Review of The Altitude Journals

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 15 Jul 2021, 12:45

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

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 written by David J. Mauro, tells the extraordinary story of the author’s journey across the seven summits of the world.

David describes himself as having been at the lowest point of his life, when he was faced with divorce, after nearly seventeen years of marriage. The emotional turmoil associated with the divorce, brought back painful memories, as well as several unresolved feelings that had built up over the years. It was at this point of his life, David decided to take up his brother-in-law’s invitation to climb Denali. Despite being a non-climber, and never having attempted anything like this, David decides to give it a go. He reasoned that, even failure could not have made him feel any worse than he was feeling then.

David successfully summitted Denali in 2007. Following it up with Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif and Carstensz Pyramid. Finally, finishing it up with the mighty Everest in 2013. It was a truly remarkable journey and a wonderful reading experience. While the book is a recollection of the author’s journey across the seven summits, his journey was never pre-decided. The author describes having had a calling to each of these mountains, and how every climb left him with emotional growth and better understanding of his life.

The narration felt honest and was easy to follow. As the story begins with the author’s first climbing experience in Denali, the reader gets a personalised view of the author’s growth as a climber. I had little to no knowledge about mountaineering or mountain climbers and I found the book to be highly informative in that regard. I enjoyed the few instances of humour present in the book, as it lightened the seriousness of the events described. At the same time, I felt that the author was slightly protective of his readers, because there weren’t many descriptions of the various injuries he had experienced throughout his journeys. The author had also included several photographs, that he (and others) had taken over the course of his climbs. I found these photographs to be a reality check, a reminder, that this is not merely a story, that all of this actually happened.

This book is not something that is meant to encourage readers to start mountain climbing. It is not even a story about mountain climbing. It is rather, an account of how the author followed his calling, a calling meant to change his life for the better. It just so happened, that the author’s calling led him to those mountains. Therefore, I feel that the book actually encourages readers to recognise and follow their own calling.

All in all, I loved the book. There was nothing I disliked about it and I found no major errors. I would gladly rate the book a 4 out of 4 stars, for its amazing story and beautiful message. I recommend this book to readers looking for an inspirational real-life story. While there are a few instances of profanity, they are not at all excessive and there is absolutely no sexual content.

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The Altitude Journals
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marta baglioni · Post by **marta baglioni** » 12 Aug 2021, 10:54

There is something special in those who manage to push their boundaries. I appreciate that is not only for expert climbers and I really like the fact that photos are present. I might give it a go!
Thank you for your review

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 12 Aug 2021, 14:10

You wrote such a beautiful review but I don't think I will enjoy reading this book.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 12 Aug 2021, 23:18

marba wrote: ↑12 Aug 2021, 10:54 There is something special in those who manage to push their boundaries. I appreciate that is not only for expert climbers and I really like the fact that photos are present. I might give it a go!
Thank you for your review

If you do, I hope you enjoy it.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 12 Aug 2021, 23:20

Mtibza eM wrote: ↑12 Aug 2021, 14:10 You wrote such a beautiful review but I don't think I will enjoy reading this book.

That's fine. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. Thanks for stopping by.

Kaushiki Parihar · Post by **Kaushiki Parihar** » 13 Aug 2021, 05:00

The author's journey accross the seven summit is commendable and remarkable. You did an excellent job on the review. Thanks for the recommendation.

markodim721 · Post by **markodim721** » 13 Aug 2021, 10:06

I like a hundred books to encourage readers to start mountain climbing. I think modern man needs that.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 13 Aug 2021, 11:21

Kaushiki Parihar wrote: ↑13 Aug 2021, 05:00 The author's journey accross the seven summit is commendable and remarkable. You did an excellent job on the review. Thanks for the recommendation.

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 13 Aug 2021, 11:34

markodim721 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2021, 10:06 I like a hundred books to encourage readers to start mountain climbing. I think modern man needs that.

I don't think it has to be necessarily mountain climbing. People can find different things that help them on their way in life. I'm glad you stopped by.
Thank you for your comment.

Brandy_Nyongesa · Post by **Brandy_Nyongesa** » 17 Aug 2021, 07:52

Most people die without finding out what their calling is. I have never tried Mountain Climbing. The author has challenged me to take part someday. Great review.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 17 Aug 2021, 08:55

Brandy_Nyongesa wrote: ↑17 Aug 2021, 07:52 Most people die without finding out what their calling is. I have never tried Mountain Climbing. The author has challenged me to take part someday. Great review.

I hope you find your calling. Thanks for stopping by.

Theana De lima Araujo · Post by **Theana De lima Araujo** » 17 Aug 2021, 11:46

Hi, thank you, I found it rather exciting just reading your review. I love that the focus is on emotional growth, it gives a story depth. Adventure, depth, heart...I might just try it. Have an excellent day/ evening.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 17 Aug 2021, 23:25

Theana D wrote: ↑17 Aug 2021, 11:46 Hi, thank you, I found it rather exciting just reading your review. I love that the focus is on emotional growth, it gives a story depth. Adventure, depth, heart...I might just try it. Have an excellent day/ evening.

It was a very enjoyable read for me and I hope you feel the same way (if you read it).
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 18 Aug 2021, 11:07

I don't read much of non-fiction, so I won't be reading this one, but I thought the author's journey is commendable. It takes a lot of courage to push yourself up when you're at the lowest point.
I liked your review, it's well-written and to the point.

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 18 Aug 2021, 23:32

Michelle Menezes wrote: ↑18 Aug 2021, 11:07 I don't read much of non-fiction, so I won't be reading this one, but I thought the author's journey is commendable. It takes a lot of courage to push yourself up when you're at the lowest point.
I liked your review, it's well-written and to the point.

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.