Into Thin Air

by Jon Krakauer
Into Thin Air cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 560
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9780385494786
  • Publisher: Villard Books
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a gripping firsthand account of the catastrophic 1996 Mount Everest climbing season. Krakauer, a seasoned mountaineer and journalist, provides a chilling narrative of the deadly storm that claimed the lives of eight climbers. The book is not just a tale of survival but also an exploration of human ambition, the allure of extreme adventure, and the ethical dilemmas faced by commercial mountaineering expeditions. /n/n Krakauer's vivid storytelling and meticulous reporting offer a profound look into the dangers and complexities of high-altitude climbing. His personal experiences and the tragic events he witnessed make this a compelling read for both adventure enthusiasts and those interested in the human condition under extreme pressure.

Reviews
Lotzin Translation · 2024-12-05
gripping 4.20

The book is gripping and thought-provoking, exploring themes of human resilience and the desire to challenge nature. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The reviewer from Lotzin Translation describes Into Thin Air as a gripping and thought-provoking read that explores themes of human resilience and the strange impulse to defy death and challenge nature. The book is praised for its ability to make the reader think deeply about cold, altitude, oxygen, and the dangers of mountaineering. The reviewer appreciates the suspenseful and immersive nature of the narrative, which leaves a lasting impression. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the consequences of pushing one's limits.

Quick quotes

    It is absolutely gripping and made me think about cold, altitude, oxygen, and the strange impulse to defy death and challenge nature.

    The book is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the consequences of pushing one's limits.

    Into Thin Air leaves a lasting impression on the reader, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

OceanWriter Reads · 2022-10-14
engaging 4.30

The book is described as immersive and personal, bringing readers to Mount Everest to experience the disastrous trek. It is praised for its adventurous and suspenseful narrative.

This review highlights the immersive and personal nature of the book, taking readers on a suspenseful journey up Mount Everest. The reviewer appreciates the adventurous spirit and the detailed recounting of the disastrous trek, making it a thrilling read. They find the book to be both informative and engaging, capturing the essence of the tragic events.

Quick quotes

    Immersive, personal, and adventuresome

    Jon Krakauer brings his readers to Mount Everest

    A thrilling and suspenseful narrative

Reddit - r/books · 2021-01-01
chilling 4.00

The book feels like a novel due to its compelling narrative, but the knowledge that it's based on a real disaster makes it even more chilling. Krakauer's prose and style enhance the reading experience.

The reviewer notes that 'Into Thin Air' reads like a novel, which adds to its appeal. However, the fact that it's based on a real-life tragedy makes it even more impactful. They praise Krakauer's prose and style, which they believe significantly enhance the reading experience. The reviewer also mentions that the book's ability to blend factual reporting with a narrative style makes it a unique and engaging read. They highlight the emotional depth and the sense of suspense that Krakauer manages to convey throughout the book.

Quick quotes

    This truly felt like a novel and yet the knowing this disaster was all too real made it an even more compelling read.

    Krakauer's prose and style made it an even more compelling read.

    One of the most bone-chilling stories I've ever read.

The New York Times · John Scott · 1997-05-18
thoughtful 4.00

The book is seen as a work of atonement, with the author feeling remorse for the tragic events. It is noted for its detailed analysis of the factors leading to the disaster.

The reviewer from The New York Times sees this book as a deeply personal work of atonement, with Krakauer expressing remorse for the tragic events on Everest. They appreciate the detailed analysis of the factors leading up to the disaster, making it a thoughtful and introspective read. The book is praised for its ability to blend personal narrative with a broader examination of the events.

Quick quotes

    Into Thin Air is also a work of atonement

    Krakauer still feels remorse

    A detailed analysis of the factors leading up to its tragic end

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