Review of The Altitude Journals

John Owen · Post by **John Owen** » 06 Oct 2021, 12:05

[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 by David J Mauro is a true testimony that even though nature may place all odds against us, we still can find ways to have the aces up our sleeves. David, unlike his siblings and everyone else, wasn't as strong and athletic. No matter how much passion he had and the effort he made, he couldn't perform in even the easiest sports. To add, he suffered the shame of a failed marriage, not to mention the hardships he went through in his childhood, including being abandoned by his biological father. All these dragged him into low esteem and depression. He always regarded himself as a failure, from a failed family, to a failure in sports, to a failed marriage, until the challenge of mountain climbing that changed his life and perspective of life came his way.

The book posed a great challenge to me and taught me that nothing is impossible if we only give it a try and not let our past frustrations stop us. Take David. Even though he had failed in sports, he did not stop taking the challenge. Even though he had never tried it before, and neither did he know if he would acclimate to the conditions in high altitudes, he still decided to continue. Not even witnessing a Swiss mountain climber in camp 12 die during the expedition made him lose hope.

I also learnt that not everyone will demean or despise us, some will believe in us. A good example was Ty, the husband of David's sister, Noelle. Despite him knowing that the author wasn't athletic, and that he was going through difficult times in his marriage, he believed in him and sent him an invitation to climb Mount McKinley. It was this first invitation that set the author on the track to scaling the tallest mountain, Mount Everest. This is just one among many life lessons I learnt.

The book also had wide information that you could learn about mountain climbing, including dressing, camping, how to survive in the harsh terrain and climate, and even how to pee. (Mountain climbers don't pee in the normal way we do. Instead, they pee in plastic bottles and empty the pee in special places, and they do it in a special way too.) I used to think that, due to the extreme cold, you have to dress heavy at all times. However, that's not the case, since there are times you dress light so as to make it easier to move.

Lastly, the book was written in short chapters that looked like brief entries in a journal. This made it easy to follow, unlike books with long chapters that you have to sit for long, stressing yourself out to finish reading.

The book touched on many themes, including frustration, depression, hope, ambition, and taking risks, to mention but a few.

There is a lot to learn from the author's journey to the summit of the tallest mountain in the world. Additionally, it was arranged in short chapters that were easy to follow, and the author improved in his writing as the book progressed. I, therefore, rate it 4 out of 4. A lower rating will also be an injustice to its amazing content, and there isn't any valid reason to rate it lower.

The book is perfect for those who need inspiration, especially those with issues with their esteem and self-worth. (Hey, David's name is in the records as one of the only 35 people who've ever climbed Mount Everest!) There's a lot to learn about mountain climbing too.

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The Altitude Journals
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Bradley Shelvie · Post by **Bradley Shelvie** » 13 Oct 2021, 04:41

Wow! I've read four of your reviews so far and I'm greatly interested. I love the way you bring out the details. Imma read this book solely to find out how mountain climbers pee

. But it's a great book anyway and great review!

John Ogada · Post by **John Ogada** » 18 Oct 2021, 22:35

Just like life is also a journey of scaling heights. The title couldn't have been more appropriate. Nice review!

Clare Jose · Post by **Clare Jose** » 19 Oct 2021, 03:14

I've reviewed this book before and I agree with you in saying that the book is inspirational. You learn a lot of new things about both life and mountaineering.
You've written a detailed review.

John Owen · Post by **John Owen** » 19 Oct 2021, 04:47

John Ogada wrote: ↑18 Oct 2021, 22:35 Just like life is also a journey of scaling heights. The title couldn't have been more appropriate. Nice review!

Maxreview wrote: ↑13 Oct 2021, 04:41 Wow! I've read four of your reviews so far and I'm greatly interested. I love the way you bring out the details. Imma read this book solely to find out how mountain climbers pee. But it's a great book anyway and great review!

Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your feedback.

John Owen · Post by **John Owen** » 19 Oct 2021, 04:49

Clare Jose wrote: ↑19 Oct 2021, 03:14 I've reviewed this book before and I agree with you in saying that the book is inspirational. You learn a lot of new things about both life and mountaineering.
You've written a detailed review.

I can't agree less, and thanks for stopping by.