Review by SpencerVo -- The Altitude Journals

Hiruni Bhagya 81 · Post by **Hiruni Bhagya 81** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:27

I'm interested in reading about a person who climbed mountains to battle his demons instead of climbing as a passion or to claim that he has climbed all the highest mountains, which are the most common reasons. Also, the way author has explained everything so that even a reader who's novel to mountain climbing can understand is great. I'm not sure whether or not I'll read it, but I'll try it first. So thanks for your honest review.

Post by **Anthony__** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:32

Wow! Despite Dave Mauro's personal hardships: divorce, abandonment issue, death in the family, fear of love and intimacy, He was able to conqueror the Seven Summits during his mountaineering career. Well detailed review! I don't think I will read this book.

OllyMira · Post by **OllyMira** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:41

This sounds wonderful. A story about the journey of a man who climbs mountains. I love a good adventure.

aolayide · Post by **aolayide** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:44

"The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro sounds like an interesting book to read. Although I do not enjoy the details about mountain climbing, I would love to read about the personal crisis he was going through and how he was able to overcome them and move on. The zeal and motivation he had at 44 years are inspiring. Most people would just give up.
Thank you for the review, SpencerVo. Your review sounds motivational in its own right.

Alicia09 · Post by **Alicia09** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:46

I find it interesting that you said it did not feel as if you were intruding on Dave's life. I think a great writer can do just that; they can bring a reader into their personal worlds without making a reader feel awkward. I have had opportunities to review this book and I have passed them all up. Reading your review makes me want to review this book soon when I get the chance. Thanks!

Sumbule1 · Post by **Sumbule1** » 03 Mar 2019, 12:55

I am intrigued by learning the motivations behind climbing each of the seven mountain peaks, as well as what the author gained by doing so. Congratulations on being BOTD.

Brizea seddy · Post by **Brizea seddy** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:05

The altitude journal can loosely serve as mountaineering for dummies guidé if you are interested in sport.

Silgorious123 · Post by **Silgorious123** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:12

The review of the book details the expectation of Spencer initially, which turned out to be slightly wrong, as the writer was more down to earth in his writing, stating his own bitter and tough moments in his journey to become a man who was able to climb his way up to 7 summits, as described by him:

David Mauro’s journey from a clueless mountaineering rookie to a proud conqueror of the Seven Summits: Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), Vinson Massif (Antarctica), Carstensz Pyramid (Australia) and of course, “Mother Goddess of the Universe” Mount Everest (Asia).

Each one presented different struggles: life-threatening avalanches, deep crevasses, deadly altitude sickness, or worst, chances of falling victim to cannibalism. To the public, Mauro’s diary felt too real and too surreal at the same time: how could a nearly fifty-year-old man achieve such an extraordinary yet dangerous feat? On the flip side, we could relate to his experience, not because we had climbed before, but since we all knew the sense of dread and insecurity lurking over our lives. This is a good description of the way we can relate to the book. As not hailing from a hiking or climbing background, we can only imagine what types of hardships David had to endure to achieve such a feat.

Overall, the review is precise, detailed, and gives a person much needed insight into the book. This review summarises the content of the book very well. I would recommend this if anyone wishes to get an insight into the art of climbing mountains.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:18

I greatly enjoy gazing at mountains, but climbing on them? Big no-no! And since this book is also something alike memoir I will have to say this is totally not my cup of tea and I will have to pass.

Post by **Radiant3** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:19

Thanks for the very thorough review. Sounds like a very complex book. A man who works through his issues by climbing some of the most intimidating mountains. I think its definitely a book worth reading.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:20

After reading the excerpt on Amazon, I was captivated with the narrative tone and considered reading it, but then I read your review about how monotonous it became; however, your advice to read it in smaller chunks encouraged me to give it a try.

chelhack · Post by **chelhack** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:30

Knowing that almost everyone has some sort of demon locked away it may be interesting to actually hear of someone else's story and what initiate their strength to overcome their demons as well of the journey it took to overcome as well.

thelastmancy · Post by **thelastmancy** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:34

It's real, it's honest- and though many have not ventured through icey mountains, I find myself there with Mauro. You gotta 'summit' that it'll be a worthwhile read when life is going 'down hill'.

jolener23 · Post by **jolener23** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:40

I'm not into spiritual books but seems like a good read. Thanks for the review!

Rayasaurus · Post by **Rayasaurus** » 03 Mar 2019, 13:43

This read sounds like it would be interesting! As someone who has struggled with breaking out of cycles of depression before, I feel like I would really be able to relate to this book.