Into Thin Air

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Summary: A personal account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
Review: "Into Thin Air" tell the story of a handful of courageous climbers and the disaster of their climb up Mt. Everest. Few have had the courage to face the 29,000 foot mountain, however Jon Krakauer, the author of "Into Thin Air", faced his fear and conquered the mountain. The theme of Jon Krakauer's novel "Into Thin Air" shows to be the willingness to survive and the sense of being heroic. The authors purpose for writing this book is to let everyone know the truth of what happened atop Mt. Everest. Krakauer states that Mt. Everest, the journey and the deaths have been "gnawing away at his guts" and he felt he needed to tell his story in order to ease his conscience. Throughout the novel, the reader can clearly see that Jon Krakauer values life. Through his words, the reader can sense the authors care for those who lost their lives on the mountain. The author's assupmtions are in agreement with those of other professional mountain climbers. This novel has a huge impact on many, if not every, mountain climber. A story like the one written by Jon Krakauer has never been told before. Mountain climbers are able to relate to and speculate what the brave climbers went through on Mt. Everest. This novel's originality puts it into a class by itself. Krakauer wrote a day by day account of the climber's tiresome journey. This novel truly reached every person who read its words. "Into Thin Air" is in a class by itself and will leave a lasting sense of value for many generations to witness. The sources of the authors data are simply himself, his fellow climbers, and Mt. Everest. Jon Krakauer's employer sent his on the journey to write a first hard article about the climb up Everest. The sources which have proven to be adequate display the grounds for an outstanding novel. One fact that should be taken into consideration is the times at which he recorded when they reached their designated areas. Although they may only be off by seconds, some of the other climbers may have different times recorded. Probably the most astounding question Krakauer asks is when he questions the rationality of a person who must make the decision whether or not to climb Mt. Everest. In a way, he leaves this question unanswered. The author asks how a person with such a hunger for climbing the mountain can rationally think of the consequences. Obviously, someone who does not climb cannot answer this question completely. This novel has been one of the most moving accounts of climbing Mt. Everest ever written. Krakauer wrote this book with unrestricted levels of heart and emotion. "Into Thin Air" is balanced by the arguments Krakauer brings up concerning the excitment and danger of the climb. With great clarity, the author puts to rest many questions people have about Mt. Everest. He tells of the numerous and sudden snow storms which killed so many of his fellow men. He also tells of the beautiful features of "God's glorius creation". The author swiftly makes his point of the danger of the summit on the top of Mt. Everest. Besides the information given about the mountain, the novel may convince the reader not to climb at all. Although this book is written with excellent pecission, it is accessable to even the most uninformed reader. In response to the authors point of view, I must congradulate the author on a job well done. Not many people would take the risk of climbing such a horrible terrain. I am able to see the struggle of the journey through the eyes of a scared but brave man. I believe the greatest strength of this novel to be the accounts of struggle and death and victory of the climbers. Through the books information, I now understand the heartache and contribution it must take to face Mt. Everest.

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Summary: You will never look at a mountain the same.
Review: Although Krakauer is not a very sophistocated writer, his down to earth style captivated me from the start, and I was transposed up the mountain with his team. The plot sometimes lagged, but in the particularily tragic and senseless moments of the individual difficulties, I could not put it down, and found myself wiping tears from my eyes, imagining Robb talking with his wife on the cell phone. A truly moving experience, we should all learn from.

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Summary: Could not put it down.... TWICE!
Review: John Krakauer is truly an amazing author. He is so good at telling the story that I felt the cold, smelled the streets of Kathmandu, experienced the excitement, and felt the pain in my heart fron the tragedy of it all. I cried for the loss of those gifted people. I pray today for the ones they have left behind. Thank you John for sharing.

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Summary: Absolutly Amazing
Review: I bought this book only for a simple, adventure story and an interest in the tallest mountain on Earth, Mt. Everest. In reading I discovered a complex, thought provoking drama that ripped at many, if not all of my emotions. Amazing.

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Summary: One for the old library!
Review: WOW! That's all I can say when it comes to John Krakauer's "Into Thin Air." I myself am into mountains and climbing and I found this book wonderful. I've never read a book so fast because I was so anxious to finish it! I recommend it to ANYONE who wants a true adventure book. You learn to appreciate this great mountain a bit more after reading this book.

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Summary: Engrossing, reads like fast-paced fiction.
Review: Mr. Krakauer has done a wonderful job relaying an incredible tale. Covers nearly every emotion, from joy to bittersweet relief. I read this in the summer and was shivering as he described the moonlike frigidness and barren terrain of Everest.

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Summary: Because of this book, I am now obsessed with Everest.
Review: Since I read Krakauer's incredible story, I have been completely obsessed with Mt. Everest to the extent that I am now actually planning a trip to Nepal - but not to the mountain itself. The tragedy, heroism and unbelievable extremes recounted in the book will haunt me for the rest of my life.

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Summary: A book that brings inspiration from a mountain tragedy!
Review: Although this book may be show the terrible accidents that occur on a mountain as great as Everest, it nonetheless inspired me to begin my own climbing career. I have read this book three times, and each time I get more excited about the sport. Some day, I hope to have the oppurturing to climb Everest, and proudly stand atop this mountain without mercy.

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Summary: EXCELLENT - This book is a homerun, a whole-in-one.
Review: I am sorry for Krakauer that some see this book as being written by an egotist, it did not strike me that way at all. No matter, it kept me awake as I couldn't put it down - just like everyone had warned. I think Krakauer used excellent judgement in many places but simply had some choices to make that were choosing the lesser of two evils. Either way, the book will surely evoke emotions in its readers; and after all, it is a gift to be able to write in such manner as to stir our inner-being. I won't forget this book. The whole family has read it.

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Summary: One of the most captivating books I've read in years.
Review: I was at my home in Old Forge, N.Y., and faced with a dreary rainy winter day rather then a day of snowmobiling. Consequently, I went to the book store and purchased "INTO THIN AIR" and soon found myself in the grips of a fantastic book. I surprised my wife as well as myself when I read it's entire contents in one sitting. I've always been intrigued by the adventures of mountain climbers and their ability to risk their lives for a few moments on a mountain summit. The particular events of this climb reinforces the fact mountain climbing is tedious and dangerous. Jon Krakauer does a magnificent justice to the realization of just how truly difficult climbing is. I have always been an avid reader but few books peaked my interest enough to read in one day. It certainly is sad that such tradegy struck so quickly. Jon Krakauer does an excellent job of pointing out that when dealing with the elements of nature the devastating effects it can have on peoples lives. He admittingly stated that Mt. Everest had become less of a challenge to experienced climbers as a result of the commercialization of expedition companies. What quickly becomes a realization is that when one encounters the elements that inflated egos aren't enough for survival. I think that Jon should forgive himself for the deaths that occurred that May of 1996. Everyone who climbs that high needs to remember that they are at risk of never returning and perhaps this account will be a reminder to future mountain climbers. I would recommend this book to anyone who simply enjoys reading factual accounts of adventure. I often in my life have waged battle with mother nature and never have I considered summitting a peak such as Mt. Everest. This book in its exacting detail makes me realize that life is fragile and often on the brink of disaster, no matter how prepared or experinced one might be.