Into Thin Air

Into Thin Air is one of the best non-fiction books I have read. Written by Jon Krakauer about his personal involvement in the ill-fated Everest summit of May 1996, he delves into the history of the mountain, the lineage of those who have attempted and at time succeeded in climbing it, and the inherent dangers associated with such extreme adventure.

Krakauer was invited by Outside magazine as a writer and climber to join Rob Hall's team on a summit to Everest and return to write about the increasing commercialization of Everest climbs and how anyone with a proper guide can make it to the top. What he experienced there went far beyond commercialization and the differences between experienced and inexperienced climbers. Out of a series of small to large errors and misjudgements, five people from his twelve person team died around Everest's peak, including the expedition leader Hall.

This account is riveting because Krakauer does not, will not remove himself from the situation or the emotions he felt at the time, and even now. He confesses how his actions on May 10 indirectly led to the deaths of some on that mountain. He, however, also points out how summit teams and people, including his own, placed getting to the top over potentially saving lives. Walking by people stopped in the snow, resting at camp for their summit push the following day rather than search for the lost climbers, putting their own fame for topping the world over the survival of others and themselves.

My suggestion would be to start this book on a Friday, because you will not want to put it down until you have finished it. It is gripping, devastating, and a harsh tale. It is at times difficult to read because you know what is about to happen. As the tangled web of how people were lost, found, lived and died plays out, the humanity, bravery and brokenness of people is clearly exhibited. Phenomenal, gripping read.