Review of The Altitude Journals
-
Reitumetse M 11
- Posts: 26
- Joined: 14 Nov 2021, 01:16
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 17
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-reitumetse-m-11.html
- Latest Review: The Intense Reality of Eternity by John Carpenter
Review of The Altitude Journals
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]
How high are you willing to climb when life is pulling you down? Well, David J. Mauro chose to climb to the highest points on this planet. In The Altitude Journals: A Seven-year Journey From The Lowest Point in My Life to The Highest Point on Earth, he documents his adventures on the Seven Summits amidst his life's challenges. It is a beautifully woven tale of his experiences leading up to, during, and after each of the mountain expeditions for the Seven Summits.
When I saw the length of the chapters, I got worried that I won't be able to read all of that. Considering that the book is an autobiography, I was also worried about how mundanely the events would be retold. It came as a relief that the chapters had sub-headings for each event which allowed for a moment's pause just to take it all in. I appreciated the way Mauro broke down the chapters into bits I could chew, as it made it easier to relish his exciting story.
The first climb was a bore for me. It wasn't because there isn't that much that can happen while climbing a mountain, as I had anticipated, but because the author's tone lacked...life. It was monotonous and matter-of-fact. But I continued reading because I was truly curious about these expeditions. And I'm glad I did so because the next climb brought life and, as the adventures continued, emotion. This progression made me appreciate the book more as it revealed something bigger to me, which I hope you can find as well if you can forgive the lacklustre start.
The book could serve as a mouth-watering appetiser for those who have a taste for adventure and extreme sports, specifically those with an interest in mountain climbing. As the book details the writer's journey through the Seven Summits, you will get a taste of what is out there for you to explore. Even if, after you learn all that goes into it and choose not to go for it, you will still enjoy reading the experiences documented therein.
Although I found some of Mauro's commentary disconcerting, I enjoyed most of the book. He made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. The climbs were thrilling to read about, even though I doubt I will put myself through that hardship in the near future, so I enjoyed it vicariously through Mauro's summits. The book was also professionally edited, which added to my enjoyment. Resultantly, I give it 4 out of 4 stars because although my enjoyment was sometimes hindered by my subjective experience of it, it is a great book that I still did enjoy and one that I think that you should read.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
How high are you willing to climb when life is pulling you down? Well, David J. Mauro chose to climb to the highest points on this planet. In The Altitude Journals: A Seven-year Journey From The Lowest Point in My Life to The Highest Point on Earth, he documents his adventures on the Seven Summits amidst his life's challenges. It is a beautifully woven tale of his experiences leading up to, during, and after each of the mountain expeditions for the Seven Summits.
When I saw the length of the chapters, I got worried that I won't be able to read all of that. Considering that the book is an autobiography, I was also worried about how mundanely the events would be retold. It came as a relief that the chapters had sub-headings for each event which allowed for a moment's pause just to take it all in. I appreciated the way Mauro broke down the chapters into bits I could chew, as it made it easier to relish his exciting story.
The first climb was a bore for me. It wasn't because there isn't that much that can happen while climbing a mountain, as I had anticipated, but because the author's tone lacked...life. It was monotonous and matter-of-fact. But I continued reading because I was truly curious about these expeditions. And I'm glad I did so because the next climb brought life and, as the adventures continued, emotion. This progression made me appreciate the book more as it revealed something bigger to me, which I hope you can find as well if you can forgive the lacklustre start.
The book could serve as a mouth-watering appetiser for those who have a taste for adventure and extreme sports, specifically those with an interest in mountain climbing. As the book details the writer's journey through the Seven Summits, you will get a taste of what is out there for you to explore. Even if, after you learn all that goes into it and choose not to go for it, you will still enjoy reading the experiences documented therein.
Although I found some of Mauro's commentary disconcerting, I enjoyed most of the book. He made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. The climbs were thrilling to read about, even though I doubt I will put myself through that hardship in the near future, so I enjoyed it vicariously through Mauro's summits. The book was also professionally edited, which added to my enjoyment. Resultantly, I give it 4 out of 4 stars because although my enjoyment was sometimes hindered by my subjective experience of it, it is a great book that I still did enjoy and one that I think that you should read.
******
The Altitude Journals
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Intense Reality of Eternity by John Carpenter
