Review by SteffK -- The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro
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SteffK
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Review by SteffK -- The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro
[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 by David J. Mauro tells the author’s journey from hitting rock bottom to standing atop the seven highest mountains in the world. He was a successful financial planner with the perfect life: house, wife, kids, expensive cars, and lavish holidays. Yet, his life was slowly falling apart. Shortly before his 44th birthday, Dave and his wife separated. Shortly after the divorce, Dave no longer believed in himself. Thinking he had nothing left to lose, Dave accepted his brother-in-law’s invitation to climb Denali, the highest summit of North America. From this point onward, The Altitude Journals follows Dave’s quest to climb the seven summits, and to repair his shattered life.
As a keen rock climber, I had always been curious what drives mountain climbers to take on the exceeding risks and hardships that come with their sport. I was thus suitably excited to read The Altitude Journals. While Dave Mauro’s tale had the potential to be yet another mid-life crisis story, it turned out to be anything but! I find the author’s tale about loss, love, and healing truly inspiring. The book is extremely well-written, with an open and honest, and at times witty, narrative voice that entices the reader from page one.
It is apparent from the first chapter of the book that Dave Mauro truly wanted to immerse the reader in the experience of climbing mountains. I really appreciate that the author takes the time to explain all the research, preparation and training that are necessary for each climb. Later, he continues to explain the processes and tactics used by mountain climbers, and manages to keep this from slipping into the tedious. This means that the book remains accessible, even for those without any climbing or mountaineering experience, as well as providing a real sense of perspective for the hardships and danger involved in climbing mountains.
One of the most interesting passages for me were those, in which Dave reflects on the things he learns on his mountain climbs. I was pleasantly surprised that his experience echoes many lessons I have also learned from rock climbing, and made me ponder some things I had never considered. In addition, the author talks openly about how his experiences in the mountains affect his mental health and relationships. This introspective and honest way of writing takes this book from a standard adventure tale to a deeply personal account that encourages the reader to reflect upon their own way in the world.
One of the only shortfalls, for me, was that many of the other people in this book, apart from Dave Mauro himself, are merely names. The reader gets a fairly good sense of Dave’s girlfriend’s character, but his sons Trevor and Case, his brother-in-law Ty, and his other climbing partners remain strangers. I appreciate that this might have been intentional, not wanting to put their lives on display without their consent, but I was unable to find a note to this effect in the book. Overall, this does in no way diminish the quality of the book in my eyes, but would have added another dimension to the story.
Overall, I would rate The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro 4 out of 4 stars. Dave’s emotional journey from the worst point of his life to the top of the world is truly inspiring. If you enjoy stories about human resilience, and are looking for a book that will make you think about life in a new way, this book is for you! It is not only an adventure story, it is a story about what makes life worth living. Highly recommended!
******
The Altitude Journals
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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 by David J. Mauro tells the author’s journey from hitting rock bottom to standing atop the seven highest mountains in the world. He was a successful financial planner with the perfect life: house, wife, kids, expensive cars, and lavish holidays. Yet, his life was slowly falling apart. Shortly before his 44th birthday, Dave and his wife separated. Shortly after the divorce, Dave no longer believed in himself. Thinking he had nothing left to lose, Dave accepted his brother-in-law’s invitation to climb Denali, the highest summit of North America. From this point onward, The Altitude Journals follows Dave’s quest to climb the seven summits, and to repair his shattered life.
As a keen rock climber, I had always been curious what drives mountain climbers to take on the exceeding risks and hardships that come with their sport. I was thus suitably excited to read The Altitude Journals. While Dave Mauro’s tale had the potential to be yet another mid-life crisis story, it turned out to be anything but! I find the author’s tale about loss, love, and healing truly inspiring. The book is extremely well-written, with an open and honest, and at times witty, narrative voice that entices the reader from page one.
It is apparent from the first chapter of the book that Dave Mauro truly wanted to immerse the reader in the experience of climbing mountains. I really appreciate that the author takes the time to explain all the research, preparation and training that are necessary for each climb. Later, he continues to explain the processes and tactics used by mountain climbers, and manages to keep this from slipping into the tedious. This means that the book remains accessible, even for those without any climbing or mountaineering experience, as well as providing a real sense of perspective for the hardships and danger involved in climbing mountains.
One of the most interesting passages for me were those, in which Dave reflects on the things he learns on his mountain climbs. I was pleasantly surprised that his experience echoes many lessons I have also learned from rock climbing, and made me ponder some things I had never considered. In addition, the author talks openly about how his experiences in the mountains affect his mental health and relationships. This introspective and honest way of writing takes this book from a standard adventure tale to a deeply personal account that encourages the reader to reflect upon their own way in the world.
One of the only shortfalls, for me, was that many of the other people in this book, apart from Dave Mauro himself, are merely names. The reader gets a fairly good sense of Dave’s girlfriend’s character, but his sons Trevor and Case, his brother-in-law Ty, and his other climbing partners remain strangers. I appreciate that this might have been intentional, not wanting to put their lives on display without their consent, but I was unable to find a note to this effect in the book. Overall, this does in no way diminish the quality of the book in my eyes, but would have added another dimension to the story.
Overall, I would rate The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro 4 out of 4 stars. Dave’s emotional journey from the worst point of his life to the top of the world is truly inspiring. If you enjoy stories about human resilience, and are looking for a book that will make you think about life in a new way, this book is for you! It is not only an adventure story, it is a story about what makes life worth living. Highly recommended!
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like SteffK's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD
