Review by Kansas City Teacher -- The Altitude Journals

[Alys Sterk]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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For some, mountains are the familiar rugged peaks adorning many landscapes. For others, they are formidable circumstances in one’s life. In this book, both perspectives are intertwined in a memoir that is both intriguing and fulfilling. The Altitude Journals, by David J. Mauro, is a narrative describing his experiences climbing the highest mountains on each continent. Scarred emotionally by events in his personal life, the author embarks on training to climb the summit of Mt. Denali, the highest peak in North America. A novice climber, Mauro completes the first climb and sets his sights on the Seven Summits. He meets a love interest, and in her, he finds encouragement and unconditional acceptance. The two have a playful and complementary relationship. As he faces the dangers and perils of the mountains he climbs, he also faces the mountains within himself. This memoir is a reflection of great physical fortitude and personal growth.

I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars. It is one of the best books I have ever read, and I found myself celebrating the characters’ successes and feeling their failures. The topics and events in the story are captivating and there are no wasted words. The character himself has a writing style that is engaging, and I wondered throughout the book how this author had the time or memory to record such vivid details and introspect for each of his climbs. The setting is personified effectively so that nature comes alive with its fury and dominance. Antarctica, he felt, wanted him to leave, and the gibbous moon seemed to keep watch over creation from the sky. I would highly recommend this book for all readers, especially those seeking inspiration and those interested in psychology. Through his words and thoughts, one can feel the power of the human mind. It is revealed that Mauro journaled and scribed during his treks, but even so, the details and descriptions in climbing were impressive. Each mountain had its own personality. Each one its own obstacles. Each its own story in itself, with a unique culture at its feet. Additionally, there was subtle humor sprinkled throughout the chapters and this did not take away from the energy of the plot.

What I liked most about this book is the powerful symbolism. As Mauro seeks to accomplish the extraordinary tasks accomplished by so few, he sees in the mountain before him the obstacles that have stood in his way. The mountains threaten altitude sickness, frostbite, and injury. His past looms with a sense of loss and emotional fragility. I also enjoyed the deep insights the author had and how he wrote about what he learned from other people, taking the time to observe fellow climbers and determine the best strategies for achieving his goals. Included in the writing are photographs, which look deceptively ordinary. I have to wonder how many other photographs I have seen that have amazing stories behind them. This is a wonderful, uplifting read that will leave readers with a respect for nature, an understanding of some different cultures, and an appreciation of the human spirit.

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The Altitude Journals
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