Into Thin Air

Into Thin Air is a riveting first-hand account of a catastrophic expedition up Mount Everest. In March 1996, Outside magazine sent veteran journalist and seasoned climber Jon Krakauer on an expedition led by celebrated Everest guide Rob Hall. Despite the expertise of Hall and the other leaders, by the end of summit day eight people were dead. Krakauer's book is at once the story of the ill-fated adventure and an analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end. Written within months of the events it chronicles, Into Thin Air clearly evokes the majestic Everest landscape. As the journey up the mountain progresses, Krakauer puts it in context by recalling the triumphs and perils of other Everest trips throughout history. The author's own anguish over what happened on the mountain is palpable as he leads readers to ponder timeless questions.

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Summit Fever on Everest - Rated
A gripping account of summit fever. Hopefully the days of extreme tourism and queues at the Hilary Step are long gone. But I doubt it.

Gripping! - Rated
I bought this for my holiday a couple of days ago and made the mistake of opening it - finished it before holiday has even started! It is a gripping story well told. I don't know about apportioning blame etc but I thought he gave a pretty balanced view, in that he comes across as a thoughtful and fairminded person. Brilliant read - just need a replacement now!

A compelling well written read - Rated
The authors account of the climb seems to differ from all the other accounts I have read regarding the 1996 Everest disaster. I think it stems from the author being a reporter and wanting to make a name to sell books and magazines. In saying that it is well written and a good read, even if a times it strays into fiction.

Into Thin Air - Rated
Without being fully aware of the controversy of the authors opinions in this book, I began it expecting a great adventure story and nothing more. This book more than delivered in that respect. Not only is it immensely easy to read, but I found it difficult to put down and became completely engrossed in the story that unfolded. I got choked up a great deal towards the end and felt anxious and concerned along with the people in the book. For the two days that it took to read I lived the fears and exhaustion along with the author and the climbers on Everest. It has some great colour plates and copious notes on expedition members and other teams on Everest that season as well. The author does take a great deal of blame for things that he had a hand in and isn't shy about laying blame elsewhere either. I guess to get a more rounded view it may pay to read other accounts of the event. Never-the-less, overall this is a superb book that will keep you gripped throughout. Highly recommended.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!! - Rated
You will not be able to put it down, and will likely spend most of the time that you are reading it on the edge of your seat, before finally finishing drained and emotional. But if that sounds like your cup of tea then what the hey?