The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest by Anatoli Boukreev, G. Weston DeWalt Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest
Book Review: The debate goes on
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who needs to place blame about the 1996 Everest disaster can pick one of many problems that happened on that climb -from manmade to "acts of God". Into Thin Air gives one climber's view, the documentary, Storm Over Everest, by David Breashears gives more views by those who climbed, and Boukreev's The Climb gives his account. Each persons' experiences and memories are different so few of them will ever match each others, and blame will never be able to be fully placed.
This is a more tedious book to read than Into Thin Air, but what a gift to read about this incredible man who appeared a bit of a villain in Krakauer's book. Boukreev seems like he was a unique, caring man, a poet in his love of the mountains, and of great physical and mental strength. He knew he belonged on the mountains, lived his life embracing them and eventually died there. Why? Because no one can be in control of nature, certainly not in extreme circumstances like high-altitude climbing. Those that feel they can keep themselves safe with the addition of "guiding" a group of climbers is acting with an even increased amount of hubrus. Even the brilliant Boukreev, as a consultant, could barely keep his expedition to Everest in 1997 together.
Those of you with dreams - I wish you luck in your endeavors but let the Everest disaster be a warning - know your field, know what is expected and don't count on others to push you through.
Read this book to understand the heart of those who push past limits to do what they love.
Book Review: The other side of the "Thin Air" story
Summary: 5 Stars
Please see my review of "Into Thin Air" where I discuss the comparison to this account.
Book Review: The other side of the tragedy
Summary: 5 Stars
In May 1996 there was a devastating climbing accident on Mt. Everest. Many lives were lost. The more popular version by Jon Krakaur is the one most people have heard about or read. But this one by Anatoli Boukreev, I found to be written very well, precise. He gave the facts to straighten the record where Jon Krakaur was to say Anatoli had acted selfishly - Anatoli set the record straight as to where he was and what he was doing. On a mountain of any size, but Mt. Everest to be sure, no one can really know what others are doing, thinking and what their actions are based on.
It is time for me to reday this fine book again. Too bad Mr. Boukreev died in the prime of his life.
Book Review: Thoughts From London
Summary: 5 Stars
Alex Garland (author of THE BEACH & THE TESSERACT) recently wrote that THE CLIMB was the best book he'd read in 1999, that it was a story that would "both grip and haunt you." I couldn't agree more. This challenge to the self-serving, univision of Jon Krakauer is a welcome and valuable contribution to mountaineering literature. After reading THE CLIMB I felt that I had a clearer sense of the actions and decisions that contributed to the 1996 Everest disaster, and I am left in wonder that the impact of Krakauer's presence on the decision making of Rob Hall has not been more closely examined. Read it for insight and a critical look at Krakauer's constructions of "reality."Book Review: Thrilling
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm sorry to say what everyone else has said, but do not read this book without having read Into Thin Air. if you've read that, then definitely read this. The Climb is, in many respects, Anatoli Boukreev's defense against Jon Krakauer's accusations. Krakauer portrays Boukreev as a self-concerned guide who didn't protect his clients. While I loved Into Thin Air, Krakauer shouldn't make such assumptions. The Climb rightfully restores Boukreev's integrity, and it is a wonderful read. The language may not be as elegant as Krakauer's, but this book has more credibility to it. Also, Krakauer glosses over Boukreev's forays into the storm to rescue several climbers, and Boukreev describes those fascinating events in great detail. Anatoli Boukreev was a true hero and anyone will enjoy The Climb