pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the most elite mountaineers in history tells his account of the 1996 Everest disaster. As a guide for Seattle-based Mountain Madness, his was to ensure the safety of their clients. Jon Krakauer is a bit critical of Boukreev‘s decisions, as is documented in Into Thin Air, so this is Toli‘s version. Another fantastic Everest memoir. I won‘t take sides. They both had traumatic experiences and valid memories. The epilogue made me cry.
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What started as an article for Outside Magazine turned into the deadliest day on Everest (at that point), and a totally different experience ensued. The article expanded into this incredible memoir, perhaps as an act of catharsis. I first read this 14 years ago and loved it just as much now. Harrowing, sad, and incredible.
Highly recommend all of Krakauer‘s books! His “Under the Banner of Heaven” is what got me interested in cults.
pickA re-read for me, but perfectly timed for when it‘s cold and the wind is howling. This is the book that started my love affair with high altitude climbing stories and it still holds up almost 30 years after publication.
pickA beautifully written book on the history of mountains and mountaineering. MacFarlane has invested a great amount of research and emotion in writing this book and it is a must-have in every mountain-lover‘s library. The book delves into how mountains were perceived 200-300 years ago and traces the evolution of mountaineering in the West‘s imagination to the present day. A must read with exquisite prose.
#WednesdayWanderings @AllDebooks @jenniferw88 @TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit
1. My favorite literary walks (hikes) are the tagged book as well as Wild by Cheryl Strayed
2. The terrain is vastly different looking but the feelings of solitude and loneliness seem similar. I feel inspired by the discipline and focus it takes to accomplish individual physical and mental challenges. #litsolace #midsummersolace
pickI am a sucker for anything Everest. Mostly because I could never imagine climbing (you legit climb to the cruising altitude of a jetliner!) But I also feel humanity just doesn't belong on that mountain. And yet.. my dorky self can't walk away from a book on the subject. This was very good. And nerve wracking. #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks
I didn‘t remember from my first listen to this book just how much climbing Everest is a business and that there are/were several different expedition groups at one time. Also, didn‘t know at the time there was a controversy surrounding Krakauer‘s account. In his defense, he does make it clear he has not relied on his memory alone given climbers‘ perceptions are impacted by hypoxia. Anyway, I don‘t think he‘s claiming his account is definitive.
pick#fridaynightshare #naturalitsy #midwintersolace this is my favorite more recent winter nonfiction. I have been in a rabbit hole of Everest books for several years. This guy was funny, and his accent was fantastic on audio. I had to stop walking and put my hands on my knees when he described defecating in his own hood on the mountain. It probably “was the best of times and the worst of times” for Fergus. 😂
Rereading for IRL bookclub and it‘s just as thrilling! The first time I listened to the audio edition, but I appreciate the photos and maps in the print version.
pickDay 3 of #12Booksof2023 is for this audiobook, which was a hit for both me and my husband during a road-trip. It also sparked continued interest in Everest throughout the year, always a good sign!
