Rating: 
Summary: Funny errors. As long as they're not your's.
Review: If you like climbing and comedy, you'll like this book. Approximately 70 short stories of climbs that almost ended badly. You can learn from this book. But some of the lessons are very elementary. Like the climber climbing big wall Yosemite with a new girl he had just met who had never climbed. Might want to pick your partner a little better. And another quick tip, you might want to stay away from the drugs and alcohol while climbing.Each story ends with a quick analysis of what should have been done to stay out of the situation. Some of this is helpful. But generally it can be summed up in a sentence: Don't do dumb things while climbing. Unless, of course, you want to entertain readers.
Rating:
Summary: Funny errors. As long as they're not your's.
Review: If you like climbing and comedy, you'll like this book. Approximately 70 short stories of climbs that almost ended badly. You can learn from this book. But some of the lessons are very elementary. Like the climber climbing big wall Yosemite with a new girl he had just met who had never climbed. Might want to pick your partner a little better. And another quick tip, you might want to stay away from the drugs and alcohol while climbing. Each story ends with a quick analysis of what should have been done to stay out of the situation. Some of this is helpful. But generally it can be summed up in a sentence: Don't do dumb things while climbing. Unless, of course, you want to entertain readers.
Rating: 
Summary: Laugh Through Your Own Personal Apocalypse
Review: John Long is really telling us cautionary tales. But if anyone can make you laugh, snort, and giggle at the thought of some poor sod hanging by a fingernail to a crumbling mountain ledge, John Long is that man. Also cartoonist Tami Knight has an equally irreverent sense of humor. However, if you are not laughing too hard, you will notice Long's Commentary and Prevention notes on each tale are precise, well written and helpful. The big moral throughout is you can never ever be too careful when rock climbing. Also, never assume anything. I think this is a particularly good book for young people who have an interest in rock climbing. A solemn, dry book would never do the trick. It is difficult to grab this group's attention, particularly since the hormones are raging, and they are certain of their immortality. But they adore gallows humor, and just perhaps a few of these safety measures will stick in their minds and hearts. John Long has a knack of coming on like your new best friend. Similar to Stephen King, you feel like he is telling his stories just for you and no one else. So settle in and enjoy the read!
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious...and useful
Review: John Long's narrative style shines in this light-hearted survey of desperate climbing situations. Many climbing writers take themselves so seriously that their writing becomes too pedantic to relate to actual climbing practice. Close Calls uses humor to bridge the gap between diligence and epic, and gets meaningful lessons across in the midst of the goofiness. Tami Knight's distinctive caricatures add a hysterically funny dimension, with such narrative accuracy that most of the illustrations make it hard to concentrate on the writing. This collection would be a welcome adition to any climber's library.
Rating:
Summary: Back to Earth
Review: This book brought me to tears. The only bad part about this book is that it will have you laughing so hard, others around you will be annoyed. (buy them the book unless they aren't climbing bums)
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