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Summary: A riveting book about insanity
Review: In "Into Thin Air", Krakauer examines the small insanity of mountain climbing itself, the large insanity of attempting to reach "the roof of the world" (as Everest is so often called), and the myriad insanities that lie somewhere in between: greed, heroism, selfishness and blind ambition to name just a few.Written with the emotional immediacy of someone still attempting to make sense of senseless tragedy experienced firsthand, "Into Thin Air" is not a climbers book, but rather a book for anyone that has ever wondered how far a fellow human will go in pursuit of a dream no sane person would dare to attempt
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Summary: 2 Days and 378 pages later
Review: This is one of the most spellbinding books I have ever read. With a blink of my eye I was there on the mountain. You can feel the wind and the suffering on Everest that day. Jon Krakauer details all that he can remember and places you on the mountain with him.
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Summary: Into Thin Air
Review: I just finished reading Into Thin Air for the second time. The first time I read it in 1997, I was so anxious to get to the end to discover the facts of the 1996 Mt. Everest climb that I made little effort to keep track of all of the characters. This time I enjoyed studying more closely the mini-biographies Mr. Krakauer draws up within the text of the principal players, and by doing this found a richer enjoyment of the story. Unlike some reviewers of this book, I have no quarrel with the author's honest portrayals of his associates on the climb. At no time does he say that this or that person was responsible for the disaster--he does, however, state the facts as he saw them, like any good reporter would, and leaves the reader to her/his own conclusions. The story is so much a tale of human error, what kind of a story would it be without a description of the personalities involved and how their various quirks, weaknesses and heroics affected the outcome for the whole group?
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Summary: Into Thin Air is the best of all the Mt. Everest books
Review: Upon hearing the news about the deaths that night on Everest, I thought this is to be expected unfortunatly when trying to conquer Everest. Doing the impossible encourages hardships such as this. To read about it in such great detail, to relive the entire expedition step by step was truly one of the most riveting experiences of my life. I found new respect for these people for what they must endure to reach the summitt is truly unbelievable. This book is fantastic, every step of the way. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: truly inspirational
Review: Jon did a fine job and really took me with his expedition up the south ridge to the summit of Everest. I read it twice and will do so again. A true top adventure story that will never age. I held back one star because the dozen or so characters were too many to know. The writing isn't great lit but more like a long and good mag article. It's an exciting, gripping story of human endeavor.
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Summary: A moving account
Review: Joh Krakauer describes this disastrous expedition with a journalist's flair. He portrays the loneliness of the mountain and man's instinct for survival with breathless accuracy. It is an experience to journey to Nepal in his company and share his horror at the ptfalls of this doomed ascent.
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Summary: Very Interesting Book
Review: Not being a mountain climber myself, I was worried that I might not understand some of the more technical terms, etc. that might be associated with a book like this. However, I was happy that the author made this an easy read for inexperienced readers like me. The book caught my attention right away and I got to know the characters and felt for them. I did think that the author held back quite a bit when talking about the characters' true personalities though. Overall, I thought it was an easy read, very interesting, and had a very moving storyline to it. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the fascination of pushing one's body to the ultimate limits.
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Summary: A good read-doesn't bash like people say.
Review: This was an excellent book written about a tragic disaster by a person who was there to witness it. Many people have criticized Krakauer for bashing people in this book-putting blame on certain people for the outcome of this climb. I didn't see that he was being purposely hurtful to people, but just writing down the things that he observed while he was on the mountain. Anatoli Boukreev has written 'The Climb' as a rebuttal to what he perceives as a malicious attack on his character in 'Into Thin Air.' I haven't read it yet, but I intend too. I don't think badly about anyone on that expedition after reading this book. It was horrifying to realize that this was a real event. I'm not blaming anyone, but one has to wonder if Yasuko could have been saved, if Beck Weathers got up and walked himself out of that storm.
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Summary: Bar none - THE most compelling book I've read
Review: Jon Krakauer's excellent writing abilities allow you to relate well to the characters and understand their mission and their plight. True, the climbers were not fit to be on the mountain, but Krakauer addresses this and makes clear a very controversial subject. An emotional, gut-wrenching put-you-on-the-mountain story. Jon Krakauer addresses the powerful and dangerous self-motivation towards conquering the outdoors which I believe everyone has to a certain extent. The fine line between living on the edge and loosing control. Anyone with any kind of appreciation towards the outdoors and adventure would relate. Jon Krakauer addresses this phenomenon even more with his book 'Into the Wild'. A perfect way to explore your adventurous mind...
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Summary: Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down.
Review: I thought this book was an excellent novel to read. I was unable to put the book down and just wanted to keep reading what happened next. Each person's reasons for climbing were explained with such detail. I found it thrilling, sad and crazy as to what these people went through and what they put themselves through. I do not understand why anyone would want to climb this mountain, but, yet, after reading this book, I had a little more insight. A terrible day where no one was to blame and everyone is to blame.
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