Review by nazzzz -- The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro
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nazzzz
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Review by nazzzz -- 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' is a good mix of literature and mountain climbing, full of life lessons. It may be called ‘the mountain climbers basic guide to mountain climbing'. David Mauro reminds us with this book and his mountain climbing escapades to dare to dream irrespective of how impossible the dream may seem. It shows the place of hardwork, planning and preparation, dedication, team work, individuality, doggedness, perseverance, a support system, having a hobby, ‘keeping your eyes on the goal', 'nothing worth achieving is without difficulty' etc.
It tells the story of David Mauro, a man who had a troubled childhood, going from the absence of his biological father in his life, to trying to fit in among other kids, then trying to be good at something and ‘failing', and then when it seemed like all was going well- married the love of his life and had 2 beautiful boys, everything came crashing again - he became a divorcee! He’s left to pick up the pieces of his life together.
Well, he bounces back, he meets and marries Lin, a beautiful and supportive woman, discovers mountain climbing, starting from mount Denali and going on to summit more amidst grave difficulties and consequencewith each summit holding so much emotions and victories,bringing healing to an area of his life, teaching him a vital lesson, bringing him joy and bringing back self belief. Turns out the little boy who struggled to find a purpose and to fit in, had a purpose indeed and it took the uncovering of the adventurous spirit in him by the words ‘super climber' to find and live his purpose. One is left with a question though - why mountain climbing?
There's some humour even in the book with hilarious innovations like ‘using each armpit to soften hardened cheese' .
David Mauro as is popularly said in Africa ‘ finished work' with this book. He leaves no doubt in any readers mind that he experienced each summit and the journey that led to each.
The book is apt, educative and descriptive, maybe too descriptive. Some chapters seemed prolonged - one has to read on and on to get to the 'meat'. Then there were some occasional drops or gaps in the story perhaps in a bit to overcome the ‘being too descriptive’, an example is having successfully peaked mount Denali, he was still describing the joy and of course oxygen deprivation, and by the next paragraph he is home, nothing was written about the descent.
It was a wonderful read. I rate it 4 out of 4 because of the many life lessons it contains, the careful editing, the guide to mountain climbing of course, and its beautiful ending -
'So that is my answer. I will chase my tail the remainder of my days, listening for the call and seeking what lesson it holds. I will share these experiences and exist within their moments, always grasping for some basic truth. Hope comes next. Possibility comes next. In the meantime, I will dream the dreams of a chubby kid, throwing an ax at a stump and eating crackers smeared with mayonnaise.'.
******
The Altitude Journals
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4 out of 4 stars
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‘The altitude journals' is a good mix of literature and mountain climbing, full of life lessons. It may be called ‘the mountain climbers basic guide to mountain climbing'. David Mauro reminds us with this book and his mountain climbing escapades to dare to dream irrespective of how impossible the dream may seem. It shows the place of hardwork, planning and preparation, dedication, team work, individuality, doggedness, perseverance, a support system, having a hobby, ‘keeping your eyes on the goal', 'nothing worth achieving is without difficulty' etc.
It tells the story of David Mauro, a man who had a troubled childhood, going from the absence of his biological father in his life, to trying to fit in among other kids, then trying to be good at something and ‘failing', and then when it seemed like all was going well- married the love of his life and had 2 beautiful boys, everything came crashing again - he became a divorcee! He’s left to pick up the pieces of his life together.
Well, he bounces back, he meets and marries Lin, a beautiful and supportive woman, discovers mountain climbing, starting from mount Denali and going on to summit more amidst grave difficulties and consequencewith each summit holding so much emotions and victories,bringing healing to an area of his life, teaching him a vital lesson, bringing him joy and bringing back self belief. Turns out the little boy who struggled to find a purpose and to fit in, had a purpose indeed and it took the uncovering of the adventurous spirit in him by the words ‘super climber' to find and live his purpose. One is left with a question though - why mountain climbing?
There's some humour even in the book with hilarious innovations like ‘using each armpit to soften hardened cheese' .
David Mauro as is popularly said in Africa ‘ finished work' with this book. He leaves no doubt in any readers mind that he experienced each summit and the journey that led to each.
The book is apt, educative and descriptive, maybe too descriptive. Some chapters seemed prolonged - one has to read on and on to get to the 'meat'. Then there were some occasional drops or gaps in the story perhaps in a bit to overcome the ‘being too descriptive’, an example is having successfully peaked mount Denali, he was still describing the joy and of course oxygen deprivation, and by the next paragraph he is home, nothing was written about the descent.
It was a wonderful read. I rate it 4 out of 4 because of the many life lessons it contains, the careful editing, the guide to mountain climbing of course, and its beautiful ending -
'So that is my answer. I will chase my tail the remainder of my days, listening for the call and seeking what lesson it holds. I will share these experiences and exist within their moments, always grasping for some basic truth. Hope comes next. Possibility comes next. In the meantime, I will dream the dreams of a chubby kid, throwing an ax at a stump and eating crackers smeared with mayonnaise.'.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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