Review by angiejack456 -- The Altitude Journals

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 01 May 2019, 16:14

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]

4 out of 4 stars

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David Mauro had reached a low point in his life. Freshly divorced and feeling like a failure, he found himself despondent and hopeless. While he may have given up on himself, others had not. His brother-in-law sent him a set of hiking poles and an invitation to climb Denali, the highest mountain in North America. At age 44, he had never climbed before but accepted the offer. He explained, “A person who believes he has nothing left to lose is a fantastic and dangerous soul.” He clings to the confidence placed in him and hopes this pursuit can help him find the ability to believe in himself again.

The Altitude Journals, a memoir by David J. Mauro, details not only his successful Denali climb but also his struggles and triumphs as he goes on to climb all of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the earth’s continents. This rare quest sets his life, “on a path through forest and wasteland, over glaciers and clouds, bedside cannibals and penguins, and in the company of elephants and gunrunners.” His journey and experiences were so compelling that I was hooked as soon as I read the prologue.

Mauro writes with such openness and vulnerability that it is impossible not to get caught up in his story. He is not a world class athlete. He is a normal guy with challenges who decides to climb a mountain and work through his pain. His story is completely genuine and entirely relatable. I appreciated his humble approach to each climb. After his first successful summit, he does not set out to conquer the rest but rather listens to an inner voice and follows its promptings. In his words, “I believe life has laid out an incredible path for each of us, and when we quiet our minds, it is revealed one stone at a time.”

The magic of Mauro’s writing is demonstrated in his ability to make his readers become part of his incredible journey. From the mental and physical preparation for each unique mountain to the life-affirming summit of each peak, I felt like I was a part of the expedition. Through sweltering jungles and across wind-blown glaciers, I thrilled in each new experience Mauro shared while I stayed safely on my couch. He deftly weaves facts, details, and humor along with his own personal narrative, creating a story that flowed with ease across each page.

I know I am reading an amazing book when I can’t stop thinking and talking about it. This is exactly what happened as I read The Altitude Journals. In fact, my compulsion to overshare all the insights I gained while reading this book may be its only negative takeaway. Mauro’s breathtaking account sparked an interest that left me wanting to discover more.

I am delighted to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. With writing so engrossing, I had a hard time finding any errors and applaud the excellent editing job. I was hoping to read a memoir filled with adventure and excitement, and I was pleased to find this book offered this and so much more. I recommend this book to all ages seeking adventure and upliftment. This introspective and exhilarating journey will leave you feeling on top of the world.

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The Altitude Journals
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bigscarythingy · Post by **bigscarythingy** » 27 May 2019, 01:22

So true that the writer's accessibility is a big plus here. A beautifully written review.

maggi3 · Post by **maggi3** » 27 May 2019, 01:49

This sounds very interesting and inspiring. I’ve never read anything like this before, and I’m intrigued to know more about Mauro. I’ll have to keep this one in mind. Thanks for the review!

Letora · Post by **Letora** » 27 May 2019, 06:17

Thank you for the review! I'm currently reading this and I love it so far

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 27 May 2019, 23:00

Letora wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 06:17 Thank you for the review! I'm currently reading this and I love it so far

Glad you are enjoying it. It's definitely one of my favorites!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 27 May 2019, 23:09

bigscarythingy wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 01:22 So true that the writer's accessibility is a big plus here. A beautifully written review.

Thanks for your kind comments!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 27 May 2019, 23:26

maggi3 wrote: ↑27 May 2019, 01:49 This sounds very interesting and inspiring. I’ve never read anything like this before, and I’m intrigued to know more about Mauro. I’ll have to keep this one in mind. Thanks for the review!

I don't think you would regret giving this book a chance. It's truly an amazing read. Thanks for your comments!

Hiruni Bhagya 81 · Post by **Hiruni Bhagya 81** » 30 May 2019, 19:55

Sounds like a fascinating tale. To go from a state of giving up on himself to conquering all the seven summits must be inspiring to other readers. I think I must give it a try. So, thanks for your wonderful review.

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 31 May 2019, 09:38

Hiruni Bhagya 81 wrote: ↑30 May 2019, 19:55 Sounds like a fascinating tale. To go from a state of giving up on himself to conquering all the seven summits must be inspiring to other readers. I think I must give it a try. So, thanks for your wonderful review.

It really is inspiring. I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for commenting!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 02 Jun 2019, 12:24

The idea that the author is just a normal guy climbing all these summits is appealing. This sounds motivating and uplifting. Thanks for your beautiful review!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 02 Jun 2019, 21:06

kdstrack wrote: ↑02 Jun 2019, 12:24 The idea that the author is just a normal guy climbing all these summits is appealing. This sounds motivating and uplifting. Thanks for your beautiful review!

Thanks for commenting! I think that one of the the more appealing aspects of this book is how normal and real the author is. Like he could be your neighbor telling you about all his adventures!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 04 Jun 2019, 00:42

I would say you caught the spirit of the book perfectly in your review. Having read and reviewed this book myself, I can attest that his vulnerability,openness,and humble approach hold much of the charm. With so many books around,we often do not find time to go back to a particular book. But for this one, I feel it is worth reading again and again. Thanks for the insightful review!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 04 Jun 2019, 08:43

Yes! This is definitely on my list of favorite books of all time!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 04 Jun 2019, 08:46

Shrabastee wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 00:42 I would say you caught the spirit of the book perfectly in your review. Having read and reviewed this book myself, I can attest that his vulnerability,openness,and humble approach hold much of the charm. With so many books around,we often do not find time to go back to a particular book. But for this one, I feel it is worth reading again and again. Thanks for the insightful review!

Yes! This is definitely on my list of favorite books of all time!