Review by Don Pwai -- The Altitude Journals

[Don Pwai]

[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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Adventures can provide good time for relaxation and a break from the stresses of life. The book The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro is a non fiction genre in the form of an adventure memoir. The author narrates about about his life, being abandoned by his father at a tender age, his failures in school and his broken marriage life. He fears he is turning exactly like his father who had earlier abandoned them and could not maintain his marriage.He is left frustrated following his divorce with his wife Jenny. and seeks asylum at his sister,Mitchelle’s place. It is during that time that his brother in law Ty entices him to participate in mountain climbing in a documentary that he is planning to film. The author is to provide the feeling of persons not engaged in climbing profession. Having lost his marriage and family, the author has nothing to lose and grabs with both hands Ty's opportunity to participate in mountain climbing. He thus begins a journey that would see him climb the continental summits of the seven continents of the world.

I loved the positive tone employed by the author in coming up with this novel. The authors life is full of up and downs. First it was being deserted by his father, then his failures in games and sports and then loses his marriage with his young wife. The latter leaves him worn out and a frustrated figure. It what prompts him to take mountain climbing ventures so as not to spend time worrying about his failures. However, the author still remains optimistic despite his predicaments. He says that life has an incredible path for each of us and when we quiet our minds, it is revealed one stone at a time. That was lovely. He does not know where his journey would take him but trusts that some greater purpose lay ahead. It would all ring true when he became the sixty fifth person to climb the seven continental summits. The author's positiveness was lovely and and a source of inspiration.

I loved the use of suspense in the novel. The author has mastered the use of suspense around the major events. For instance there is suspense following the author's divorce with his wife. How would his life turn out? Would they get back together? The suspense increased my desire to get answers to such questions. Additionally, there is suspense when the author sets out on the mountain climbing ventures. I was inquisitive on her fate in such risky adventures. People died in such missions. The use of suspense was just excellent and increased my desire to read the novel.

I also admired the character development in the novel. The leading characters in the novel matures as the book unravels. First, the author's character develops as this book is unpacked. He is ready to fight for his kids despite having a broken marriage. He does not want to end up like his father who had abandoned them for another woman. Moreover, he is a rejuvenated person at the end of his adventures. He looks at family from a different angle and is willing to fight for them. That was excellent.

I rate this book at 4 out of 4 stars. It has all the qualities of a great novel including proper character growth, suspense and is responsive to the needs of the society. I had no reason to deduct a star. I enjoyed reading the author's crazy adventures. I highly recommend this book to all persons interested in wild adventures. They will really enjoy and learn a lot from the author's adventures. They were full of fun. However, persons who have no interest in adventurous non fictions may look for other genres. This book is exceptionally well edited.

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The Altitude Journals
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