistakes were made on this journey that you had to wonder how anyone, except Beck Weathers, survived. The thought that he was left for dead on two occasions makes me sick to my stomach, yet what an incredible will to survive through it all. ( I have to wonder if Weathers would have waited in his tent while other members of his party died a slow death? )You, Krakauer, concerned only with saving yourself, make me wonder if you will feel the guilt for your dead companions for the rest of your life. Any profits made from this book should go to the families of the deceased. I believe you truly feel guilty for the loss of some of the members of your party, however, I hope you never let this feeling go away. It concerns me, that once again your climbing mountains, instead of staying at home with your wife and raising your children. If Everest taught you anything at all, you might think it had something to do with your priorities in life.
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Summary: A great account of Everest
Review: This book really makes you feel as if you are on the mountain. After reading Into Thin Air I have an eurge to get out there are try it myself. I wish i could find another book of this calibur to get me hands into.
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Summary: Spiritual Nature attributed to Mt .Everest
Review: Enjoyed the book, and story. I have read hundreds of reviews, but have read little related to the spiritual "possession" of the mountain, which Jon Krakauer explains so elequently in his book. The Sherpas are very religous people, and Buddahism requires many, many ceremonial and sacraficial kinds of acts to have good presence in this world. In the story, Mt. Everest is that world, she is the "goddess" who demands reverential respect. In no way am I evaluating the book or story's factual evidence related to the tragedy. I find interesting though, from a biblical perspective, that God, who created all things (Psalm 24), including Mt. Everest, made them all for himself. I would dare not go up that big hill without God's blessing, and as well, would abide by the His established authority for my climb, in this case Rob Hall. Hall commanded one young Sherpa to come down immediately to avoid HAPE, but Krakaur explained the cultural/religious forces that may have led to the Sherpa denying Rob's advice. Without further ananlysis of the spiritual role upon the climbers, I will say that it seemed to play a huge roll in how the support team felt about and reacted to events in their climb; especially as the "goddess", became real angry with these teams, eventually killing some. To realize 1 mountain part of God's creation, I feel badly that the Buddahist "spriritual" covering had to rest so heavily on the teams. A Christian view of this endeavor is very freeing in that its common sensable. As in PS. 24 and others, this big mountain sits there, and is by nature high, and fierce, and its attributes can kill a man. Mt. Everest is "possessed" by God, in storm and in peace. There are no other gods up there.
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Summary: Made My Heart Pump
Review: Great read; bring it on your next trip. Gets into the minds of these amazing (and crazy) people.
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Summary: the boundaries of will
Review: I am truly convinced that Krakauer's account is anything but a thruthfull, objective and defini-tive version of the horror that occured on those dark days in may 1996 on the highest Himalayan top. I don't think, by the way, that it was his sole objective to do so...as het confirmed on several occasions in this emotional work. Many versions will, beyond any doubt, follow (and already did)and they will all shed new light on this awful tragedy...but nevertheless 'into thin air' changesd radically my view of those great heroes of the wuthering heights. Fear for competi-tion and the financial repercussions, cowardice, amateurism, criminal resignation, misplaces pride and a clear underestimation of the difficult climb towards the top of the Everest were som of the key-issues that triggered the downfall and transformed a great climbing experience in a descent into hell. For what it is worth, I think Krakauer discribes it all in a truly masterful, grueling way. Reading between the lines even reveals more of the drama and the sence of guilt...
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Summary: Very interesting book.
Review: The book details very well what happened on Mt. Everest during the climb and the agonies endured by the people who were there.
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Summary: Thanks, Jon, for the warning
Review: The only reason I didn't give this book a 10 is because only God can write a perfect book. I'm not even a big reader, but I was obsessed with this masterpiece--so much so, that I read it in two sittings. Krakauer has forever influenced the sport of mountaineering for the better by sounding an alarm to all who would frivolously and arrogantly attempt such dangerous feats. I'm just a beginning climber, and if I learned anything from this book it is this: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER place yourself in such a dangerous position with people whom you don't know really, really well. Krakauer brilliantly reveals the cracks that can occur in risky situations when the parties involed are merely acquaintances. Krakauer's honesty and journalistic ethics in the book are both rare and refreshing. In an age of tabloid journalism, how many reporters would have spoken at length with Sandy Pittman after the disaster--a conversation certain to be juicy with dirty details--without breaking their agreement not to reveal th
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