I love true adventure stories and this one is certainly a great one. It took me into a world that I will never understand (intentionally putting yourself in harm's way to achieve a feat of strength), but really enjoyed reading about. There were some slower parts, but overall it read quickly and well. ( )

As much of an insight as to how egos can override safety as it is about heroism. This is a true tragic tale of one of the greatest mountaineering disasters of our time, if not all time.

The Himalayas are one of the most beautiful and desolate spots on this planet. Everest, the crown of the Himalayas is one of the most dangerous climbs on this planet. Despite a 25% mortality rate for climbers seeking to make it to the summit, people routinely sign up with tour companies for a chance to scale this peak. Jon Krakauer, a seasoned mountaineer, takes us into the world of the professional guides that take these people, some of whom whose only qualification is they can foot the bill for the expedition, and into the camp of just such an expedition.

This is not to say all Everest guides fit this picture. Rob Hall, the leader for the expedition detailed here, was considered by his peers as an expedition leader's leader. Even superbly experienced leaders can make mistakes, and when these mistakes are compounded, the result can only be disaster. Hall is portrayed as a leader akin to the ship's captain, going down with his ship. Hall used the last of his energy to ensure as many of his party as possible made it down from the summit to relative safety. Krakauer also pays tribute to the largely unsung heroes of the Himalayas, the Sherpas. Krakauer shows them in a different light from what most non-climbers see them. Rather than human pack animals, Krakauer rightly credits them with being the real lifeblood of any Himalaya expedition and shows us the mutual respect between Hall and the Sherpas.

I enjoy rock climbing, but I had never even considered mountaineering on this scale. Krakauer's account removed any last doubt from my mind about an Everest attempt in my future. Hopefully, it will do the same for you. Now and then I may give into my addiction to adrenaline, on a much smaller scale surely, but even so, I realize sometimes the danger is just not worth the glory.

I particularly enjoyed this audio version as it was narrated by the author himself. Listen carefully to his inflections and intonations and you will see just how profound an effect this experience has had on him. ( )