Within Reach: My Everest Story (Nonfiction)

Rating:
Summary: This is a pretty good book.
Review: This is the second book that I have read on Everest, (one when I was nine, one now at age 11). It was also the one I enjoyed more. I liked how it was written in journal form, because for people my age it made it eaiser to read. The book was very suspenceful in some parts. It amazed me was how Mark (the person the book was written about), had climbed so many mountains when he was 14, 15, and 16. But, my favorite feature that the authors included was a 'cast of characters'at the back of the book. The 'cast of characters' included a chapter number, and then listed all of the people mentioned in that chapter. Next to the peoples names were a couple of sentences about where they were from, and what they were like. This was very useful because Mark, went on so many expeditions. Another reason I liked this book so much is because of the sense of humor in it. All and all, this was a pretty good book.

Rating:
Summary: "Within Reach" was the Best Book I've Read in a Long Time!
Review: "Within Reach" by Mark Pfetzer and Jack Galvin was a very good book. In fact, it was one of the best books I've read in a long time. At first when this book was suggested to me, I thought "Wow. Another boring non-fiction book about some guy climbing Everest. Whoopee." But I was wrong. I loved "Within Reach"! I suggest it for anyone interested in a good read. Even if you don't like non-fiction or adventure books, I think this book's for you! I took this book to all my classes at school and brought it home every night, sneaking a read when I was supposed to be doing my homework - that's how much I really couldn't put this book down! I loved following Mark's journeys in mountain climbing, and I hope there will be a sequel soon about his 1999 Everest and Andrea Doria expedition! (The Andrea Doria is a sunken cruise ship that a group [including Mark] is going to explore, 240 feet undersea!) And Mark, if you're reading this, I'm sorry about your dad.

Rating:
Summary: It's a great book.
Review: I have the book and it's very interesting. I really like the stuff about mountaian climbing and the mountains. I think it's cool that he's still in school and climbs Mt. Everest!

Rating:
Summary: An Inspiration
Review: I saw Mark speak last Fall when the book first came out and I was very impressed with his maturity and poise. Both of these qualities are apparent in his book as well. His story is inspirational to both young adults and adults! When most of us say "Wouldn't it be great to try ___" Mark actually does. The book is structured like a diary and you follow Mark from his first rock climb to Mt. Everest and everything in between. I recommend it to anyone who has is interested in Everest and one young man's determination to reach the summit.

Rating:
Summary: It was very well-written and inspiring.
Review: This book was very good because the story is intresting and written well. I have seen many good mountaineering stories ruined by being written in an arrogant voice. Some examples are Jan Krakauer's Into Thin Air and Anatoli Boukreev's The Climb. While these books were intresting both had an arrogent slant to them. This story is also very inspiring because it shows that anyone can do anything and that even famous people can be hit with major life problems. I recommend this for anyone intrested in mountaineering and/or with dreams.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for kids! Mark's a real inspiration!
Review: Let your kids read this one folks! They'll learn alot about determination. Wonderful boy that Mark Pfetzer is. Mark will do great on his next attempt on Mt. Everest. I have faith in this young man.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational!
Review: I thought this was a fabulous book. I was very impressed by Pfetzer's maturity and skill. I've heard short stories by Jack Galvin and I think he's an extremely eloquent and intelligible writer, as well as a very nice man. I've never had the opportunity to meet Mark Pfetzer, but from the "hometown stories," he seems like a courageous, and caring individual as well.

Rating:
Summary: Great role model for all.
Review: Mark is a great role model for all young adults and should be mandatory reading for all school age children and teenagers. What an uplifting story in lieu of all the negative stories about gangs, drugs and teen-crime. It will encourage others with a dream not to give up but to pursue their goals with determination and persistance.

Rating:
Summary: Read This, Forget The Rest
Review: This may be targetted at young adults, but I am twice this young man's age, and I hold him, his impressions, and thoughts about his experiences higher than the enormous number of; "Me, Me, Me, And Then I", books, that we have been bombarded with since The Everest Tragedy. This young man gives more insight into men like Anatoli Boukreev, Scott Fisher, and others than I ever got out of,"paid for editorials from Outdoor Magazine". This young man raised his own money, he is in extraordinary physical condition, he was better qualified than many of his fellow climbers, and he will continue to climb for decades as his maturity and with it the good judgement he exercises, will keep him safe, and others that will climb with him. If either he or his co-author reads this I would like to help support his next climb. You are an inspiration!

Rating:
Summary: Easy to read, easy to envision, hard to put down!
Review: Mr. Galvin's writing style makes it easy to identify with Mark, his lofty goals, and his joy of success. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in EITHER enjoying a tale of climbing adventure or learning that, like Mark, we all have goals that are "within reach". A-plus!