Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
Book Review: what about the South African team?
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the book and was fascinated by the story and the quality of the writing (and the woodcut illustrations). I'm interested that none of the online reviewers has commented on the role of the "South African team". They shamed our nation, as far as I can see. What comments?Book Review: Brings Everest Underfoot and Lost Climbers to Mind
Summary: 5 Stars
This heartbreaking book reminds us that we are all solo adventurers, yet each tied richly and inextricably to others. Through his frank and throughtful writing, Jon Krakauer has brought beauty to the tragedy despite what must have been a hard struggle through pain, shock, regret and disbelief. This is a momentous book with fascinating lessons, the kind of lessons we learn all through life and keep forgetting. This book will help me remember them, determined to try to make sound decisions however ordinary the day or endeavor. One thing that impressed me was how easily all the climbers might have survived, since it was a severe yet manageable storm and the mistakes made were mostly the minor kind usually gotten away with. It's horrible that things turned out the way they did on Mount Everest in May 1996, but through this book and other accounts of the disaster at least we can learn from and share in the many facets of the experience. And, small comfort though it may be to their family and friends, we can shed tears for the climbers left on the mountain. Doug, Beck, the Sherpas, the Base Camp personnel who greeted Jon with a hug and a beer and a gulf of grief, and many of the other characters are unforgettable. A stunning book, intriguing, sad, informative, tender, and in a certain sense elevating. Jon, thank you. You did the best you possibly could.Book Review: A great book...but an unfortunate tragedy.
Summary: 5 Stars
I just recently finished reading "Into Thin Air." I came away thinking, why would anyone risk everything to suffer so much. It, in fact, led me to much introspection. Life is full of risk and danger. Human beings merely choose which risks to take. As this tragedy unfolded, I couldn't help but get emotionally involved. When I finished this book, I loaned it to my girlfriend, who works in a coffee shop. She said many people who saw the book she was reading commented on how good it is. She just finished it a few days ago,and we both enjoyed reading it.Book Review: Riveting, a book worthy of it's subject, Mt. Everest
Summary: 5 Stars
I had never even heard of Jon Krakauer, but I have long been a fan of Everest lore, so when I got a chance to read this book, I did so excitedly. Mr. Krakauer does an excellent job of "Telling it like it is", in terms non-climbers can easily identify with. His ability to tell a story reminds me of a cross between Walt Morey and Louis Lamour, while his analysis of the Everest situation proves his knowledge of the subject. In terms of sheer excitement, this book can't be beat. From front to back, I found it easy to read and enjoy, and nearly impossible to put down. He does a good job of relaying his feelings regarding the commercialization of Mt. Everest, a point with which I wholeheartedly agree. My deepest appreciation to Mr. Krakauer for his insight into the subject. An excellent book overall. For a guides point of view of the '96 Everest disaster, try "the Climb" by Anatoli Boukreev.Book Review: A page-turner of the highest order
Summary: 4 Stars
Reading this book was a truly mesmerising experience. Jon Krakauer has managed, in his account of the 1996 tragedy, to make Everest a truly divine entity. At once harrowing as the weeks events unfold but also full of powerful insight into the human condition and how it copes with tragedy.