Customer Reviews: Read 1487 more reviews...
 A REALLY GOOD Story October 27, 2008
I really liked this book. This book is a well-written story from Jon Krakauer. I say `story' because history is about people telling their story. The situation that occurred back in 1996 has become historical. There have been several books written and a couple of movies made to tell about the fatal details that took place on Mt. Everest during this expedition. I have read the books and have seen the movies. I liked Krakauer's story, not because I feel it is the definitive, end-all treatise on the event, but rather it is one piece to the puzzle. For those, who want to know the truth, I propose you read the books and see the movies and judge for yourself. For those who want a REALLY GOOD story pick up "Into Thin Air".
Highly recommend it. October 26, 2008
This is a well written book. Your emotions will ebb and flow with the book. Guaranteed.
You don't need to be an avid outdoors-man to enjoy this book. September 30, 2008
I am not a mountain climber, spelunker or even a camper, but I loved this book. You don't need to have an outdoor passion to appreciate the incredible story. Being able to get a glimpse into what the human body and mind are capable of is fascinating. And, seeing how so many reacted under the most disastrous of circumstances was unbelievable. I could not put this book down. It was as good as any fictional mystery I've read and kept my undivided attention for the few nights it took me to devour it.
Who's got more credibility? September 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's interesting to read all of the articles criticizing Jon Krakauer, saying he painted himself in a heroic light, that his book is a giant ego trip, and that Anatoli Boukreev's book is so much more accurate. Many of these so called experts seem to assume that the only way to believe Krakauer, is to NOT read "The Climb". How do any of these reviewers know which account is what really happened? They weren't there. Both books are well-researched. Although, "The Climb" is co-authored by someone other than an eyewitness. G. Weston DeWalt takes Boukreev's word as if it was gospel. He does interview others, but nowhere near as many people as Krakauer. Why is Boukreev more credible than Krakauer? As a matter of fact, in most recent printings of "Into Thin Air" Krakauer rebuts the claims that DeWalt/Boukreev make. There seems to be no response from DeWalt that I can find. And if you carefully read Krakauer's book, while sometimes critical of Boukreev, Krakauer also points out how heroic Boukreev was going back out in the storm. Armchair climbers need to stop and think before they jump to conclusions. Want an accurate account of who might be to blame for what happened that day? Ask someone who was on the mountain: Ed Viesturs. I did.
 Life and Death on Everest September 13, 2008
Krakauer's thrilling memoir about summitting Everest will give you a new perspective on what high altitude mountain climbing is all about. It's not so much about skill; it's about endurance -- the willingness to endure weeks of the greatest discomfort: food, oxygen and sleep deprivation while gale force winds blow in subzero temperatures. Krakauer's fast-moving book is both intelligent and visceral. His poignant portraits of his fellow climbers and his stories of their fates will move you. One warning: the captions in the photo section include spoilers, so avoid reading them unless you can't wait to find out what happens.
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