Review by Bhaskins -- The Altitude Journals

[Bhaskins]

[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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The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro is a must read. He takes you on a journey that tests physical and emotional strength, a journey that tests his limits and provides emotional healing. After navigating a divorece Mauro sets out to climb Denali with his brother in-law. He gives amazing detail of how he felt called to be a part of something bigger than himself, to be a part of this team, and to achieve a new goal. He describes the time he spends doing research and training for such a big event. Ultimately Dave Mauro ends up climbing the 7 peaks and the readers follow him on his journey before and during each trip. We also follow the incredible healing work he does with several different relationships, including the one with himself. As an avid endurance racer I can understand how incredibly healing pushing yourself to your physical limits can be.

There are so many things to like about this book. It’s a simple, easy read. What I like best is the picture he paints. I found myself hanging on every word and able to picture the vast landscapes, feel the brutal cold, and I was elated as he reached each summit. The book reads like a series of mini stories that are all tied together by the theme of healing and relationships with other people. This book reads like having coffee and hearing an old friend talk about their most recent adventure; familiar and exciting. He also included pictures from his trip throughout the book and it is cool to see what he was experiencing and who he shared this journey with.

The thing I liked least is I wish there was more about preparing for such large trips and the mental work that took. He discussed the physical aspects of each mountain and why he might have altered a training plan, but I was hoping for a bit more about the mental work it takes before a trip and not just during the climb.

This book would be perfect for anyone looking for inspiration. If you are an athlete and want to read about incredible physical journeys this is a great book. If you are going through something hard and want to read about healing you will get that. If you like to learn about science, geography, or other cultures. I don’t think there is a person out there that couldn’t get something from this book.

I give The Altitude Journals 4 out of 4 stars because of how well written it was. It was well edited and flowed in a way most can not accomplish. It was easy to follow the author’s story. It’s applicable to so many different types of reader and is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

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The Altitude Journals
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[Renee_Prior1995]

This sounds like an enticing read. thanks for the awesome review!