Review by SpencerVo -- The Altitude Journals

Nhien Vu · Post by **Nhien Vu** » 12 Oct 2018, 10:38

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]

4 out of 4 stars

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I set out to read this book with the expectation of an adrenaline-inducing adventure, magnetic landscape and a sense of victory over altitude. Instead, I got a down-to-earth, even grim account from a white man in his midlife crisis, hoping to climb not for the love of mountains but to battle his lifelong demons. As unflattering as this may sound, I was not let down. At first confused and surprised, yes, but this book came out to be a more worthwhile adventure compared to my original assumption.

The Altitude Journals documented David Mauro’s journey from a clueless mountaineering rookie to a proud conqueror of the Seven Summits: Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Aconcagua (South America), Vinson Massif (Antarctica), Carstensz Pyramid (Australia) and of course, “Mother Goddess of the Universe” Mount Everest (Asia). Each one presented different struggles: life-threatening avalanches, deep crevasses, deadly altitude sickness, or worst, chances of falling victim to cannibalism. To the public, Mauro’s diary felt too real and too surreal at the same time: how could a nearly fifty-year-old man achieve such an extraordinary yet dangerous feat? On the flip side, we could relate to his experience, not because we had climbed before, but since we all knew the sense of dread and insecurity lurking over our lives.

The first appeal of the book came from the realistic and meticulous narration of the climbing process, nothing too far-fetched or too poetic. No details were too small or uninteresting: the grueling physical training, expensive equipment, inevitable dangers. Even the mundane camp etiquette and the private “plumbing” problem were not spared. Technical terms were broken down into simple phrases so that a novice could easily understand. As a result, The Altitude Journals can loosely serve as a “Mountaineering for Dummies” guide if you are interested in the sport. Yet this book was not a list of dry descriptions: it depicted Mauro’s raw frustrations, every bit of painful frostbite, and childlike admiration for the visual magnificence - as if I was there with him, through thick and thin, even in his utmost ridiculous or vulnerable moments.

I was moved by his thoughts and spiritual reflection. The motivations for these high-altitude expeditions did not lie in ambition or machismo, he simply climbed because of a “calling”. Dave Mauro was far from a man at peace: he was continually dealing with personal hardships: divorce, abandonment issue, death in the family, fear of love and intimacy. To him, mountaineering was an extreme form of meditation, to reason through the mess and build a better version of himself. Free from the buggering city noise, he was left alone with his own strength and in his own mind. We watched him sulking in quiet desperation, chatting casually with his deceased brother’s ghost and eventually connecting with warm-hearted people. Strangely, I did not feel I was intruding, because the book came from his wish to share, all in a too genuine voice. After each climb, Dave came back home with a ready mind for emotional healing, a newfound courage to tackle his malaise head-on, the demons still present but not so scary anymore. Somehow, that was more victorious than standing on top of a continent.

The book was peppered with small words of wisdom, sometimes uncommon or counterintuitive. The prevalent theme is to stop looking at the summit - just focus on finding joy in each day. The advice will not only prove useful in extreme circumstances (sixteen thousand feet above sea level) but when you are faced with a challenge so grand and overwhelming that you start questioning yourself why bother trying. In fact, this book is essential to someone struggling in life, those who sense a purpose but are reluctant to act due to fright and self-doubt.

The book needed some minor adjustments. The descriptions felt repetitive over time, occasionally Mauro digressed too far (especially when the improv part was concerned), not to mention the one-note undramatic tone. If you read it at one sitting, you may find yourself bored or confused after the first two chapters. To ensure the greatest satisfaction, I think The Altitude Journals should be read in the Arabian Nights manner: a few excerpts at a time. Let the words and experience slowly sink in, while you eagerly anticipate what will happen next.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, a must-read for those tempted by the wilderness, those who find themselves in a desperate loop and wish for some instructions on coping and living, and those who are looking for some form of literary excitement.

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The Altitude Journals
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gali · Post by **gali** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:03

The personal account of a man that became a mountain climber when he was 44 years old sounds inspiring. It is impressive that he climbed Seven mountains. Adding his spiritual reflections to the account should make it more interesting to read. I am glad you enjoyed it despite the need for minor adjustments. Thank you for the review!

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:03

This is an inspirational memoir of a man in midlife crisis who journeyed to the top of mountaineering. The book has a well-written OnlineBookClub review that highlighted the book perfectly. A free sample can be found on Amazon Kindle. Congrats @DavidJ_Mauro for the BOTD.

Joytoo97 · Post by **Joytoo97** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:04

This sure sounds like a novel I can read. Would like to know more about the mountain climbing experiences. Congrats on BOTD.

bluegreenmarina · Post by **bluegreenmarina** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:04

I also read and reviewed this book a few months ago and greatly enjoyed it. One of the better adventuring/survival memoirs I’ve read! Wise words from a regular down-to-earth man.

Post by **Theresa Moffitt** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:11

This sounds like an inspiring book about a man who became a mountain climber at 44. This was a great review that makes me want to read the book.

Ruba Abu Ali · Post by **Ruba Abu Ali** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:20

This inspiring story is right up my alley. It's proof that there's no age limit when it comes to overcoming difficulties and achieving your dreams. Thanks for the enlightening review.

abbiejoice · Post by **abbiejoice** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:22

Looks like a book that can help those who are also undergoing a personal crisis. Looking forward to some inspiration and words of wisdom here.

ObsessedBookNerd · Post by **ObsessedBookNerd** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:39

Based on the review this book is not something that I would enjoy reading. I do like to read a good adventure novel but I don't have an interest in mountaineering or memoirs. I also would not like the spiritual aspects of the story. I will pass on reading the whole book.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:49

I'm glad it wasn't overly technical. It sounds like the author went through a lot on the mountains, but it also sounds like it helped him with his life issues as well. I love that there is wisdom throughout this. Definitely going to have to try this. Thanks.

Evince · Post by **Evince** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:54

Nice book from the review. But am not the type that read books on hiking and mountaineering. I mostly prefer sci fy,non fiction and romance. Tho! good one from the author.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:57

I am not sure whether I will like or dislike the spiritual part, but I will definitely love the detailed reports on mountain climbing. I assume that this is a good and an interesting book. Congratulations on being BOTD

a9436 · Post by **a9436** » 03 Mar 2019, 10:03

This soundas incredibly inspirational - the spiritual aspect does not interest me, but Mauro's determination as a mountaineer certainly does! Thanks for your great review.

jgrimshaw · Post by **jgrimshaw** » 03 Mar 2019, 10:08

It’s nice to know that this book is not just about someone mountain climbing, but also something that can motivate others. Although, it doesn’t sound like something I’d be interested in since I’m not fond of overly descriptive books and I prefer books I can read for hours without getting bored, I can see how it can be good for others to read.

Post by **Vickie Noel** » 03 Mar 2019, 10:16

One truly can never go wrong if they just "focus on finding joy in each day." It's great that this book is readily available for people struggling with personal crisis. Thanks for the review.