Review by SpencerVo -- The Altitude Journals

[dragonet07]

This book sounds emotional and uplifting at the same time. I don't think I'll ever really be interested in mountaineering, but the spiritual reflections and the author's other thoughts should be interesting. I'm glad for your advice to read this book in an episodic manner and for your honesty about it feeling repetitive at points. I might still give it a try, albeit with your suggested reading method. Thank you for your helpful review.

[Rose Harebate]

I like the fact that 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. Awesome review!

[Cristina Chifane]

From a financial planner to a mountain climbr conquering the Seven Summits, the author's journey can't have been but challenging and inspiring. Besides, I recognize myself in his sentence: "a person who believes he has nothing to lose is a fantastic and dangerous soul." I'm interested in reading more. Thanks for a great review!

[Mercelle]

One man's depression soared, but his will to combat it took him to greater heights. He took up mountaineering as a coping mechanism, and it opened up a new chapter in his life. As he conquered his demons, many blessings flowed into his life.

[Skyfall89]

"The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]

Reading this book ,i found myself into it.Sometimes in life you feel so low and not good at anything ,having trouble fitting in ,thinking that you just dont belong where others do ,having downfall's day by day.But as long as you dont give up and you belive in yourself ,no mather the obstacles in your way ,you can reach the top of the pick and achive spiritual glory at a level that words canot express.
David J. Mauro ,thank you for giveing me a good look back ,at how i was in the past and what i haved become .An amazing novel that has it all
An inspiration for thus days that we leave in ."Nothing is imposible" The only obstacle in our way to achive our goals is ourselfs.

[Emjopin]

A thorough review by Spencer Vo points out the symbolic climbing of seven summits to recharge David Mauro's zest for life and adrenaline to face different challenges each day. It tackles common tasks, ordinary relationships and simple joys that are easier said than actually achieved. Altitudes are similar to ambitions, some are dangerous, others are uncertain but there are quite achievable ones. The moral of this book as stated, " stop looking at the summit - just focus on finding joy in each day." This book is an excellent moral booster.

[ChydeanmahE95]

I am a person unashamedly scared of heights. I fear I may induce anxiety while reading this book. I'm going to have to pass it to the next person. Great review, though!

[Manang Muyang]

I share Dave's unsporty childhood, but not his bravado in attempting (and conquering) the seven summits. I have not scaled any mountain, but I can relate to the feeling of failure that besieged him. I found the sample engaging and am open to packing my gear and joining Dave's daring adventures. And finding healing as well.

By the way, this is an awesome review, SpencerVo!

[Jgideon]

I love the main theme of the book...we should all focus n finding the little things that bring joy in our lives. Life would be much easier that way.

[SvetlanaAfifi]

One of the best book i have ever read. The author uses mountaineering as a dealing with problems in the life. Thats really perfect idea I believe the sport really can help you pass problems or at least foget them. SO thank you for this book its really great.

[imet123]

This is a book to help you believe you can go on as long as it gives you joy. Thanks for the review.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

Sounds like a heart-touching story, the most honest, most intimate accounts of a person who wanted to share. This book is definitely going to my TBR list. Thanks for an equally touching review!

[jaliper]

This one sounds like it's got a bit of something for everyone. I've never done any climbing such as that, but it sounds like I could really relate to his struggles. Thanks so much for introducing us to this one.

[OloladeO]

Book sounds like an inspirational must read, especially for those who are interested in Mountaineering. The reviewer obviously enjoyed the read, even though it wasn't exactly what he anticipated. Congrats to the author for winning BOTD.

[Shas F]

I can relate to the journey taken by David J Mauro about the drastic change he made in his life to deal with his inner struggles, as he has described in The Altitude Journals, his memoir. My own shift in career path is far from the wrenching and dangerous change taken by David, from being a financial planner to a mountaineer who would eventually climb the Seven Summits. But the change I made was no less profound. I recognize the need to take risks, to get out of one's comfort zone to be able to find new answers to a stalled life. There are talents, energies and skills that reside in one's self that can only come to the fore if that person is faced with a challenge or a crisis and then dares to restructure one's life that will require him or her to dig deep and tap those hidden internal resources. Of course, as what David says in his first few chapters, restructuring one's life and journeying on a new path is difficult, dirty, dangerous and simply imperfect. But change a person must, if life is to go on with meaning and purpose. Thanks to SpencerVo for his incisive and sympathetic review of a book of seven climbs that saved a man from despair.