Near Death in the Mountains: True Stories of Disaster and Survival
by: Cecil Kuhne, Editor
Published by: Vintage books
Buy From Amazon.com
Reviewed by Diane A Brown
Near Death in the Mountains is not for the squeamish!
Can you imagine being stranded in an ice cave at eight thousand feet, the raging wind gusting in excess of 100 m.p.h., frostbite swelling your hands and feet so badly you can’t even dress yourself, you become delirious from lack of water, and are unaware of the passage of time? These conditions can be part of the countless, serious conditions the mountain climber may encounter.
Near Death in the Mountains features some stories well suited to the seasoned veteran, who can appreciate the detailed and technical accounts. (I was mostly lost.) Aspiring climbers can learn a great deal from these comprehensive and broad narratives.
The book also includes accounts more suited to the adventure reader. The vividness of description brings the rugged mountain peaks clearly to your mind. The terror of the wind comes alive as you hear its furry and feel the intense cold encompass the exhausted climbers. The possibility to freeze your fingers, nose, or toes in only moments of exposure becomes a startling reality.
Near Death in the Mountains lays it all on the line, with distressing accounts of carelessness, gung-ho attitudes, or over-confidence resulting in the loss life or limbs. However, extraordinary courage, strength, and endurance in the pursuit of a dream give others a positive picture of the sport.
Don’t forget an extra blanket. There is a blizzard between the pages and you’ll soon be engulfed!
After you read this book, its impact will affect you for the rest of your life!
Armchair Interviews agrees.
From our armchair to yours...
