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Summary: A thrilling intesting Story about Everest
Review: This book is the best book I have ever read in my life. I'm only 12 but I love Everset.I one day will climb it. The book is just outstanding. I would give it 1000 stars if I could.
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Summary: A tragedy that will never be understood
Review: Why did these people go up on that mountain? What possessed them? What really happened? We are never going to know because we will never understand the environment, the conditions or the mentality of the people involved. "Into Thin Air" is John Krakauer's personal account of what happened on Mt Everest. A gripping tale, the book gives the ordinary reader a detailed account (as much as possible) of a tragedy that many people cannot understand why had to happen. The first half of the book introduces us to the participants as well as sets the scene - the second half of the book attempts to recount the fateful days. Whether or not you believe the facts or the author's account (and we will never know what truly happened, lack of oxygen to the brain does strange things) the book is an excellent read. as you read you must keep reminding yourself that it is a true story, for the sheer madness of what went on at Everest is incredible.
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Summary: the best mountain book I ever read
Review: This book tells the true life horror of the author throughout his ghastly stuggles trying to summit mt. everest. Even though his goal is to reach the top, turmoil strikes upon his descent. One of the greatest novels I have ever read. I definently recommend this to any one who likes a true thriller.
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Summary: Riveting, a book worthy of it's subject, Mt. Everest
Review: I had never even heard of Jon Krakauer, but I have long been a fan of Everest lore, so when I got a chance to read this book, I did so excitedly. Mr. Krakauer does an excellent job of "Telling it like it is", in terms non-climbers can easily identify with. His ability to tell a story reminds me of a cross between Walt Morey and Louis Lamour, while his analysis of the Everest situation proves his knowledge of the subject. In terms of sheer excitement, this book can't be beat. From front to back, I found it easy to read and enjoy, and nearly impossible to put down. He does a good job of relaying his feelings regarding the commercialization of Mt. Everest, a point with which I wholeheartedly agree. My deepest appreciation to Mr. Krakauer for his insight into the subject. An excellent book overall. For a guides point of view of the '96 Everest disaster, try "the Climb" by Anatoli Boukreev.
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Summary: One of the best books I'veever read, very exciting.
Review: In this book Jon Krakauer writes astory about the Mount Everest and about people and how they react in ctitical sitiuations. Some are selfish other show that they are heros. It happened a tragedy on this mountain. Some helped other and died like Rob Hall and some did not help other and reacted wrong like Jon Krakauer and now they fight with their own conscience.
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Summary: Skip this and read Boukreev's The Climb
Review: Krakauer's book was a quick and interesting read UNTIL I followed up with The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest by Anatoli Boukreev. Krakauer's book comes off as a biased and subjective account and, while it is interesting on that basis, it left me wondering at the mysteries of fate that lead to this tragic event. Boukreev's book, on the other hand, gave me a very clear understanding of the logistical errors that, compounded by the extreme nature of an Everest climb, led to the deaths and injuries of the climbers. In addition, Krakauer's book relies primarily on his observations and Boukreev's book combines his observations with the experences of many other climbers as revealed in detailed interviews. Read this for what it's worth. A PERSONAL account. Read Boukreev for a more FACTUAL and informative read.
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Summary: Capitalism meets Darwinism
Review: In writing books about disasters, one would assume that the reader would be looking for some key elements particular to this genre. For instance explaination of the cause of the disaster springs to mind. In this book the reasons for why people had to die on Everest are so intrinsically intertwined with the author's own angst over the event, that they are never brought together in a readily understandable form. On the positive side however, this a a very reasurring book. In it we find that survival of the fittest is still in effect in ventures like mountain climbing. I proves that all the money in the world won't save your life if you choose to step outside it's insulating effect, and take risks beyond your capabilities. I scored it as highly as I did only because I found it a textbook example of literal irony.
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Summary: Makes you wish you never read it so you can read it again.
Review: Into Thin Air is a book that you don't need to know much about mounntian climbing to read and enjoy. Jon makes statements that say something and later on as you read it turns out what he said before was wrong. It makes you feel as if you're there learning with Jon as things happen. It's in a way a journal but in another way and autobiographic expirence that combines as a wonderful book. This book of his exciting and devistating account on the 29,028 ft. peak is a great read for adults and some young adult readers who like adventure and mountain climbing books.
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Summary: A great account of an awful event
Review: This is a wonderful account of the terrible events that happened high on the slopes of Everest. The facts of what happened, when it happened are supplemented by the why they happened by a person who was there and survived. No-one else could have told the story as well. What the book leaves you with are the disquieting thoughts on the morality of being able to purchase high adventure and high risk. Behind every one of these ventures are the Sherpas - servicing tourism at high altitude. This is one of those books that I'm sure I'll read again and again. Like "The White Spider", it is a classic of its genre.
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Summary: A must read. Climbers to couch potatoes. It's real life...
Review: This book made me feel like I was there. Not watching a story unfold, but a "a fly on the wall" of The Hillary Step. It was like a war-time epic, the elements the enemy. Beating the odds, real time. I feel for the author. What an incredibly difficult journey to survive. Each of us is an individual, and experience life "in the moment" differently. I feel that John Krakauer's story is moving and honest. I'll share this book with my friends and family. We are lucky to simply "be". If we choose to stand on top of the world -- we live with the "re-action of our action", getting there's more than half the fun. A thrill for me is riding a spirited horse. J. Vance Canadian.
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