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Summary: I'm not a book reader.....
Review: Let me start by saying, that I'm 32 and haven't read an entire book since high school. I AM a mountaineering hobbiest. I bought this because of that connection. I can't recall any movie or book that got to me the way this book did. I was so deep into this book that I could FEEL the excitement and anticipation, and then the pain and agony in the lifes of these people. I've never been on such an emotional roller coaster. I finished this book in 3 days, because I couldn't put it down. Remember, I'm not a reader! I just ordered Jon Krakauer's other books, and "the Climb." Thanks Jon, for renewing my interest in reading books, and helping me focus on MY future mountaineering endeavors. This book is a MUST for READERS and NON-readers!!
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Summary: The biggest disaster ever to happen on Mt. Everest
Review: This was a really intersting book because it gave me insight on a subject that I had never knew much about, like th different types of levels a climber should complete before climbing Everest. I had never read a biograghy/ auto biograghy quite like this, for the mire fact that Krakauer wrote it so that it would seem that he wasn't the person telling the story. Everything he gives such great detail on the moutain it intrigues you to keep reading. And I am not a reader myself but for a class project we were told to read a book that interest you. So I picked this book and I complety enjoyed it!!!!!!
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Summary: Sure, it's gripping, but is it good?
Review: Krakauer narrates the Everest disaster very well, but I think he missed the boat by trying to either vindicate people or hold them accountable for what happened up there. In my mind, he came across as very mean-spirited and at the same time, unwilling or unable to commit to his opinions of what went wrong on the mountain. In one breath he seems to be saying that anything can happen at altitude and people make mistakes, while in the next breath he seems to be making personal accusations behind which he never really puts his full weight. If he had committed himself one way or another I would have more respect for this book.Meanwhile, please don't hold up Krakauer as the end-all, be-all of mountain literature. If he writes about smoking out in one more book as an example of how he relates to tragedy and unrealized ambition, I'm going to be sick. Anatoli Boukreev's THE CLIMB is a very good explanation of the same events, and at times has far more spirit to it, as does ANNAPURNA, by Maurice Herzog. If you want mountain literature, read that one.
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Summary: Entertaining, but...
Review: Krakauers account of the 1996 Everest disaster is a one sided, egotistical tirade. While his writing style is easy and fluid, it is the underlying tone of Krakauers story that I found offensive. Too be sure, I could not put the book down as Krakauer is an expert weaver of tales, but upon reflection, the book was nothing more then one mans attempt to assign blame for the events on Everest in May 1996. Read the book, but realize all the time that there are two sides to every story. "The Climb" by the now deceased Anatoli Boukereev is the rebuttal to Krakauers "In to Thin Air". Read back to back, you are assured of many entertaining hours.
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Summary: a startling account written with brutal honesty
Review: ...a thoroughly well written book that portrays the tragic events of 1996 on Everest. The author has been extremely honest as to what happened on the mountain and about his own failings and those of others. He has received some severe criticism but from an outsider's view he is beyond reproach unless you were there. Much pain is probably still carried around by those who lost loved one's on the mountain and it is not surprising some have let their anger be focused at this book and author. You can't read this book and not be moved.
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Summary: the novice climber should read before the real action
Review: I like this book very much, make me sleep over midnight for 5 days. Please keep on reading "Everest-no mercy" and you'll understand how the "Khumbu Icefall" looks and the great mountains are. I praised the IMAX team rescurers and many unlucky guides sacrificed their lives for the clients.
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Summary: Spellbinding.
Review: Into Thin Air, is a captivating and truly mesmerizing, first-hand account of the deadliest season in the history of climbing Mount Everest. On assignment from Outside magazine, Jon Krakauer, is to report about the commercialization of the world's highest mountain. He would attempt the daunting mountain under the supervision of Rob Hall and the rest of his team. As Krakauer struggles towards the summit of Everest it feels as though you, yourself are climbing side by side with Krakauer and the rest expedition. Finally, on May 10, 1996, in the early afternoon, Krakauer reaches the summit of Everest suffering from the brain-altering affects of oxygen deprivation and several sleepless nights. As he begins to descend from the top of the world, 29,028 feet, 20 other climbers were still pushing themselves to the summit. As the 20 other climbers struggled towards the top, the sky had began to fill with dark clouds. Six hours later the storm unleashed its colossal powers, in already extrem conditions, onto the dangerous slopes of Everest. This journey of triumph and utter disaster is recreated masterfully as he takes the reader through an emotional rollercoaster. Into Thin Air is a must read.
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Summary: Do not judge Krakauer least ye be judged!
Review: While the book is deftly written and an engrossingly dramatic read, its real value lies in the fact that it forces us to ask the questions that are at the root of our humanity. Specifically, would we be capable of the courage necessary to do what others seem so RIDICULOUSLY comfortable criticizing Jon Krakauer for not doing. And beyond that, would many of us really have the courage to openly admit to our own entirely human behavior as he does. The risks he took on the mountain and in this writing go beyond anything many of us would ever consider, and beyond that, when the human situation has gotten to such a state, it is not up to us to judge his actions. We do not have that divine authority. He has been criticized for factual and journalistic errors. But again, to really understand the full scope of the story refer to the Outside Magazine site to see his responses to both Boukreev's and Lapsang Jangbu Sherpa's concerns. It is so easy to judge, and so much harder to act!
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Summary: worth reading
Review: not terrific writing, but the facts are very interesting, and make this worth reading
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Summary: An chilling account of disaster expirenced first-hand
Review: It took me a long time to actually purchase this book and read it. I, like many people, was captivated by the story of the climbers stranded on Everest. I kept up with news as it was unfolding via traditional media and I was left to wonder what was happening to the poor souls trapped on that mountain. After reading Jon Krakauer's article and subsequent blasts by other surviving climbers I decided to stay away from the book but something drew me back to it. I was impressed with Jon Krakauer in that he attempted to right some wrongs brough out in his article. It's always hard to admit you we not right, espically when you caused a family unnecessary heartache. Into Thin Air takes you right into the heart of the Everest tragedy and makes you thank God you were not a part of it.
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