Review by fatimah_lanre -- The Altitude Journals

[Bint AbdilAlim]

[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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Published in the year, 2017, “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 memoir about the mountain-climbing experiences of the 65th American to climb the so-called Seven Summits. David Mauro writes, “I believe life has laid out an incredible path for each of us, and when we quiet our minds, it is revealed one stone at a time”. He strongly displays his bravery and hopefulness through his remarkable journeys across every continent to take on this extremely dangerous personal challenge.

At the age of fourty-four, David Mauro, then a financial planner, suddenly began a mountain-climbing career after accepting his brother-in-law’s request to be a part of his team to climb Mount Denali. At the time, Mauro had just been through a divorce and was struggling to recover. He writes, “There isn't much in this life that can't be lost, taken away, or worn to dust by time,” but he believes that an achievement such as having climbed a mountain is one that could never be taken away from him. He would later employ lessons from every journey to fight “personal demons” and find lasting happiness.

David Mauro took seven years to get to the top of the highest mountains on each continent: Denali in Alaska, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Elbrus in Russia, Aconcagua in Argentina, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia, and Everest in Asia. The memoir was thus written to inform the world about his climbing journeys and what inspired each one of them, while also encompassing his personal struggles, training regimen and other events that change his perception to life.

While reading, I liked that the memoir was very descriptive and convincing; somehow, I could visualize the mountains and their atmospheric conditions at different times, the equipments used by climbers and their camps, as well understand many of the emotions played by the characters. I also appreciated the important facts put forward ranging from information about health conditions caused by high altitude adaptability problems to the political and social situations of a country.

Altitude Journals is a wonderful book to recommend to an adult soul interested in adventure or anything out of the ordinary, stories of mountain expeditions, or anyone who seeks guidance on how to regain a sense of self-confidence and happiness. It is a well-written creative nonfiction book that is informative, educative and entertaining. You would read about a man’s true life stories relating to divorce, death, hope, forgiveness, risk, love and friendship and so much more. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.

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The Altitude Journals
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[ivanie]

Sounds like a book just for my taste. There are many useful points in your review, and this make me want to read this book very soon. Thanks.