Review by CyndiA1 -- The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro

CyndiA1 · Post by **CyndiA1** » 04 May 2019, 13:55

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

4 out of 4 stars

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I loved the writing in The Altitude Journals by David J. Mauro, and even though I very much enjoyed the multiple stories of climbing the tallest mountains on the globe, I disliked most the social distinctions between those who train and pay to climb and those who serve the climbers. Since the book is a non-fiction memoir, it rates a four out of four stars, because the truth is the truth, and Mauro's truths are told well and keep a reader glued to the stories.

When Mauro's life began to fall apart during and after a divorce, his brother-in-law invited him to climb one of the "Seven Summits." Mauro decided to join the Denali climb to pull himself up from rock bottom rather literally, although he could not explain how such an adventure would heal his spirit. He did learn on his first mountain adventure that life was about taking it one step at a time and "trusting that some greater purpose was being served."

Although the Denali mountain climbing expedition was to be a one-time physical and spiritual trip, Mauro quickly found himself at a new stage in life with a new love and a sudden desire to climb Kilimanjaro in Africa. With the support and blessings of family and friends, he began climbing and blogging about each of the seven peaks that represent the highest spots on each of the seven continents.

The various stories of the seven expeditions over six years are full of danger and adventure and questions as to whether Mauro will reach each summit or even live to walk on safer ground on the trips back down. In fact, the trips come off as a bit selfish when considering that the author spends as much as $50 to $100 thousand for a single climbing trip with no guarantees that he will see his girlfriend, sons,or parents again.

It is nice that some people have the time and money to search for answers to life questions, but it is sad that aboriginal peoples become part of optional quests with the lure of money and gifts. Catering to the whims of first world adventurers can be quite lucrative for poor people in the areas around the highest global mountains, but the sport of summitting changes forever those who participate - both those who climb for sport and enlightenment like the author and those who do so to move up in the world in other ways.

This would be a book that would interest adventure seekers and those who are drawn to extreme sports whether firsthand or vicariously. The book is full of intense moments, and the writer makes you almost feel like you are part of the adventures. In the end, Mauro finds peace, although his answers may not be entirely clear to those with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

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The Altitude Journals
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Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 18 May 2019, 22:27

This was a book that I read also and was shocked that it cost as much as it did for just one climbing expedition. The author wrote with such humor and imagery that I also found the book interesting. Your review was very informative and I enjoyed reading it!