annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
4.0
Clearly an ascent on Everest without dying is an amazing feat. The story itself is truly remarkable - a testament of how resilient some humans are.
I didn't enjoy Krakauer's writing at certain moments however, so I can't give it five stars. The majority of the time I was completely captivated by his descriptions, his recounts of dialogue, and his inner thoughts. Some of his descriptions of female mountaineers, however, seemed sexist and borderline misogynist. Other descriptions and thoughts about expedition teams from different countries seemed prejudiced in other ways. There was a weird, negative comment in the middle of everything about Hillary Clinton that was disjointed, completely out of place and unnecessary.
While listening to this enthralling story, sometimes I thought "what did that have to do with anything?"
I am interested in reading other works by Krakauer to see how they compare.
I didn't enjoy Krakauer's writing at certain moments however, so I can't give it five stars. The majority of the time I was completely captivated by his descriptions, his recounts of dialogue, and his inner thoughts. Some of his descriptions of female mountaineers, however, seemed sexist and borderline misogynist. Other descriptions and thoughts about expedition teams from different countries seemed prejudiced in other ways. There was a weird, negative comment in the middle of everything about Hillary Clinton that was disjointed, completely out of place and unnecessary.
While listening to this enthralling story, sometimes I thought "what did that have to do with anything?"
I am interested in reading other works by Krakauer to see how they compare.
laurenmidna's review against another edition
3.0
This book was, for the most part, what I expected. Krakauer talks about how much he despises the commercialization of Everest, how it's no longer that impressive to climb because of how much easier it is with all of the guides. He talks about how anyone with any bit of athleticism can make it to the top these days.
And then he goes on his own expedition and nearly dies. Krakauer seems to be in a relatively good position throughout the whole expedition. He's very middle-of-the-pack, he's never really in a terribly perilous situation, but he goes through enough trouble to make his perspective interesting, though his experience pales in comparison to many of his fellow climbers. It's interesting to me that, for all his complaining about the commercialization of Everest, without his guided tour, he likely would have died as well.
I wanted to know more about the Sherpas. The fact that they seem to go up and down the mountain with relative ease, making the trip easier for all the rich people who struggle their way to the top, is fascinating to me. The Sherpas were the real heroes of the story, and I definitely want to pick up another book that focuses more on them.
I thought that it was interesting how anti-climatic reaching the top really was for him. He didn't have the energy to care, really, and the trek is only half done once you reach the summit. That insider perspective was different from what I was expecting. Krakauer's insights carried a lot of this book.
Overall, the story was interesting, Krakauer is an excellent writer. It's a strong warning about preconceived notions, cockiness, and true danger. Even with commercialization, Everest (and many other mountains) is no small feat. I think I'll be taking it off my bucket list, now.
And then he goes on his own expedition and nearly dies. Krakauer seems to be in a relatively good position throughout the whole expedition. He's very middle-of-the-pack, he's never really in a terribly perilous situation, but he goes through enough trouble to make his perspective interesting, though his experience pales in comparison to many of his fellow climbers. It's interesting to me that, for all his complaining about the commercialization of Everest, without his guided tour, he likely would have died as well.
I wanted to know more about the Sherpas. The fact that they seem to go up and down the mountain with relative ease, making the trip easier for all the rich people who struggle their way to the top, is fascinating to me. The Sherpas were the real heroes of the story, and I definitely want to pick up another book that focuses more on them.
I thought that it was interesting how anti-climatic reaching the top really was for him. He didn't have the energy to care, really, and the trek is only half done once you reach the summit. That insider perspective was different from what I was expecting. Krakauer's insights carried a lot of this book.
Overall, the story was interesting, Krakauer is an excellent writer. It's a strong warning about preconceived notions, cockiness, and true danger. Even with commercialization, Everest (and many other mountains) is no small feat. I think I'll be taking it off my bucket list, now.
heysunbee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
shibaunited's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
bail33's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
kbratten's review against another edition
5.0
Read this in the mountains, which felt like an appropriate setting. I get the addition of mountaineering. I'm glad no one close to me has it, I don't think I could handle it.
tennille's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0