Review by Erin -- The Altitude Journals

[Erin]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Altitude Journals, by David J Mauro, is a true adventure story about the author’s experiences and successes in climbing the seven summits, which are the highest mountains in each of the seven continents. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars due to the author’s climbing adventures and wonderful storytelling abilities, the life lessons and hope provided to the reader, and the excellent editing of the book. After reaching a low point in his life due to his brother’s death, his failed marriage, and his fears that he will be a failure like his father, the author (Dave) is invited by his brother-in-law to climb Denali. With nothing left to lose and with his brother-in-law's belief that he can succeed, Dave agrees to the challenge. After reaching the summit of Denali, Dave feels a calling to continue climbing, with Everest ultimately being the last of the seven summits he will attempt.

The training for the mountain climbing and the actual climbs force Dave to be focused on the present. As Dave indicates, these activities leave little room for self-pity. By focusing on the present and not allowing his mind to dwell on the past, Dave has the ability to reflect on his life issues and come to terms with them. He is able to make room for love again and he becomes permanently engaged to Lin, a wonderful woman who is very supportive of his climbing career. He also addresses other family issues and provides hope to the reader.

I enjoyed many aspects of the book. As someone not familiar with climbing, I was delighted to be able to share in Dave’s experiences and learn about climbing. The author’s relaxed writing style allows the reader to feel as if he or she is actually taking part in the adventure. By the author sharing his own life struggles and later reflections with the reader, he helps the reader to realize his or her own potential for overcoming life’s struggles. What I liked most about the book was how suspense was created for the final climb, Everest, as Dave discusses the dangers, the height, the number of climbers who do not return, the death zone, and how the climber is betting his life when he climbs Everest. In Dave’s climb, only 12 out of 23 climbers reached the summit.

Although there was no part of the book that I disliked, I can offer some thoughts regarding the climbing analogy provided by the story. While I appreciated the reflection at the end of the story as to why climbers continue to risk their lives in this way, as a reader I would have preferred that the concept of equating climbing the peaks to climbing life’s mountains be left to reader to realize.

The book sends a powerful message to the reader regarding overcoming life’s struggles. Understanding how one man overcame the lowest point in his life and restored belief in himself gives hope to the reader that one can achieve the nearly impossible! This book will appeal to readers who would enjoy the adventure of climbing the seven summits along with Dave, as well as to those who can use some hope and encouragement to overcome life’s struggles. Climbing the mountains did not resolve Dave’s issues, but it allowed him to address his issues from a place of peace. Reflecting on Denali, those who succeeded found joy in each day. The message is to stay present and don’t become so obsessed with one’s thoughts about the past or so focused on the future that we miss the joy in each day.

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

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