Friday, February 17, 2012

Mount Everest Mount Everest Mount Everest Mount Everest Mount Everest Mount Everest


"Although I'd ascended hundreds of mountains, Everest was so different from anything I'd previously climbed that my powers of imagination were insufficient for the task....my emotions oscillated between nervous anticipation and a nearly overwhelming sense of dread." (Krakauer, 47)

What started out as a fully funded expidition for a magazine article on Everest quickly became a daunting and sorrowful journey for Jon Krakauer. Embarking with a diverse team of eight and one of the most popular guides, all clients assume the best. They have only to discover their team is one of the unlucky ones.

They spend many days getting acclimated and through that building relationships with one another. Krakauer, being an avid climber, understands the importance of trust among fellow climbers.







Although the hearts of the team members are swelling with determination, they are nearly unaware of the toll the extreme conditions have on their bodies.      

Thirsting for the success of reaching the summit the team continues the treacherous journey.






Suddenly....

A storm engulfs the majesty of Everest and chaos strikes.
 Krakauer makes it out alive but not without damage physically, mentally, and emotionally.



Into Thin Air is Jon Krakauer's response to the disasters that occurred in this expidition. This book is only a glimpse into the power of this mighty mountain and the elements it orchestrates. Krakauer captures the reality of losing members of a close-knit team of dreamers, seeking to conquer a nearly impossible feat. He maintains the authenticity and character of each member on his team. In so doing, he reveals a deep connection to those with whom he climbed. Many people today establish a romantic perspective of Everest and those who climb it. Krakauer, however, sheds a whole new light on the harshness of this kingly peak while applying respect to its power and beauty.

As a reader, your curiousity is piqued and your courage challenged by the influence this experience has on such an innocent and visionary climber.





No comments:

Post a Comment