The Story: 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 attempts evoke 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.
Specifics: Many first-person accounts tend to be very cold and aniseptic...not this one. Krakauer's description of the roof of the world, the brink of death and all things between puts you on the mountain. The only details you will find missing are the details his oxygen-depleted brain never grasped in the first place. The men and women who accompanied him are described without prejudice. Their actions (heroic or horrific) are brought to light without hesitation. The resulting work is an incredible ride that leaves the reader much like the author, struggling to catch a breath.
Summary: At the heart of Into Thin Air, you will find a man struggling to forgive himself for mistakes made in critical moments, trying to make sense of tragedy and wanting desperately to regain peace. While his circumstances were a world away, I couldn’t help but feel that our walk with God faces many of the same struggles. Although there are a few obscenities scattered throughout the book, they are merely reflections of the extreme circumstances. If you don’t take chances in life for the sake of adventure, this book may be a frustrating read. But if you can’t shake the curiosity of how you would respond when faced with adversity of the highest order, this book is a must.
-David Linz
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