Rating: 
Summary: If Borneo fascinates you, this is worth the read
Review: Although Lightner's account of his climb up a mountain in Borneo is not in the same league as Eric Hansen's STRANGER IN THE FOREST (an account of his 3 month trek across Borneo in the 1970;s--a great book), this book's historical accounting of WW 2 battles fought in Borneo (based upon the biography of Maj. Harrison) gave me more insight into the tribes and history of this magical land.
Like other readers, I found Lightner's writings about Maj. Harrison's battles with the Japanese soldiers far more interesting than the snippy arguments he details between himself and the film crew that documents his climb. It was amusing (as a woman) to see that a group of men can be just as catty to one another, but Lightner goes into far too much detail about these highly personal spats, and many times, leaves me wanting more detail about the flora, the sights, the sounds and smells and to learn more about the indigenous guides that the author is traveling with.
This book made me want to read more about Maj. Harrison's amazing and brave liberation of Borneo because Harrison, like author Eric Hansen 30+ years later, fell in love with the tribal people of Borneo; he grew to respect their customs, and in many instances their ecological reverence for the rainforest in which they dwelt. Hopefully, the biography of Maj. Harrison will not remain out of print for too long. If you're interested in climbing, the rainforest or in Borneo, this book is worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: If Borneo fascinates you, this is worth the read
Review: Although Lightner's account of his climb up a mountain in Borneo is not in the same league as Eric Hansen's STRANGER IN THE FOREST (an account of his 3 mth. trek across Borneo--a great book) his historical accounting of WW 2 battles fought in Borneo (based upon the biography of Maj. Harrison) gave me more insight into the tribes and history of this magical land. Like other readers, I found Lightner's writings about Maj. Harrison's battles with the Japanese soldiers far more interesting than the snippy arguments he details between himself and the film crew that documents his climb. It was amusing (as a woman) to see that a group of men can be just as catty to one another, but Lightner goes into far too much detail about these highly personal spats, and many times, leaves me wanting more detail about the flora, the sights, the sounds and smells and to learn more about the indigenous guides that the author is traveling with. This book made me want to read more about Maj. Harrison's amazing and brave liberation of Borneo because Harrison, like author Eric Hansen 30+ years later, fell in love with the tribal people of Borneo; he grew to respect their customs, and in many instances their ecological reverence for the rain forest in which they dwelt. Hopefully, the biography of Maj. Harrison will not remain out of print for too long. If you're interested in climbing, the rain forest or Borneo, this book is definitely worth your time.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Read
Review: As an avid reader of both historical and adventure books, I was thrilled that this book brilliantly meshed the best of both. It takes two stories, separated by time and circumstance, and makes it seem as if the outcomes depend upon each other. I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't fiction! Overall, a great read.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable but missing something
Review: I enjoyed the book very much but was disappointed that there were no photographs. I think that a few would have been appropriate considering the unusual terrain. This lack was ironic in that there was much described tension between the climbers and the sponsor's "video guys" because the filming actually interfered with the travel. It just seemed that the author by having sponsors for his trip gave away rights which would have made the book more effective.
Rating:
Summary: An Adventure worth Taking
Review: In the echo of the fast-paced twentieth century, a time where the world seems to have decreased in size and cultural barriers, Sam Lighner Jr. poignantly reminds us of the enxcitement, frustration, and pride one experiences while exploring one of the planet's remaining treasures, Boreno, and all the cultural riches it harbors. By craftly interweaving the stories of Harrison's struggles during the War with his own obstacles of leading an expedition, Lightner creates a strong anchor of knowledge and historical context for readers to absorb and build upon as they let their imaginations reanact the two tales.
Rating:
Summary: History and Modern adventure unite!
Review: Sam Lightner's tale of his 1999 climb up Borneo's Batu Lawi is a wonderful mix of modern adventure and historical retelling of Major Tom Harrison's 1958 book World Within. His story is a classic first-climb adventure in which he and his friends attempt to be the first (as far as they knew) to climb a mystical spire deep in the heart of Borneo. Lightner learned of the peak from an obscure referrence in Tom Harrison's World Within and uses this text as both his guide to the land and the people. In reading about his adventure, you gain insight into not only the heart of a true adventurist trying to step foot where few have ever been and the hardships involved in such undertakings. You'll certainly think twice about sponsorship of your next adventure, especially any video documentation after hearing of his conflicts with his camera crew. At the same time, you'll gain a love of the people and land of Borneo. This tale is perfect for those who love adventure as well as learning the history of a people and their land.
Rating:
Summary: History and Modern adventure unite!
Review: Sam Lightner's tale of his 1999 climb up Borneo's Batu Lawi is a wonderful mix of modern adventure and historical retelling of Major Tom Harrison's 1958 book World Within. His story is a classic first-climb adventure in which he and his friends attempt to be the first (as far as they knew) to climb a mystical spire deep in the heart of Borneo. Lightner learned of the peak from an obscure referrence in Tom Harrison's World Within and uses this text as both his guide to the land and the people. In reading about his adventure, you gain insight into not only the heart of a true adventurist trying to step foot where few have ever been and the hardships involved in such undertakings. You'll certainly think twice about sponsorship of your next adventure, especially any video documentation after hearing of his conflicts with his camera crew. At the same time, you'll gain a love of the people and land of Borneo. This tale is perfect for those who love adventure as well as learning the history of a people and their land.
Rating:
Summary: Documenting a dream followed
Review: Sam Lightner, Jr., read about Major Tom Harrison's daring exploits in Borneo during the war, and of his feelings for the local people. Being a climber, he was fascinated by descriptions of a peak in the middle of the inpenetrable rainforest, so of course he had to find it and climb it. But this is not a book about climbing, it is a book about following a dream even though very challenging. Lightner weaves a great story with history of Borneo's "White Rajah's" and of the work of Major Harrison. It is a good story rich with the culture and natural environment of Borneo. It is a book for anyone who has ever seen a picture of an exotic far-off place and dreamed of traveling there.
Rating:
Summary: The quality of the writing equals the book's adventure
Review: This book is smartly and excitingly written. I could feel the pounding rain, smell the dampness of the jungle, and the stinging and sucking of the leaches. By combining two stories, Lightner displays the hardships encountered by any outsider trying to achieve goals in harsh, inaccesable Borneo. Lightner's inclusion of Major Tom Harrison during WWII adds depth to the story and his admiration of the major comes through as well as his conflict with the photographers who urge Lightner to take more climbing risks than he knows are prudent. I hope to see more books by the talented rock climber who is also an excellent writer.
Rating:
Summary: The quality of the writing equals the book's adventure
Review: This book is smartly and excitingly written. I could feel the pounding rain, smell the dampness of the jungle, and the stinging and sucking of the leaches. By combining two stories, Lightner displays the hardships encountered by any outsider trying to achieve goals in harsh, inaccesable Borneo. Lightner's inclusion of Major Tom Harrison during WWII adds depth to the story and his admiration of the major comes through as well as his conflict with the photographers who urge Lightner to take more climbing risks than he knows are prudent. I hope to see more books by the talented rock climber who is also an excellent writer.
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