Made Me Want to Climb Something
343708
This story is based on the life of mountaineer George Mallory who didn't come back from his last attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in 1924. Mallory was last seen, "going strongly for the summit." But did he reach it? And can a thriller writer like Jeffrey Archer keep us interested in a book without his usual twists and turns in the plot? Can he keep us interested when we know how the story has to end? The answer is a resounding yes, I believe, to all three questions.

I must admit I'd never heard of George Mallory before this story. I don't know why, I guess because he'd never made that honor roll and I suppose if you include him then Sir Edmond Hillary's name would have to come off. But then maybe it makes no difference, because I would think a climb wouldn't really be considered successful if you didn't come back alive.

Anyway, that not withstanding, this is a page turner. Mr. Archer certainly as a way with words, he keeps you wanted to know what comes next, even when you do know. That is something only a great writer can do. Whether or not you believe Mallory reached the summit shouldn't keep you from reading this fine story. It'll keep you up, maybe even make you want to climb something.
4286587
Two young brave mountain climbers push the envelope to attempt to become the first to scale the north face. One does not have to be a mountain climber to appreciate the importance seemingly small decisions have on the results of our efforts. Be prepared for surprises. I could have done without the love interest but the climb itself is intriging enough to carry this docu-drama.
3758369
I started this book waiting to board from my flight from Seattle to Amsterdam, some hours later I finish it while flying across the Atlantic, this tells a lot, it hook you from the beginning and there are phases where pages flow one after other without stop.

I'm not a mountaineer, not a climbing fan at all, indeed I did not see snow or a mountain until I was 21 years old or so; but this book and all the climbing background grab me very quickly into the story making me eager to go out and see some mountains. I do not want to spoil anyone but there is a phase of the book where climbing is more present where you can really see the author's passion about climbing and she is able to transmit what being surrounded by those nature miracles mean. In those moments the author is able not only to tell you a story but to transmit feelings and touch you emotionally, and just that makes it worth reading it.

I totally recommend it if you want not only to read a suspense story but also to "touch" the mountains even if you have not even been closer to anyone.
1928562
I love mountain climbing books and this was another good one. I could imagine myself being there but in thought only would be my preference
4653510
Makes me wish to be able to run away from society and live in the mountains. Wish it was a movie as well
2858434
I like this book for many reasons, one of which is that it didn't try to mindlessly replicate Into Thin Air as many adventure books have done.  Instead, Norman remains very self-deprecating about his own climbing abilities while he focuses instead on his relationships with his daughter.  He didn't smooth over the rough edges in family dynamics which I also found appealing.  In short, by avoiding adventure cliches, he gives us an exciting account of the thrill of rock climbing, some great climbing stories and some very heartwarming insights into the relationship between fathers and daughters.  This book was extremely well written and is a quick read.  Congratulations to Norman who avoided all the pitfalls of the genre.  His book is unique in the field and gratifying on many levels.
4887588
This was an interesting story about a woman of advanced years and in reasonably good shape, deciding to hike 60? miles from her retirement community to her granddaughter's wedding on the coast.  Plot lines of her unhappiness at the facility and conflict with the granddaughter over her choice of mates notwithstanding, the idea of her throwing food from the buffet table into her pack and taking off on foot was both exhilarating and a little terrifying.  She met good people along the way and had to rely on her wits when in danger.  She didn't always use good judgement.  As an older woman, I was encouraged that she took on the challenge.
2604558
These things really fly. Make sure to do it in an open area if you can or you will be doing some climbing...
4784229
This was a really great book.  I listened to the Audible audio version, and the narrator was really good - good pacing, good reading style, pleasant voice.  I would definitely listen to more books narrated by Adam Verner.  The book itself was really good.  It presented a different view of mountain climbing than I had heard before - putting faith and family first, appreciated God's creation, and that summitting isn't the most important thing.  The book kept me on the edge of my seat as the author described his trek up and down Mt. Everest.  It was really refreshing to hear such great things about the author's wife and kids, and to see such a supportive family.  If you love mountain climbing, adventure, or non-fiction/memoirs, I highly recommend this book.
4405058
This makes me want to read more accounts of slavery, but go for historical nonfiction related ones.  This would grip me, and made me feel desolate and motivated all at the same time.
3140462
The author reminds me of my cousin who is a ski bum, and I really enjoyed the narrative partly due to that fact I am very familiar with the region of Colorado he lived in.  It made me ask questions what if, I decided to follow the path he took.
3466169
It is unusual for me to write a review of a book but I felt compelled. I loved this book like other reviewers it is bawdy at times but realistic in what to expect on this climb. The story is a quick one at 35 pages. It was a very fast read. I had expected it to be longer but I was not disappointed by the authors' dialog. I loved certain details that the author used like not learning the actual names of people he met on the trail but giving them his own. I would recommend this book to anyone planning on climbing Kili.
1994617
There are many negative reviews linked to this book; however, they are referring to another book of the same name and different author.  The CLIMBING book The Push by Tommy Caldwell had great flow from past to present and was well written.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover and slowed down when I got to the Dawn Wall send because I didn't want it to end.  My husband has a strong desire to climb big walls and alpine climbs, while I enjoy single pitch sport climbing (scared of heights).  I felt like I was there on the wall with them.
1300156
I had some trepidation going into the book.  As a parent of two young kids, the idea of reading about a child with cancer was a bit scary.  But I was familiar with a number of Elisha Cooper's other books (mainly kids books), and knew he would have the right touch to make the book worthwhile.

That touch is what I think makes Falling so compelling.  Of course, there are scary moments for Cooper and his family -- and the reader is very much a part of those moments, gripped by the struggle (and the triumphs).  But just as much a part of the story are the more prosaic -- kids soccer games, descriptions of Cooper's childhood on a farm, and a very funny taxonomy of hipster beards at a Brooklyn coffee shop.  Ultimately, Falling is about trying and succeeding to find the day-to-day normalcy of life while dealing with a major family crisis.

While I really enjoy Cooper's kids books, I'm looking forward to reading more adult books from this top-notch writer.
2564327
I felt like I was reading about a female Indiana Jones without Hollywood to provide a stunt double. It amazes me the chances people take and the experiences they have. This was enthralling. The spiritual growth was very interesting. I could see how being in the wilds could lead to this. Some people are destined for certain kinds of lives. This really made me think.
3083039
Even for those of us who hate climbing stairs, let alone the highest peak on the planet, Into Thin Air will keep you turning pages long into each night. You'll bring it to work, telling yourself that you'll only read it during your breaks and lunch hour. Your boss will walk into your office while you stare into the top drawer, pretending you're looking for staples for your stapler, and even though you got busted, you'll continue reading until the boss disappears.
Just the idea of climbing the HIGHEST mountain grabs my heart and squeezes it. I have no desire to climb mountains, be freezing cold, or put myself in the position of knowing I'm slowly dying, just to stand on snow and rock long enough to take one picture and turn around, heading into even more danger that the descent  provides.
Into Thin Air is a raw, emotional account of one of the worst climbing seasons Everest had to that date. Jon Krakauer takes you to the top of Mt Everest, as if you are strapped to his pack. His descriptions and artful storytelling place these climbers, the mountain and the extreme pain into your soul - I promise you will never forget this story.
2833865
Would recommend this book to everyone wanting to tackle something out of their own ordinary ! Wish I had the guts!