Entertaining but Irresponsible Writing

I got the feeling that the writer had an agenda all along. He relays stories without always confirming they are true. They come across as exaggerated and one-sided, which is a shame because it led me to take the whole book with a grain of salt. For example, canyoneering in Mexico and encountering a Mexican village full of men with scars on their faces and rifles slinging from their shoulders? What!? C’mon man, this is coming from a drunken fireside storyteller. Nowhere in Mexico does such a village exist. Or describing Gary Hemming as a tall blonde god with rugged handsome looks. Hemming was a stud, no doubt, but he was also not how the author depicts him.

Apparently the author wrote about the Central Asia Institute in another book without even going to the source, but he did exploit facts to make it entertaining.

Overall, however, the writing itself is pretty good and the reader was very good.

I do wish more adventure writers were more honest, objective, and respectful of the truth. I will not be reading or listening to more books from this author. Thank you for reading.

9 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Tears to my eyes

This winter, after an especially powerful acid trip inspired mystical visions all revolving around rock climbing, I began climbing in earnest. This book, along with "into thin air", have been acting as jet fuel to propel me forward in my endeavors and stoke the spiritual fire that pushes me into ever greater adventures with rock. So blessed to have Krakauer in my life! If your into mountaineering or climbing in any regard, you will love this book.

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

mediocre, uninspiring writing.

this book will definitely not be going in my mountaineering section of books. disposable, magazine level. and next time, get a reader who can pronounce French.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Great for a road trip

Fun stories and I enjoy the funny bits of sarcasm. This made easy listening on a long road trip.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

Great

A nice reading, except for the narrator murdering the word "Himalaya" I know there’s a reason, it’s probably the real desi way of saying it but it annoyed me. Otherwise really good.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

Jon Krakauer fan

Jon Krakauer with narration by Philip Franklin make for a great combo. This is my third audiobook from the pair, and I am once again impressed. Krakauer‘ memory and description of his own adventures combined with his in depth journalism chronicling a variety of extreme outdoor athletes make for an excellent series of stories in Eiger Dreams. This book has left me with a new appreciation of climbing, and as always leaves me itching to embark on my own adventure. Maybe explore Alaska!

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

A good listener.

I will definitely be listening to this one again. It will never grow old for me.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

couldn't put it down

a wonderful read, great adventures, can't wait for more from the author and to go adventure myself

Fantastic

A real honest picture into the world of outdoor sports. One of my favorites by Krakauer.

wow! what a great read!

it's a great book, read by a great reader, who never laughs at anything. I on the other hand got a headache from laughing so hard. especially chapter 6. what a talented writer. I was only expecting mountain climbing life and death, but the humor really made this book a mountain top experience . I recommend this book if you like mountain climbing, or laughing.