Review by Czarina Grace -- The Altitude Journals

[Czarina Del Valle]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro is one of the best books I have ever seen. It leaves a powerful impression not simply because the author has achieved the seven summits, but also because he wrote this book in a way that people can relate to.

David J Mauro did not have an easy life. Between his struggles in divorce and finding himself, the pressure of depression could have crushed him at any moment. Yet he managed to climb out of this situation and reached greater heights higher than anybody could ever imagine, including himself.

I would not like to spoil on the specific scenes, but I can say that the author had a very eventful life. Genres such as romance, psychological, adventure, drama, suspense, and action can also be found in the book. Most importantly, the book taught me a lifelong lesson on perseverance and understanding myself. I strongly recommend others to read it, because this is the kind of story that leads different readers to bring out different interpretations.

What I liked best with the book is the casual tone of the main character. For me, it has represented the irony of human nature to always look at the bright side despite bad situations. It helped me understand each scenario accurately, making me emotionally invested in the main character. I later learned to fall in love with his story. It genuinely makes me curious about how he manages to overcome each trial and summit that was depicted across the book.

The thing I disliked the most in the story is how technical it gets sometimes. Although I understand the necessity of doing so, the adjustment from an internal monologue to a mechanical description and beginner crash course on a climbing career leaves me disoriented. Perhaps other readers will find it to their preference, but not me.

Still, I rate his book a solid 4 out of 4 stars. I find my dislikes relatively minimum against the overall satisfaction of the book itself. It was also an exceptionally well-edited piece. I recommend this to readers who are looking for inspiration, who are currently facing life’s struggles and who are searching for their inner self. This book opened my view on how a good memoir would look like. It felt like I had gained a new friend, one who taught me a valuable and special lesson, but remains a secret found only across its pages.

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The Altitude Journals
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