Review by joyfulnoise126 -- The Altitude Journals
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joyfulnoise126
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Review by joyfulnoise126 -- The Altitude Journals
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Written in crystal-clear prose, The Altitude Journals is a thrilling yet personal peek into the world of professional, high-altitude climbing. Author David Mauro travels the world conquering the formidable Seven Summits, the highest physical locations a human can stand on each continent. Along the way, Mauro also conquers the equally personal demons of his own life, from childhood tragedies to second chances at love.
As a reader who has loved mountains her whole life, I had high expectations for this book. From the minute I picked it up, I was thoroughly captivated. Mauro displayed an incredible talent for bringing along each reader on his climbs, making me feel as if I had sweated and sacrificed and summited alongside him. Each chapter revealed new challenges, both physical and personal, that Mauro conquered with new climbing companions by his side. Filled to the brim with interesting facts about mountaineering, world history, geography, and personal biographies, not one word was wasted in weaving a brilliant tapestry of our planet’s most famous peaks.
Starting with his maiden climb up Denali, Mauro painted vivid descriptions of both his climbing mishaps and the new friends he made along the way, making me laugh out loud with surprising frequency. Kilimanjaro, a sharp contrast to the frigid walls of Denali, proved to be one of the most emotional chapters as Mauro described the world’s most stunning sunrise while discovering his new capacity for love. Peaking into maturity as a climber, Mauro summited Elbrus while coming to grips with his own childhood disappointments and fears. Aconcagua brought a much-needed reconciliation between Mauro and his father, combined with a brutal ascent to the highest point in Europe with snow obliterating every other thought than to simply survive. Dry humor reigned supreme as Mauro conquered Vinson Massif, but this chapter also portrayed the most drama-filled team that led to a stark sense of aloneness in the vast plains of Antarctica. Carstensz Pyramid offered a fast-paced jungle adventure filled with exotic sights and sounds, with the tragedy of a wounded team member contrasting brilliantly with Mauro’s discovery of true joy. Ending the book with stunning intensity, Mauro summited Everest surrounded by the well-wishes of loved ones around the world as he touched the stars in a final farewell to the altitude journals he had so faithfully written.
From lighthearted moments to poignant personal reflections, this book provides a deeply satisfying read to anyone who loves mountains and a good challenge. While a spattering of profanity may keep younger readers away, Mauro provides a wonderful story for 18 to 80-year-olds alike. Written and edited with a keen eye for detail, the story flows smoothly from peak to peak, making it hard to put down.
In the words of Mauro, “We had all chosen to believe in this thing, this adventure into a world most of us had never seen and the uncertain prospect that the guy taking us there might just go all the way.” Mauro does indeed take his readers all the way, creating a renewed sense of wonder and adventure with every page. My deepest thanks to David Mauro for writing this gem of a book, and I wholeheartedly rate it with 4 out of 4 stars.
******
The Altitude Journals
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4 out of 4 stars
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Written in crystal-clear prose, The Altitude Journals is a thrilling yet personal peek into the world of professional, high-altitude climbing. Author David Mauro travels the world conquering the formidable Seven Summits, the highest physical locations a human can stand on each continent. Along the way, Mauro also conquers the equally personal demons of his own life, from childhood tragedies to second chances at love.
As a reader who has loved mountains her whole life, I had high expectations for this book. From the minute I picked it up, I was thoroughly captivated. Mauro displayed an incredible talent for bringing along each reader on his climbs, making me feel as if I had sweated and sacrificed and summited alongside him. Each chapter revealed new challenges, both physical and personal, that Mauro conquered with new climbing companions by his side. Filled to the brim with interesting facts about mountaineering, world history, geography, and personal biographies, not one word was wasted in weaving a brilliant tapestry of our planet’s most famous peaks.
Starting with his maiden climb up Denali, Mauro painted vivid descriptions of both his climbing mishaps and the new friends he made along the way, making me laugh out loud with surprising frequency. Kilimanjaro, a sharp contrast to the frigid walls of Denali, proved to be one of the most emotional chapters as Mauro described the world’s most stunning sunrise while discovering his new capacity for love. Peaking into maturity as a climber, Mauro summited Elbrus while coming to grips with his own childhood disappointments and fears. Aconcagua brought a much-needed reconciliation between Mauro and his father, combined with a brutal ascent to the highest point in Europe with snow obliterating every other thought than to simply survive. Dry humor reigned supreme as Mauro conquered Vinson Massif, but this chapter also portrayed the most drama-filled team that led to a stark sense of aloneness in the vast plains of Antarctica. Carstensz Pyramid offered a fast-paced jungle adventure filled with exotic sights and sounds, with the tragedy of a wounded team member contrasting brilliantly with Mauro’s discovery of true joy. Ending the book with stunning intensity, Mauro summited Everest surrounded by the well-wishes of loved ones around the world as he touched the stars in a final farewell to the altitude journals he had so faithfully written.
From lighthearted moments to poignant personal reflections, this book provides a deeply satisfying read to anyone who loves mountains and a good challenge. While a spattering of profanity may keep younger readers away, Mauro provides a wonderful story for 18 to 80-year-olds alike. Written and edited with a keen eye for detail, the story flows smoothly from peak to peak, making it hard to put down.
In the words of Mauro, “We had all chosen to believe in this thing, this adventure into a world most of us had never seen and the uncertain prospect that the guy taking us there might just go all the way.” Mauro does indeed take his readers all the way, creating a renewed sense of wonder and adventure with every page. My deepest thanks to David Mauro for writing this gem of a book, and I wholeheartedly rate it with 4 out of 4 stars.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like joyfulnoise126's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: First Family by Alice Langholt
