12/8/14
Book Review
?Have you ever wondered what it is like to climb Mount Everest? Reading Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer allows the reader to vicariously experience this feat. The autobiography is an account of Krakauer’s journey up and down Mount Everest. Originally a small article for a magazine based on a big adventure, it morphed into the book, Into Thin Air.
?The story begins with prodigious amounts of background knowledge of Mount Everest, the element of climbing, etc. The account goes on to describe Krakauer’s journey to the summit and his return down the mountain. However, on the way down, he encounters a storm which results in tragic events.
?The book does an exceptional job putting everything into perspective. Krakauer’s inclusion of background information allows the reader to visualize all the planning and small details that go into climbing and preparing for a major climb. The details include cost, choosing a guide, amount of stops necessary, equipment, etc. Krakauer is a motivated person determined to accomplish a goal. His will to climb, even through injury and exhaustion, is courageous but at times can also be depressing and boring. He loses people in his company during the storm and Krakauer himself almost dies. Also parts dragged on about information and pointless things including a chapter dedicated to Sherpas.
?However, the book was overall enjoyable. I would recommend the autobiography for teenagers and adults because of its long length and extensive vocabulary and anyone who likes adventure or climbing books.  (WC 256)