Into Thin Air : A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster

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Summary: An awe inspiring piece of literature
Review: This book pulled me into it's grasps and didn't let go even after it was finished. It makes you fully realise the blatant obsession that overtook these otherwise rational human beings. John Krakauer wrote with arrogance, emotion and grief. He revealed his shortcomings and fears and humanized the tradgedy. In his work those that perished will live forever and some will be remembered heros.

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Summary: Krakauer's Writing Summits
Review: Jon Krakauer captivates his audience with his vivid description of the tragedy of '96 from the face of Mt. Everest. Mr. Krakauer's detail of the events, as well as a history lesson on climbings of Everest, interest anyone from a book worm to a seasoned climber. As far as keeping one's attention and interest, this book is one of the best I have read. A rookie climber, I was given a greater understanding of the risks and demands of world class climbers. This book is very hard to put down and it adds to the impressive writing skills of Jon Krakauer.

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Summary: Riveting
Review: Like other readers, I have been unable to stop thinking about those involved in the 96 disaster and wondering what I would have done in that situation. Krakauer has a rich writing style, and put it to good use in a thought provoking story. A must read!

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Summary: Great even if you know nothing about climbing.
Review: I couldn't put the book down! It was very exciting reading. A day has not passed since beginning the book that I didn't think about the men and women who were in the Everest Disaster in 1996. This book is worth reading even if you've never been interested in climbing or Everest before. I now have a strong desire to travel to the mountain just to see it. I really admire those who dream of climbing Mt. Everest and attempt to make it. Even with all the danger and the disaster in 1996 - it makes a person ponder whether or not they could make it.

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Summary: Unparalleled Writing
Review: There is nothing that even comes close to the genius contained in this book. Krakauer writes with such fluidity and poetic beauty that you feel incredibly connected to the events he is describing. The only other comparison that can be made is to his masterpiece INTO THE WILD. A must read.

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Summary: A tragic, and personal account of a life experience
Review: I absolutely loved this book, and though that the author did an incredible job describing the the emotions, and views of all. I loved the way that he included not only his personal opinions, but those of the whole groups. Yes, it was tragady that something like this happened, and yet, we came to understand the world because of this. A must read for anyone that enjoys adventure. I cried outloud!

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Summary: Compelling, enthralling, uplifting and saddening, all in one
Review: This book captivated me. I literally could not put it down, and was in tears at the conclusion. Krakauer is incredibly intelligent, introspective, and sensitive. I can't imagine anyone writing a book more complete and comprehensive about climbing Everest and capturing all the emotions that are involved in such an undertaking, all the while capturing the attitudes and feelings of people as diverse as Rob Hall and the Sherpa climbers. I was left feeling that Krakauer was an incredible human being, forever changed by his ordeal. I highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: compelling
Review: A must book for anyone involved in backpacking, trecking or climbing or anyone who has ever found themselves in a survival situation. The author's description of those left on the mountain to die is the most moving personal account imaginable. This book is the next best thing to climbing Mt. Everest. Very well writen.

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Summary: Compelling story of human fallibility.
Review: In the drama of our continuing conquests over nature, we are compelled to examine our own lives for meaning when Jon reveals how a life-long mission to climb Mt. Everest, a quest shared by many, combined with unadulterated desire to foment a disaster that has rippled throughout the world.

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Summary: OK, I lied...
Review: I did not read the book, but I intend to soon. What I did do is listen to Dr. Beck Weathers' own account of the same tragedy and miracle of that ill-fated day. Dr. Weathers was the guest speaker at a recent Coldwell Banker convention in Orlando, Florida. There was an estimated 6800 agents there, probably 5000 made it to that particular evening session. Dr. Weathers is the one who beat incredible odds. His focus to survive was his love for his wife and children. When he spoke of them, he fought back the tears and trudged on with his story. He was left for dead along with a couple of others in his group. He cried for the 90lb woman who was with them, as she didn't make it down. He told of the years of preparation it took to tackle this mountain. No one who climbed was oblivious of the dangers. No one was a novice climber. They all accepted the risks. We were so very fortunate to hear this man and his incredible story--we were even more fortunate to meet him afterwards. I will never forget his words, his tears, his humility. Look for his book if he ever has one published. He did speak of "Into Thin Air" and I look forward to reading it, but it couldn't possibly be as riveting or as articulately told as Dr. Weathers' words that night.