Near Death in the Mountains

July 15, 2008
Including suspenseful and action-packed selections from many of the world's best-known mountaineering memoirs, this collection of adventure narratives focuses on the harsh reality of facing life and death while climbing among the highest peaks of the world, where the slightest mistake can easily have fateful consequences. With excerpts ranging from established climbing classics such as Maurice Herzog's "Annapurna" to more recent standouts such as Joe Simpson's "Touching the Void", this heart-pounding anthology includes graphic descriptions of frightening near escapes, horrific fatal falls, and numerous severe injuries, all juxtaposed with inspiring feats of courage and the majestic beauty of the mountain environment. While some of the selections can be enjoyed despite their truncation, others suffer badly from the absence of the important context of the entire work. This collection is best suited for the beginning or casual adventure story reader, while the devoted adventure fan would be better off going directly to the highly worthwhile full-length alpinists' memoirs from which these selections were drawn.Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2008
Adult/High School-Although new technology and techniques make mountain climbing more accessible, it is still a dangerous sport that attracts a small number of people. This collection of excerpts from a variety of mountaineering books includes stories from well-respected professional climbers, weekend climbers with experience, and those forced to climb by circumstance, such as the survivors of a plane crash in the Andes. Each vignette includes a summary at the beginning and a follow-up at the end. Readers may be frustrated by the nature of the selections, as it often seems that part of the story is missing, and it is often necessary to have a passing knowledge of the vocabulary and techniques of climbing to appreciate the narrative fully. On the other hand, for armchair adventurers, the tales are awe-inspiring and can drive interest in discovering the rest of the stories."Mary Ann Harlan, Arcata High School, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.