Title of the Book: Into Thin AirAuthor: Jon Krakauer
Number of Pages: 332
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Review: When people think of climbing mountains, the peak is usually the goal in their minds. But for many expeditions, reaching the top is only half the battle. As once said by famous mountaineer Ed Viesturs, “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.”
No idea is further exemplified by the thrilling and horrifying details described in Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Working alongside five other climbers, Jon’s expedition to reach the top of Everest goes awry when they are caught in a dangerous storm. Relying on others and his own wits to survive, Krakauer retells the horrors of how his expedition took a turn for the worst. It is highly unlikely one would be able to find another nonfiction book that captivates as much as Into Thin Air does. When it comes to books based on true events, Krakauer does an exceptional job of using vivid imagery to transport the reader directly to the glaciers of Mount Everest. The accurate descriptions of the effects of high altitude will make even tough readers uneasy, and the consistent use of mountaineering jargon aids the immersion and serves as an educational bonus alongside the story. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the book was how Krakauer describes the timeline of events. Knowing that everyone was caught in the storm and fighting for their lives, it is truly harrowing to understand how one small move could mean disaster for everyone.
If you are searching for a book that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat, Into Thin Air will make you want to change the course of history. Those who understand the dangers of mountaineering will also understand Krakauer’s efforts to survive and help others. Those who have no knowledge of these dangers will be introduced to a whole new world of life on the edge of death.
I can say with confidence this book is not for the faint of heart. Krakauer does not shy away from serious and bone-chilling descriptions that will leave readers uneasy and questioning life. All in all, an absolutely excellent book and a great window into the terrifying world of mountaineering and the dangers of mountain expeditions.
I have heard of the novel Into Thin Air before and would love to read this novel. Mountaineering is something that is far out of the realm of anything that I would do at this time and I feel interested about what more I could learn from this novel. The author of this novel sounds very talented and able to use imagery to show what happened in the novel.
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