Review by Shrabastee -- The Altitude Journals

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 22 May 2019, 03:57

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

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Allow me to summarize The Altitude Journals in three sentences. A thrilling account of David J Mauro’s conquest of the seven summits, this memoir allows glimpses on the hardships he endured along the way. Additionally, it shows the transformation of an ordinary middle-aged man into an amateur mountain-climber. From there, he gradually worked his way up to be a person deserving enough to stand on the top of the world. For the rest of my review, I will try explaining why the preceding summary is inadequate to describe what was undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read.

The reading experience itself was nothing short of wonderful. The book kept me engrossed from the very beginning, not letting me go even after completing it. After reading this, I came to realize why they say books can take you places you have never been. I saw the entire world, all seven continents, from the highest point of each. I experienced everything the author perceived without being physically present.

The Altitude Journals contained several technical details and other issues associated with mountaineering. Mauro has a way of keeping the readers engaged even when describing these aspects. Under no circumstances did I feel out of place. In fact, I felt more enriched after completing the book.

Mauro’s honesty about the entire affair touched me the most. He never glorified the mountains or the climbing experience unnecessarily. He was always quite upfront about the physical difficulties and emotional exhaustion that are an inevitable part of it. His undaunted nature and meticulous rectification of mistakes reveal his daring and optimism.

However, in Mauro’s story, it is not the ‘how' but the ‘why’ that matters the most. Let's take a moment to consider his motives behind embarking on mountain-climbing in the first place. After his life hit rock bottom, Mauro made a desperate attempt to recuperate one last time. For him, climbing a peak was equivalent to proving his worth. Thus, two separate yet simultaneous journeys are present in a single narrative, his personal journey being the fundamental one. Climbing was not a mere hobby for him but a pilgrimage of self-seeking and self-realization. Each summiting experience reflected one deep truth in his life that previously eluded him. As he overcame the hurdles to stand on each peak, he accepted those truths and ascended a personal mountain. He engaged in a gamble where his life was at stake, ultimately emerging a winner who deserved to live.

In his version, the aesthetic beauty of nature somehow blends with spirituality, allowing him rare moments of awakening. Mauro presents these moments in a way that the readers can share and feel the beauty of it all. In the end, nature seems to reflect our very lives, apparent turmoil overshadowing an eternal peace.

I cannot think of a single negative aspect of this book. With minimal editing errors, I rate The Altitude Journals a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. Those with a keen interest in mountain-climbing or those who like adventure stories will definitely find this book engaging. In fact, if you liked Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, this would be the book for you. However, I would also implore anyone on the path of self-realization to read the unique masterpiece amalgamating Mauro's adventures with his uphill journey in life.

******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Shrabastee's review? Post a comment saying so!

angiejack456 · Post by **angiejack456** » 31 May 2019, 23:58

Thanks for your review. You are right, this book is phenomenal! I loved it and am so happy to have read it and share in Mauro's journey.

Artizi · Post by **Artizi** » 01 Jun 2019, 21:23

This memoir sounds thrilling and inspirational. I think I'd definitely love to give it a try. Kudos on an insightful review!

If you wouldn't mind checking my latest review, I'd greatly appreciate it!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 03 Jun 2019, 08:26

I had hesitated about reading this book because I'm not at all into mountaineering, or any other outdoors sports for that matter, and I was afraid it would be full of technicalities.
I think we all need to find our own summits, real or metaphorical, to climb to get back up when we hit rock bottom and prove ourselves that we can and need to keep going. The spiritual part and the self-growth journey of the story appeal to me the most.
The diversity of your reviews always amazes me! I think it's very commendable that you're open to all sorts of books. Thank you for your compelling reflections.

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 04 Jun 2019, 00:29

angiejack456 wrote: ↑31 May 2019, 23:58 Thanks for your review. You are right, this book is phenomenal! I loved it and am so happy to have read it and share in Mauro's journey.

Yes,indeed! I would say I was lucky to have found this one. Thanks for commenting!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 04 Jun 2019, 00:30

Artizi wrote: ↑01 Jun 2019, 21:23 This memoir sounds thrilling and inspirational. I think I'd definitely love to give it a try. Kudos on an insightful review!

If you wouldn't mind checking my latest review, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Do try this. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. Thanks for commenting!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 04 Jun 2019, 00:32

Lunastella wrote: ↑03 Jun 2019, 08:26 I had hesitated about reading this book because I'm not at all into mountaineering, or any other outdoors sports for that matter, and I was afraid it would be full of technicalities.
I think we all need to find our own summits, real or metaphorical, to climb to get back up when we hit rock bottom and prove ourselves that we can and need to keep going. The spiritual part and the self-growth journey of the story appeal to me the most.
The diversity of your reviews always amazes me! I think it's very commendable that you're open to all sorts of books. Thank you for your compelling reflections.

I believe this book will appeal to different readers in different levels. But one thing is guaranteed,that it holds something precious for all readers. Thanks for the appreciation,Andrea!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 06 Jun 2019, 08:24

Wow! Your review makes me want to read this book, even though it didn't sound like something I would want to read before. Great review!

Hiruni Bhagya 81 · Post by **Hiruni Bhagya 81** » 07 Jun 2019, 07:04

I've read about this book previously, and you were able to confirm my decision to read it. You made it that much interesting. So, thanks for your wonderful review.

Letora · Post by **Letora** » 07 Jun 2019, 07:26

I also gave The Altitude Journals{/i] a high rating. I was so immersed in the book, that I couldn't wait to pick it up each day. I ended up talking with everyone about it, explaining all the challenges that happen along the climbs and how it takes a strong determination to complete them. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 08 Jun 2019, 02:54

Letora wrote: ↑07 Jun 2019, 07:26 I also gave The Altitude Journals{/i] a high rating. I was so immersed in the book, that I couldn't wait to pick it up each day. I ended up talking with everyone about it, explaining all the challenges that happen along the climbs and how it takes a strong determination to complete them. I'm glad you enjoyed it as well!

I know! Actually I selected this book based on a review. And I am so glad that I did so. I felt this is one of those books that you keep re-reading.Just like you,I suggested this book to others.

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 08 Jun 2019, 02:58

Prisallen wrote: ↑06 Jun 2019, 08:24 Wow! Your review makes me want to read this book, even though it didn't sound like something I would want to read before. Great review!

Do try it once,you won't be disappointed. This is so much more than mountaineering, this is a complete journey. I actually cannot say enough good things about the book. Thanks for commenting!

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 08 Jun 2019, 02:59

Hiruni Bhagya 81 wrote: ↑07 Jun 2019, 07:04 I've read about this book previously, and you were able to confirm my decision to read it. You made it that much interesting. So, thanks for your wonderful review.

Thanks for stopping by! Yes,this is one of the best books I have read EVER!

Ekta Kumari · Post by **Ekta Kumari** » 08 Jun 2019, 06:27

Your review embodies the same spirit I sense in this book. The author's experiences and his idea of using mountaineering to overcome personal life conflicts is inspiring. I must add this one to my reading list now. Thank you for the lovely review.

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 08 Jun 2019, 14:49

Thanks for the review! I'm not really into memoirs, but if I were, it sounds like this one would be a good one to start off with. It's sad, though, that he felt like he didn't even deserve to live before he embarked on his journey. I'm glad he was able to discover a new outlook on life.