Rating: 
Summary: Krakauer recounts a tale that pierces to the soul.
Review: Never have I read a book (or seen a film) that truly raised emotions like this. Krakauer's easy to follow writing style coupled with the emotional devastation he deals with every day made this book nearly impossible to put down. I often found myself attempting to cover my eyes so as not to continue reading of this heart-wrenching disaster. As an amateur backpacker, this story really struck a chord. Outstanding!
Rating:
Summary: Can't Stop thinking about it...
Review: After reading Into Thin Air twice, I still think the same thing....most of these people are idiots, but I can understand how they can become obsessed with the idea of climbing Everest. Ihave also read Climb, by Bookreev and DeWalt, and it seems to be less emotional and more of an account of the events. I don't think, if I read Climb first, I would have been as enthralled as I am about the whole story.
Even if you do not approve of Krakauers actions,as I do not, it is a "can't put down" read.
I have judged this book on the merits of the writing, and gathered various accounts on my own to make my ultimate judgement on what happened.
As R60730@email.sps.mot.com from Austin TX , 01/14/98, rating=1: put it DON'T CELEBRATE FAILURE !!!!!!
This was not judged as a book but as who was right or wrong and some people cannot agree with what Krakauer did on the mountain or has done since..(movie...book)....but again...I couldn't put it down. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition
Rating:
Summary: Exhausting!
Review: My first thought upon finishing this book: "Why?" However, having not been there, I can't judge what really happened. I loved this book. I loved the struggle and the attempts at heroism in such extreme conditions. Jon Krakauer has achieved success in defining his opinion and view of these tragic events. READ THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Life and Death Struggle on Everest
Review: A compelling account of the tragic disaster on Mt. Everest. Krakauer does a good job of telling a story complicated by many different individuals and expedition teams. He writes about the climbers' different personalities so that the reader comes away with insights into how such accomplished climbers could perish. This is the best survival account I have read since _Alive_, the story of the plane crash victims in the Andes. It's a real page-turner, impossible to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Essential for Mountain Medicine Practitioners
Review: From the viewpoint of a nurse and outdoorsman, I was unable to put this book down for very long. If you ignore the discussion of the professional jealousy among these climbers a story of the survivability and spirit of the human animal emerges. Anyone who reads of adventure and knows the business of healing will surely be taken by this account of extreems. If you've ever walked into the wilderness as a medical professional you know the voice within you that echoes "what could I have done differently". That voice will love this read.
Rating:
Summary: This book sticks with you!
Review: I really enjoyed the excitement and adventure delivered by this book. I have never been a big admirer of non-fiction, but this has given me inspiration to explore more literature in that field. I would have liked to have known the team members better, but I think Jon just wanted to expose us to as many individuals as possible (this could have easily been at least another hundred pages long). Of course I feel sad for the tragic loss suffered on that day on Mt. Everest, but strictly as a piece of literature I really enjoyed this book.
Rating:
Summary: gripping, disturbing, haunting, but not satisfying
Review: After picking up this book, I couldn't put it down. Now that I am finished, I am left wanting more. Specifically, I yearn for another perspective. The intimacy of Jon Krakauer to this story makes it possible for him to tell it with compelling clarity. But that intimacy taints it as well. Confessions of his own weakness and guilt do not adequately conceal nor negate Jon's subtle sentiments of superiority over virtually everyone else on the mountain. This recurrent feeling emanates from so many passages. No doubt Jon would have been much happier as a member of Fischer's "go at your own pace" team where this loner would have been unencumbered, free to leave the laggards in the lurch. However, I suspect it is perhaps a good exercise in humility that he was not a member of the team in which everyone made it out alive (except the selfless and heroic leader). Certainly it is better for the telling of this story. Jon's vilified viewpoint of Boukreev's selfish actions is ironic when seen in the mirror of his own similar behavior. The distinction being that an expedition guide is supposed to be more humanitarian due to his salary? Maybe that is the key to understanding both Jon's assault on Anatoli as well as his own unshakable guilt. At least Boukreev's sinning was followed by some redemptive rescues. Perhaps this admitted attempt at catharsis would never have been written if Jon had some healing acts of heroism for his own frostbitten soul. But that would truly be a shame, for Jon Krakauer is a masterful author, and this is a gripping, disturbing, and haunting book which everyone should read. My reverence and respect go out to all who lived or died on the top of the world that day. And I pray that Jon Krakauer will find the peace he seeks which will surely not come from the massive revenues generated by this book. My next purchase will be the IMAX book, "Everest: Mountain Without Mercy".
Rating:
Summary: For a balanced account, read "The Climb"
Review: This was a great book, albeit a little melodramatic. I just finished reading "The Climb" by Anatoli Boukreev and I have a whole different perspective of the diaster. Read both books, Into Thin Air and The Climb for balance.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read -- but is it the RIGHT Everest book to read?
Review: As an armchair mountain climber wannabe, I found this a captivating story -- until I read the reviews of Anatoli Boukreev's book and realized that, in reading Krakauer's account of these events, I may have fallen prey to a popular writer's spin on a serious issue. Yes, I recommend that you read it if you entertain any fantasties about climbing anything.
But NO, do not accept it as The Right Version of this story. Buy Boukreev's book, too, and judge for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: Jon takes you to the top of Mt. Everest as well as through the range of emotions that he experienced as a survivor of this tragedy. Not only do you learn many technical things about serious mountain-climbing, but you also feel anticipation, exhaustion, fear, confusion, guilt, courage, relief, & accomplishment. I believe that he was very brave to write his story so soon, and this was the primary reason that my personal empathy was so strong. He took me places that I have never been, and I now have a greater understanding of the human spirit. Thank you, Jon
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