Review of The Altitude Journals

[Draggnow]

[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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When does the urge to prove to yourself that you were placed on this Earth to do more than just exist go from an urge to an existentialist need? Join David J. Mauro as he chronicles the origins of his mountain climbing journey. Get caught in the frenzy that envelopes him as he reaches the summit of each new challenge. Experience the emotional struggles he has had to overcome, both on a personal level and as a family man. Discover the home truths that have elevated him to his present status.

The Altitude Journals is a story about personal growth and development. David J. Mauro draws you into his very own intimate battle, as if you are a part of him and he has a burning desire to share his life with you. He talks of the challenges he faced, all in a bid to reach the summits of the highest mountains on each of the different continents that make up our planet.

Let me start with what I like about the book. The author's attention to detail is literally uncanny. He talks about what he had to go through to prepare for each of his journeys in precise detail. He uses his words to paint a very graphic image in the mind of the reader. He adds very important historical details to his story. Prior to now, I had very little idea just how deadly an attempt at summiting K2 could be. Reading the statistics David J. Mauro reels out on the casualty rate had quite a sobering effect on me. It has given me a new level of respect for those brave men and women and their equally heroic guides.

There is nothing to dislike about the book. The author even goes the extra mile by showing the humorous aspect of a lot of their less than savoury experiences. How often do you hear of someone knocking themselves out just because they are trying to get to the toilet on time?

Followers of the non-fiction genre of books will like this book. The general information made available on the author's individual expeditions is one they would definitely want to use for future reference.

In a rather candid manner, David J. Mauro details his struggles with his family, losing his wife and making peace with his estranged father among them. His story is particularly interesting, and the editing that went into the book is professional, if I may say so. There are very few errors in the book, and they do not affect the reader's flow. It is for these reasons that I rate this book, 4 out of 4 stars. It is a very entertaining piece of work.

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The Altitude Journals
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