Review by Letora -- The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro
Posted: 03 Jun 2019, 17:28
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]
4 out of 4 stars
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When David J Mauro is at the lowest point in his life, something remarkable will help him conquer his personal demons and insecurities. His brother-in-law Ty asks David if he would like to climb Denali, the highest point in North America. Believing he has nothing else left to lose, David agrees to attempt the climb. The amount of training and dedication it will take to climb Denali sets forth a series of events that will lead David to realize his own potential. Throughout his life, the calling to climb all seven summits will arise. And with each climb, David will progress farther towards living the life he deserves. The mountains will force him to push past his comfort zones, and achieve all that he thought was lost.
High altitude climbing is not a simple up and down climb. The amount and variation of training that was detailed in each summit attempt was intense. Though it would seem every mountain would be the same, David quickly shows readers each mountain is its own battle. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats as David encounters perilous heights, avalanches, equipment failures and so much more. There is never a dull moment. For example, when he travels to Papua New Guinea, he isn't afraid to mention the fact that it is common practice for climbers to be taken hostage for ransom money. As he treks through the jungle with his group, the families of all the porters accompany them. This large amount of people included on the trail is for their own safety. Larger numbers mean a less chance of attack. But the reader is drawn into the tension of the moment waiting for something to happen. It makes you fly through the pages.
For every continent David visits, he makes sure to describe the people and their culture. This adds to the overall atmosphere of every climb. From the variety of foods they share to the different traditions he witnesses, the reader is fully immersed. You can feel the political tension when he visits Russia to attempt Mt. Elbrus. Between necessary bribes to simply load their baggage onto a plane, to the absolute disrespect shown to foreign visitors, the reader will cringe along with David as he travels through the country.
There was a large cast of characters in this novel, but instead of overloading the story, everyone mentioned plays a key role. David encounters various guides on his journeys as well as a multitude of climbers who each have their own struggles and goals. Through some, David will find the courage to move on, and with others, he will be the one to urge them forward. Each new person helps the reader realize just how much everyone has invested in climbing the summits. And not just monetary investments, but emotional and physical as well.
Honestly, there was nothing I didn't like about this book. This was a professionally edited piece. There were a few errors I found towards the end of the novel, but not enough to take away from the scoring. I rate The Altitude Journals 4 out of 4 stars. The storyline is fast-paced and exciting. It was a hard book to put down with all the life-threatening obstacles David has to overcome. Every mountain took its toll on him, but he kept going. It's one of those books where you will find yourself cheering alongside the main character.
There is a wealth of information and personal experience that will help anyone attempting the seven summits. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of climbing them. Fans of biographies will also enjoy this novel.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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When David J Mauro is at the lowest point in his life, something remarkable will help him conquer his personal demons and insecurities. His brother-in-law Ty asks David if he would like to climb Denali, the highest point in North America. Believing he has nothing else left to lose, David agrees to attempt the climb. The amount of training and dedication it will take to climb Denali sets forth a series of events that will lead David to realize his own potential. Throughout his life, the calling to climb all seven summits will arise. And with each climb, David will progress farther towards living the life he deserves. The mountains will force him to push past his comfort zones, and achieve all that he thought was lost.
High altitude climbing is not a simple up and down climb. The amount and variation of training that was detailed in each summit attempt was intense. Though it would seem every mountain would be the same, David quickly shows readers each mountain is its own battle. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats as David encounters perilous heights, avalanches, equipment failures and so much more. There is never a dull moment. For example, when he travels to Papua New Guinea, he isn't afraid to mention the fact that it is common practice for climbers to be taken hostage for ransom money. As he treks through the jungle with his group, the families of all the porters accompany them. This large amount of people included on the trail is for their own safety. Larger numbers mean a less chance of attack. But the reader is drawn into the tension of the moment waiting for something to happen. It makes you fly through the pages.
For every continent David visits, he makes sure to describe the people and their culture. This adds to the overall atmosphere of every climb. From the variety of foods they share to the different traditions he witnesses, the reader is fully immersed. You can feel the political tension when he visits Russia to attempt Mt. Elbrus. Between necessary bribes to simply load their baggage onto a plane, to the absolute disrespect shown to foreign visitors, the reader will cringe along with David as he travels through the country.
There was a large cast of characters in this novel, but instead of overloading the story, everyone mentioned plays a key role. David encounters various guides on his journeys as well as a multitude of climbers who each have their own struggles and goals. Through some, David will find the courage to move on, and with others, he will be the one to urge them forward. Each new person helps the reader realize just how much everyone has invested in climbing the summits. And not just monetary investments, but emotional and physical as well.
Honestly, there was nothing I didn't like about this book. This was a professionally edited piece. There were a few errors I found towards the end of the novel, but not enough to take away from the scoring. I rate The Altitude Journals 4 out of 4 stars. The storyline is fast-paced and exciting. It was a hard book to put down with all the life-threatening obstacles David has to overcome. Every mountain took its toll on him, but he kept going. It's one of those books where you will find yourself cheering alongside the main character.
There is a wealth of information and personal experience that will help anyone attempting the seven summits. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of climbing them. Fans of biographies will also enjoy this novel.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Letora's review? Post a comment saying so!
