libscote's review against another edition
4.0
I love mountain survival stories, so this one was right up my alley. K2 is a mysterious mountain--though not the tallest in the world, it is harder to climb than Everest (which is no picnic). I appreciated that Olson gave us as much information as he could about the porters involves. These individuals are so important to the success of the climb and are often left out or minimized. There were times when I yelled at the different individuals about how short-sighted they were being, but that's the benefit of hindsight. I think this is an excellent read for teens.
kateteaching7and8's review against another edition
5.0
Into the Clouds by Tod Olson tells the story of three separate, but connected, expeditions to summit K2. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 begins in 1938 with the first expedition, led by Charlie Houston, which was a basically a scouting mission. The men were tasked with finding a route to the summit, but weren't actually supposed to summit. They were just laying the ground work for the second expedition to be led by Fritz Wiessner, who planned to be the first man to summit K2. Part 2 takes place in 1939 and documents Wiessner's ill-fated expedition up the mountain. Finally, Part 3 takes place in 1953 when Charlie Houston returns to K2 with a new crew determined to summit.
I love Olson's narrative style of nonfiction writing and find his books absolutely captivating. This book is no different. I became instantly enthralled in the perilous journey to the top of K2. The chapters flow easily from one event to the next and the description and use of interviews, diaries, and letters, and the inclusion of photos from the various expeditions brings the story to life. Because I was so into the book, I finished it in a matter of hours. I loved it so much that I can't wait to share with my students. In fact, I know exactly which student I would recommend it to first. However, due to the Covid-19 school closures and social distancing, I am unable to share this wonderful book with them. It will definitely be included in my beginning of the year classroom library book tasting activity.
I love Olson's narrative style of nonfiction writing and find his books absolutely captivating. This book is no different. I became instantly enthralled in the perilous journey to the top of K2. The chapters flow easily from one event to the next and the description and use of interviews, diaries, and letters, and the inclusion of photos from the various expeditions brings the story to life. Because I was so into the book, I finished it in a matter of hours. I loved it so much that I can't wait to share with my students. In fact, I know exactly which student I would recommend it to first. However, due to the Covid-19 school closures and social distancing, I am unable to share this wonderful book with them. It will definitely be included in my beginning of the year classroom library book tasting activity.
amdame1's review
4.0
K2 is the world's second highest mountain and yet it has not been summited nearly as many times as Mt Everest, the highest mountain. It is more remote and has much more challenging rock faces to scale. This is the account of climbers in 1938, 1939, and 1953 attempting to summit K2. It is a riveting account of danger, skill, and challenge, of life and death. It also reveals the huge disparity between the climbers and the local people who they used as guides and sherpas. The climbers had much better gear, clothing, and food than the locals. The conditions for the locals were horrid; the fact that they so staunchly supported the climbers despite the disparity speaks highly for their kindness and their integrity.
For fans of Krakauer.
For fans of Krakauer.
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