Rating: 
Summary: compelling and enlightening
Review: This is an amazing book which is among the most compelling accounts of the human spirit that I have ever read or heard. At the same time it is a beacon on the inhumanity that man can impart upon his fellow human beings. There is beautiful juxtaposition of these two qualities throughout the book. I was almost moved to tears several times throughout the book (and I think the last time I cried was during E.T.!) My sister gave this book to me after she read it in one sitting because she could not put it down. It is the kind of book that will forever stay with you, and that is really the gift of Mr. Rawicz, and the gift to him as well. He imparts us never to forget what has happened and to learn from our past, to realize that to all injustices there are human faces attached, and very real consequences. However, at the same time it is an adventure story which is so incredible it grips you and does not release its hold. If this were fiction it would be amazing, the fact that it is true stretches the mind to new dimensions. Definitely one of the most powerful books you can read. A must for anyone who seeks to learn and to grow as a human, and in this way we can pay tribute to men like Slavomir Rawicz.
Rating: 
Summary: A good yarn...
Review: This book starts with crisp, vivid detail and the author gives a startling view of Soviet imprisonment and a fascinating account of his 3 week train ride to a gulag. But after a brief period of confinement, the escape takes on something of a familiar pattern which stretches the limits of credibility. While still a good book, I ask you, even when pushed to your absoulute limits, if you could walk across Siberia in the winter, the Gobi desert in the Summer, and climb the Himalya's in the winter, all while being ill-equipped and averaging 30 miles a day for 4000 miles. No way. Everyone truly wants to beleive what is simply an unbelievable tale. And then to throw in a sighting of the Yeti, I think 'ole Slavomir is laughing all the way to the bank.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping from page one
Review: The story is unforgettable. Made me appreciate even more how much we take for granted. An unexpected benefit, cold weather doesn't bother me anymore. I hope my children will read it.
Rating:
Summary: Human Endurance, No Limits
Review: Even though the story reaches into the very core of desperation and suffering, the author imparts a sense of determination that draws the reader beyond the printed page and into the struggle for survival, and freedom. The journey across an inhospitable terrain is tempered with insightful descriptions of the hardy people who call this land home. As you cross the Himalayas, glimpsing the yeti, and meander across the Gobi, you can feel the bitter cold, and the broiling heat. Slavomir Rawicz relates his tale with a keen eye for detail and focus. This study in human endurance, and the will to survive, alone, make this a compelling and exhaustive read.
Rating:
Summary: The Long Walk
Review: The book the long walk was one of the best books I have ever read. The characters were so heroic and so determined I had to reming myself that these characters were real and not fictional. This book truly shows the how people can be determined enough to live through all types of triumphs and disasters. I would recommend this book for anyone over 16 as the vocabulary can be quite complex. I had to read this book for school and like any student you expect the book to not be good but this book has changed my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: The most incredible book I ever read
Review: I first heard about the Long Walk in 1993 while I was recovering from a serious bicycle accident. I had shattered my left hip completely and after a total hip replacement, learned to walk again but the long term prognosis was not good. That's when I heard about Long Walk. I had to search a lot and finally located the publishers Lyons & Burford in New York. The original version was written by Ronald Downing of the London Daily Mail, who heard about Slav and contacted him to get verification about the Yeti.The heroic tale of Slav,Kolemenos,Zaro and Smith finally reaching India has done more for me than any form of therapy. It motivated me and drove me to push myself. I have, since my accident, hiked in the Himalaya, both on the Indian and Nepalese sides, reaching elevations of 20,000 feet, trekked along the Great Wall in remote parts of China. I would like to hear from people that have corresponded with Slav. We need more heroes like Slav and Kolemenos today more than ever! Ray Umashankar Rayu@u.arizona.edu
Rating:
Summary: There is no limit in what we can do
Review: Today, Most of us have a soft, comfortable and safe life. We are confident that we are in control. It is most likely the people featured in this book felt the same way at one time. Yes, this is a true story about several innocent individuals leading normal lives until the Second World War came along. Then, through the toss of the dice, they found themselves together in a Russian prison camp in Siberia. I felt they would perish many times over before they arrived at the prison compound. They not only survived up to this point in time, but after their escape, went on to suffer hardships many times greater than all previous. This is not a sob story about people feeling sorry for themselves. No, it is about determination, miracles, grit and attitude. My Father introduced this book to me. I now have passed it along to my son. When I first read it, I could not put it down. I read through the day, into the evening and finally finished it in the early morning hours. I have never experienced this passion for a book. I wish a movie was made based on this hardship. The best part is that it is told by Slavomir Rawicz, who was one of the escapees. I feel certain that after this humbling and shattering life experience, he told it from deep within his soul. I do not feel there was any fluff added. I liked it as I have never liked a book, ever. It was as if I got on board a roller coaster, strapped myself in, and took off on a scary but thrilling journey, completly safe, yet somtimes a little frightened at what I saw. I came away with the feeling that today, in America, there is truly no cause for anyone to complain about their petty problems. Relatively speaking, we have no problems. We are pampered. I used it as a learning experience. I tucked it away in my memory. For today we too, are comfortable, safe, and confident. Who knows what the dice hold in store for us?
Rating:
Summary: A testament to the human spirit
Review: Having seen a review of this book in a literary journal I recieve, I was struck with the urge to read this testimony of hardship, loss and perserverance. I was not disapointed when I put the book down, finished with the gripping tale of a man and his friends that can be described only with the heart, not in words. I cannot imagine the trials and tribulations of such a daring escape from the clutches of the former "Evil Empire". Questions arise about the truth of the claims in the book, about survival, navigation and the like. To be honest, in a survival situation the mind and your will to survive and ability to live on is the most important thing a person has, and these are traits all members of the party had. Mr. Rawicz is a testament to the human spirit, and our ability as humans to overcome and adapt, while never losing hope. His claim to having seen two Yeti are pooh-poohed by some, but I would believe it at face value. This mans integrity and spirit are beyong reproach. Let disbelievers to his story try to make a journey of 100 miles on foot with his pary's provisions and they will most certainly fail. Let a person who has the will to live make the journey, and I believe they would easily make it, with dignity intact. It's said that you can survive three minutes without air, three hours without proper shelter, three days without water, three weeks without food, and three months without love..... The members of this party stretched the limits of human endurance, and in the end, they had each other to help themselves along the untrodden path to freedom. The Creator was helping Mr. Rawicz along, on his terrible journey. His tale is true, and should be required reading for all children of any nation calling itself "free".
Rating:
Summary: The incredible human stamina
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Though I understand there would be no way to put down all the details and one has to fill in the blanks it is still as complete as I could have hoped for. This book leaves me wondering what happened to Mister Smith and the others.
Rating: 
Summary: very thought provoking
Review: Having just finished "The Long Walk", I must say I was very moved by the ordeal suffered by the characters in this book. I simply cannot make up my mind if this is indeed a true story or not. Assuming it is, the author is indeed a hero to the human race and a testament of the human spirit. What is the price tag on freedom? I believe the author and his party answered that for us all. Regardless of the books truth, it is a very moving story that I will highly reccomend.
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