books_with_manders's review against another edition
This was a book club selection and not a book I would have likely picked up on my own. I knew a bit of the history of the 1920's Everest expeditions so I had a fairly good idea where this story was headed. I liked the book. The beginning was tedious and felt fact heavy. It wasn't really until the last third of the book that I finally felt a connection to the characters.
calleywasser's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
meks17's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
clarrro's review against another edition
4.0
Exciting fictional/factual reenactment of the Everest expedition. sometimes felt dragged down by the woman at home chapters.
To my mind, the switching POV, from he to I, even in the same paragraph was odd. But a good read, very good read.
To my mind, the switching POV, from he to I, even in the same paragraph was odd. But a good read, very good read.
jfbfsf's review against another edition
1.0
Torn between 1 star and 2. Much of the book was sort of painful to read. Ruth wanders around her house and then around town, being depressed, lonely and bored. This might actually be how she felt, but it doesn't make for a very interesting read. Plus, her husband was gone for months at a time, and it's hard to believe she lived all those months in this gloomy state of mild depression - she had three kids and a household to run (even if she did have two servants).
The chapters told from the climbers' POV were better, but the author spent too long on their agonizing thoughts of home, and all the people they had wronged. Is this really what they spent all their days thinking about?
Several times I almost put the book down for good, but at its heart it's a compelling story (the non fiction foundation of the story) and I kept hoping it would get better. It did, a little... but just a little. I also found myself wandering around my neighborhood in a state of mild gloom while reading this, so I guess the author did a good job of evoking the atmosphere of their lives.
Fundamentally, this is a depressing, boring romance much more than a climbing story. I've read dozens of mountain climbing books, and this doesn't hold up to pretty much any of them.
The chapters told from the climbers' POV were better, but the author spent too long on their agonizing thoughts of home, and all the people they had wronged. Is this really what they spent all their days thinking about?
Several times I almost put the book down for good, but at its heart it's a compelling story (the non fiction foundation of the story) and I kept hoping it would get better. It did, a little... but just a little. I also found myself wandering around my neighborhood in a state of mild gloom while reading this, so I guess the author did a good job of evoking the atmosphere of their lives.
Fundamentally, this is a depressing, boring romance much more than a climbing story. I've read dozens of mountain climbing books, and this doesn't hold up to pretty much any of them.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended by staffer Andrea
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sabove%20all%20things%20rideout__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sabove%20all%20things%20rideout__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
beckyblake's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful and haunting book about George Mallory's attempt to summit Everest. Tanis Rideout alternates chapters detailing his ascent, with chapters that describe the painstakingly slow hours his wife endures while waiting for word of his success. Rideout's writing is rich and insightful, lyric and striking. The final chapters of the book are a tour-de-force, offering the reader a rare vista: the final revelatory moments arising from a true obsession.
nelsonmaam's review
2.0
I just wasn't ever captivated by it. The writing and the story seemed nice enough, but reading always felt like a chore. I think it moved along too alowly for me... the parts I was excited to read were few and far between. Maybe this will go on the "try again later in life" shelf.
clowry1991's review against another edition
2.0
I have always been fascinated with stories of people risking their lives for the thrill of a lifetime. A passion so strong, it can kill you slowly but nothing will stop you. It was eye opening to see both sides. George's determination despite what it put his wife and kids through. I gave Above All Things a three out of five. This book was lacking the adrenal, edge of your seat, action. It focused so much on the emotional aspect that it lost its adventure, the only reason I chose this book.
nancidrum's review
4.0
A good read if you like man against nature coupled with a love story. The main characters, Ruth and George Mallory are real. It's 1924 and George is making his thrid attempt to summit Mount Everest. The author did a good job of mixing fact and fiction in this page turning story.