Review by tristenb -- The Altitude Journals

tristenb · Post by **tristenb** » 03 Jan 2020, 12:17

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

4 out of 4 stars

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David J. Mauro, recently divorced from the mother of his two children, was at the lowest point in his life. When his brother-in-law, Ty, invited him to climb Denali, the third tallest mountain in the world, as a novice climber for a video project, David agreed. He felt he had nothing to lose. He later states, “I realize now a person who believes he has nothing left to lose is a fantastic and dangerous soul.” The book begins with David’s climb on Denali. Even though he had no intention of actually summiting, he managed to reach the peak and could now say he had climbed one of the seven summits of the world.

The seven summits include the tallest mountains on every continent: Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Aconcagua in South America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania (not technically a continent), and Everest in Asia. Climbing each of these summits is regarded as one of the most important mountain climbing challenges in the world. Even though Mauro never had the intention of climbing again after Denali, he managed to become the 65th person to have successfully summited all seven of the summits. Some of the other 64 people who have done the same are also portrayed, including some of Mauro’s guides, members of the Air Force, and Carol, the oldest woman to have ever accomplished the task.

While on the surface The Altitude Journals by David J. Mauro is about mountain climbing, it is about so much more. Over seven years, Mauro went "from the lowest point in his life to the highest point on earth," literally and figuratively. He felt called to each of the summits and learned something from each one of them, most importantly how to love again. As he became happier, his desire to climb became less, but he still felt called to climb again and again. You’ll have to read the book in order to learn what happened on each of his climbs and what he learned along the way. But, be prepared to travel with Mauro to the African savannah, the coldest place on earth, and a land said to be home to cannibals.

I doubt that I will ever climb a mountain, especially one of the seven summits, but reading The Altitude Journals allows you to be a mountain climber from the comfort of your own home. It is exhilarating and so easy to imagine many details of the climb. I could almost feel Mauro’s exhaustion and the feeling of frostbite on his fingers throughout each of his climbs. It is clear to see how Mauro developed as both a climber and a person as he advanced from one climb to another. There are pictures throughout the book that show some of the beautiful mountains he summited and the people he met along the way.

I rate The Altitude Journals 4 out of 4 stars and it deserves each and every one. The book is exceptionally well edited. But, most importantly, Mauro does an excellent job telling his story in a way that is easy and fun to read. His descriptions make you feel like you are there climbing along side him. Honestly, there was nothing I didn’t like about the book. Everyone will enjoy this inspiring memoir, especially those who love mountain climbing. Through his midlife crisis, Mauro can give anyone the inspiration they need to try something new. There is some profanity, so it isn’t recommended for young readers.

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The Altitude Journals
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Post by **Sanju Lali** » 14 Jan 2020, 02:20

I liked the sentence "a person who believes he has nothing left to lose is a fantastic and dangerous soul." hope that this book was quite inspirational enough. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Reynaa · Post by **Reynaa** » 14 Jan 2020, 08:47

This is a great review! I am interested in reading The Altitude Journals based on your 4 star rating!

tristenb · Post by **tristenb** » 18 Jan 2020, 12:41

sanjus wrote: ↑14 Jan 2020, 02:20 I liked the sentence "a person who believes he has nothing left to lose is a fantastic and dangerous soul." hope that this book was quite inspirational enough. Thanks for your wonderful review.

I also really like this quote. Thanks for commenting.

tristenb · Post by **tristenb** » 18 Jan 2020, 12:42

Reynaa wrote: ↑14 Jan 2020, 08:47 This is a great review! I am interested in reading The Altitude Journals based on your 4 star rating!

I really enjoyed it. I hope you get a chance to read it.

Juliet+1 · Post by **Juliet+1** » 18 Jan 2020, 14:01

The only "mountains" I have ever climbed were the Santa Monicas in California, and they're really more like tall hills. But I would love to read about Mr. Mauro's adventures from the safety of my cozy chair. Thanks for a great review!