Rating: 
Summary: Buy your own copy! It's a keepsake.
Review: I borrowed this book from a coworker and I've had it so long, I'm just giving it back to buy my own. The editorial is very compelling, and loaded with sidebars. I gave this book a "9" rating, because it's hard to read in bed. : ) . I've read Into Thin Air by Krakauer, The Climb by Boukreev, about 150 pages of this book, and this weekend I'm going to see the IMAX film on Everest. Can't wait! (Of course, my feet are firmly planted at sea level!!)
Rating:
Summary: Amazing, engrossing, thought-provoking, ...but the typos!
Review: I can't remember the last time I became so engrossed -- even obsessed -- with a book. The fact that it's a true story complete with fantastic photos doesn't hurt. I loved the way it gave plenty of background and technical information, and wasn't afraid to educate it's readers. And how it answered little questions about what it's like up in the death zone, but still left me wondering, yearning for a chance to talk to the expedition members. It painted detailed pictures of the people on the mountain without really giving many specific details -- when life hangs in the balance, you really see what people are made of just from their actions. I grew to admire a few, hate some, and I even developed a crush on Araceli Segarra. The reason I can't give it a 10, is the editing. I have never seen a book of this quality (or even of considerably lesser quality) with this many mistakes and typos! As Jerry Kratochvil (previous review) stated, the flow of the text was interrupted by the "sidebar" articles, and while I did know the word "cwm" I assume most wouldn't, and they didn't give the definition/explanation of it until it had already been used several times. The book is beautifully laid out from a visual standpoint, but it seems like no editor actually read through it. Still, I can't recommend the book enough! And for much more about the story, including lots of great stuff including breathtaking QTVR images (the one from the summit is beyond words!)
Rating:
Summary: Takes you right to the Himalayas.
Review: I don't know where I was in May 1996 that I missed out on this real life story. This book did an excellent job of recapturing the events of that month on Everest. I was transported back as if the events were happening real time. The pictures really took me there (well as close as I'll most likely ever get). I was taken in by the majesty as well as the tragedy of this story and those who lost their lives to Everest and to their insatiable desire to reach the summit. As opposed to Krakauer's book, Into Thin Air (which I read after being so enthralled with this book) I enjoyed this more impartial view and factual account of all the factors surrounding a decision to attempt a summit bid to the top of the world. After reading this book I can understand a person's desire to climb the summit but cement my own desire to climb no higher that 10 or 11,000 feet. I also enjoyed learning about the filming of an IMAX presentation. An excellent and enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful but educational!
Review: I have been interested in high altitude mountain climbing for a while. This book has been a catalist in the classroom. Kids have no idea the risks taken by those who would climb such a mountain. When they see great photos of the reality of high altitude, it changes their perspective on life. Skate boarding/extreme sports are minimized when they see the frozen corps of someone who tried to summit Mt. Everest. Geography takes on a whole different perspective!!! I wish more teachers would tap into that extreme experience so many of our youth are grasping for.
Rating:
Summary: the sequence of 'Into Thin Air-Jon Krakauer'
Review: I like this book very much.Please read after 'Into Thin Air-Jon Krakauer'for the complete story. It's full of superb pictures you can never see from others. I'm looking for this video.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book!!
Review: I loved this book! I've just started getting into backpacking and went to the library to get a backpacking book to read. I decided to look up books about Mount Everest. I chose this one because I had heard of the new IMAX movie coming out, and this was about the filming crew! I knew nothing about the book when I checked it out. After I started reading it, I couldn't stop! It was excellent! I like how they used a nice combination of Himilayan culture and climbing. I also liked the fact that both advanced and beginner climbers would like it. I have never climbed in my life, yet I understood the book very well, and better yet, REALLY enjoyed it! I give this book 5 stars all the way!
Rating:
Summary: A top book-with an objective summary of the events of 1996
Review: I was loaned a copy of this book while staying at a lodge in Dingbouche, Nepal whilst on an Everest Base Camp trek. Having read 'Into Thin Air' and 'The Climb', both written from a personal perspective, it was enlightening to study the events of 1996 from an objective viewpoint. However that is only a portion of the book. The photography is breathtaking and the coverage of the culture/attractions of the country of Nepal is excellant. For anyone remotely interested in trekking/adventure/mountaineering this book is a 'must have'.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Companion to Into Thin Air
Review: I was surprised last night to look up from this book and see that the clock read 4 a.m.! I was enthralled with the story again, the same one told by Krakauer in "Into Thin Air", but found that this book, with it's amazing photography and interesting side-bars, painted a more complete picture--not of the tragedy, but of the Everest experience as a whole. I saw the IMAX movie and was disappointed, not by its content, but more by its short length. This book rounds it out, and satisfied my desire for more time atop Everest....sleep be damned!
Rating:
Summary: Mountain without mercy...myself without breath
Review: I was surprised that I could not give this book the rating 11. I am an amateur nature-lover, with the hobbies of climbing and hiking mountains. I was astonished by the adventures those people went through, climbing Mt. Everest, which is one of my goals of my whole life. Although the book did not contain informations about the preparation of the expedition the book was thrilling...made me more clearer to keep going and practising till I achieve my aim. I really loved the book and admired the people who had the possibilities to be there...on top of the world, only a few steps from God. My ever best book I have read. If anyone thinks the same, I am glad to chat or email with that person, so please give me a "call"
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!
Review: If you are a Mt. Everest "groupie" like me, you need this book! After reading "Into Thin Air," I became fascinated with this mountain and the humans who try to conquer it every season. Next, I read "The Climb." I enjoyed both, but it wasn't until I saw "Everest: Mountain Without Mercy" that I really had a feel for the power and majesty of the mountain. The photographs are stunning. Finally, I could picture what I had read in the two previous books. The articles that are interspersed with the story of the IMAX expedition are also fascinating to read. Reading this book has been the culmination of my Everest trifecta! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the mountain.
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