Rating: 
Summary: I still don't get it
Review: I've never understood why a man would climb a mountain like Everest. I could understand climbing a mountain for the view, or to reach some valuable commodity hidden away at the summit, or even to simply impress a woman, but for me, 'because it's there', doesn't quite get it done. It may be an answer, but it's not an explanation. In INTO THIN AIR, John Krakauer does a wonderful job of telling the tale of the horrid events that took place on Everest in the spring of 1996. He makes the struggle, the sorrow, and even his own contrition come alive in a very gripping, yet still comfortable read. But what he doesn't do is make me understand why those people, himself included, were there in the first place. Maybe there is no explanation? Maybe there just isn't a way to put the reasons into words? But when all was said and done, this fine book still left me thinking that even if all had gone well with the climb, none of these people would have enjoyed a single minute of it.
Rating: 
Summary: Gripingly suspenseful novel
Review: I often read alot of novels, but nothing has intrigued me more or captivated my attention as much as this book! The novel is filled with detailed and suspenseful accounts of his climb to the top of Mt. Everest, which captures the imagination of the reader. I felt cold when the author felt cold, the novel really brings the reader into the story! I definitely recommend this novel to someone who has alot of time on his/her hands and enjoys a good book.
Rating: 
Summary: Questionable Motives
Review: There is no doubt that Krakauer's account of the Everest expidition is a very good read. The book is skillfully woven with history, fact and drama, told in high style. My questions concern the stated motives for writing this book. If it was because Krakauer is haunted by the experience, his guilt must be overwhelming for him to focus so much energy on trying to find fault with a guide who was not even on his team (Boukreev), and who did not allow any of his clients to perish. Scott Fischer's choices were his own, as were Rob Hall's. Boukreev was an honest man with high integrity, who remained gracious throughout Krakauer's finger-pointing. Perhaps if Krakauer's own team were not so focused on the outcome of his journalism, their decisions would have been different, and others would have lived. If you want facts, read "The Climb."
Rating:
Summary: One of the most gripping, emotional books I've ever read
Review: I've never had any interest in climbing, but this is one of the most amazing, gripping, suspenseful, emotional books I have ever read. Krakauer's development of the characters in the early stages of their expedition to Everest get one to know and care for them just as he did, then the steady buildup in tension as they get higher and higher into the mountain, along with the terrors and hazards that they face during their weeks-long expedition to the top as it builds to its heroic and tragic climax, makes this book very difficult to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Krakauer Journeys to the Peak of Human Folly
Review: I found the book a fascinating account of the various human and natural factors surrounding a climb into a world outside normal human experience. Krakauer's style is well-paced and interesting, and I couldn't help feeling a sense of deep dread as the tragic event unfolded. Reading this story from the opposite end of the world--a coastal town in Hawaii, I was rather dumstruck that sane humans would ignore the obvious warning signs and continue on, as if begging for a final lesson by the whims of nature. I don't share the outrage that some feel towards Jon Krakauer; he certainly has his faults, including the normal human desire to survive. I suspect that once Krakauer emerges from the dark tunnel of this experience, he'll possess something significant for his life ahead.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling read
Review: I was glad to hear that Krakauer did not wait to write about the accounts that took place on Mt. Everest. This is a gripping story that takes the reader to the edge and over. Jon's vivid imagery and acute story telling abilities is evident in "Into Thin Air". I was unable to put it down and have subsequently read his national bestseller "Into The Wild", which is equally fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: A haunting story that leaves the reader stunned for days
Review: I purchased this book about a year ago and only in the last week was I able to get around to reading it. Since finishing Krakauer's account, I have been awakened for the last three nights with nightmares about those who perished on Everest. In the opening pages, you are drawn into the romance of conquering Everest. As the story unfolds, however, you are stunned by the slow-motion deaths of vibrant, adventurous people whose fates would have been very different if not for the incredible confluence of unfortunate events -- both by humans and the elements -- that cost so many their lives. This is an incredibly powerful personal account that has left me shaken by its power and tragedy. I hope to meet Jon Krakauer someday to tell him what a profound impact this tale has had.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Greats!
Review: This is one of the greatest book I've ever read. It was a great adventure book. It was graphic in some parts. I couldn't stop reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Greats!
Review: This has to be one of the best books I've ever read. It also has to be one of the most graphic. It was a great book. I could never stop reading it. It is a great adventure book. It also has alot of tragic parts to it. I would and will recommend it to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Read also Bookreev's account
Review: Suffice it to say that while the late Bookreev heroically saved others, having summitted himself that day, Krakauer collapsed into his tent. Rest in peace Boukreev, your efforts were not forgotton.
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