Rating:  Summary: A Good Story, But Not Great Review: Krakauer wrote this book too quickly with many regrets. Urgent deadlines dramatically hindered a polished product. If you have read his other books who would know that there were many passages inserted from his previous writings about mountaineering. It was a good book, but not great. His best work by far was "Into the Wild." I give it 5 stars with a "must read" status. If you enjoyed "Into Thin Air" I highly recommend Joe Simpson's "Touching the Void." This book about a mountaineering tragedy is without a doubt 5 stars.
Rating:  Summary: Worth Reading if you like adventure topics Review: Into Thin Air is definately worth reading. I read it after I'd just completed The Perfect Storm, so my disappointment may be attributed to the fact that I thought The Perfect Storm had superior writing. The book as an adventure novel is excellent. However, it is almost too diary like and the background information is just not there. Plus, maps and more vivid discriptions of the landscape would have enhanced the reader's experience. The author often talks about 'nearly walking off the 7000 foot face,' but goes into little detail about the near accident or the geography. It is almost hard to believe that these "near misses" really happened or that anyone was really concerned about them. Plus, there is no emotion in the book. The author tries to show that people were caring and emotional about the tragic things that kept taking place, but it seemed to me that he was describint a bunch of egotistical wackos that were on an expensive suicide mission, and just couldn't care about anyone else, because they didn't even care about themselves....the author included. At any rate, I'm glad I read it, but it could have been better. I was hoping to understand "the climbers rush," but I still don't!
Rating:  Summary: A gripping, but sad true life adventure Review: Jon Krakauer has written such a gripping piece that you begin to think it might be the most important story ever told. I had never read a book that made me care for every aspect envolved: the characters, moral and philosophical dilemmas, and the true art and talent (as well as risk of) tackiling a true wonder of nature such as Everest.
Rating:  Summary: The Illustrated version is the way to go! Review: I just received my copy of 'Into Thin Air' The Illustrated Version on Saturday, 11/28. I am happy to report that this is even better than the original. This version contains a ton of new photos from the author and others as well as a new postscript from the author, debating his accuracy of the incident of the 1996 Everest expedition brought on by Anatoli Boukreev's book, 'The Climb'. Kind of a never before seen perspective to the original. For those of you who have heard of it or read it already, consider this to be sort of a remastered and re-released album that includes bonus tracks. Very much worth purchasing, especially with Amazon.com's price! I have read the original and thought it was one of the best books that I have read all year, if not ever. I have countlessly recommended it to friends interested in a good read for something very thought-provoking and inspiring. I have also borrowed from the San Francisco Public Library, their copy of the book on tape with Jon Krakauer reading it. Definately worth checking out, especially while you read along! Happy Reading.David Suspanic December 1, 1998 San Francisco, California USA
Rating:  Summary: Fun to read, but can someone answer my question? Review: I loved that book, but I was surprised that people died, frozen, close to the tents; because they couldn't find the tents in the blizzard. Why dont they use gps? I use one on my winter outings to get back to camp, blizzard or not. They could also place some radio emitters in the tents and use a receiver (like pieps) to locate them. I know they have to cut on weight but what if a half pound device can save your life?
Rating:  Summary: about in to thin air Review: I found the book very interesting and fun I read the whole book without getting bored of it I think it was the best book I have ever read.
Rating:  Summary: better than was expected. Review: i bought this book (in audio form), not thinking i was going to like it, however, i am absolutly wrapped up in it. it really is a strong book.
Rating:  Summary: Outstanding. Gripping. Intense. Review: Krakauer's account of the Everest disaster is riveting. From start to finish I was fascinated by the characters, the history, the drama of the climb, the tragedy of the disaster. I found it so interesting that when I finished I read it again. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:  Summary: An eye opener to the true rigors of mountaineering. Review: This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Written from a personal viewpoint of what it truly means to climb Mt. Everest, it lets the reader into the mind of one who is actually there, vice being a cold analytical account of events past. His vivid portrayal of the rigors of climbing let the reader imagine what it must actually be like. This is the first account of a mountain climb that I had read, and it left me with the desire for more. After having read "The Climb", another account of the disaster which centers around Anotoli Boukreev, I find that Mr. Krakauer's portrayal of the events is somewhat judgemental of others in the expeditions, but this does not detract from the overall telling of the story. However he does pretend that his memory his infallible, acknowledging that each person will have different memories of the events due to the extreme physical and mental stress they are under at the top. A must read for all who are truly interested in the outdoors.
Rating:  Summary: WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! Review: I love mountain climbing so this book intrigued me. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever dreamed of conquering the elements.
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