Krakauer is always a source of great pleasure, and Eiger Dreams showcases him at his absolute finest. Every single word and phrase in this work is filled with intense action, leaving no room for dullness. It's just pure, excellent writing. I chose to listen to this on audiobook, and I'm truly glad I did. Krakauer has a remarkable sense of humor that can make you laugh out loud, and he's not afraid to poke fun at himself first.

As I was reading Eiger Dreams, I had this strange feeling that this was my favorite Krakauer book so far, yet I couldn't quite figure out why. Then it dawned on me (and I apologize to those of you who haven't known how Into the Wild ends) that this is the only one of his books I've read that has a happy ending. What a treat! If Krakauer is seen as our modern-day Jack London, the current embodiment of Naturalism, it's refreshing to see man prevail in the age-old struggle of Man v. Nature - or at least, to see man survive temporarily.

In all honesty, I believe Krakauer touches on some fundamental human trait: the longing to discover something profound within ourselves in relation to Mother Earth. Of course, most of the time, this "relation" turns into a "mano-a-mano" battle. Eiger Dreams is filled with larger-than-life characters who throw themselves into impossible climbs and face extremely deadly mountains. The central question that runs through all these stories is why? What are we seeking, and why? Do we find it? What does it all mean? Along the way, we get a fascinating glimpse into the climbing culture and the crazy individuals who inhabit the world of serious outdoor sports.

The collection takes us on a global journey and includes numerous chapters on climbing and mountaineering, as well as a couple of related topics. He writes about the Eiger, the culture of extreme sport and risk-taking in Chamonix, France, has a chapter on Denali, and a fantastic, deceptively simple chapter called "A Bad Summer on K2" that delves right into the heart of climbing ethics. "Tentbound" is truly great. I laughed out loud while reading it. I bet you will too. And "Devil's Thumb" is just a classic, somehow expressing (without being overly forceful) the entire question that defines the book.

In many ways, the men and women in these pages stand in sharp contrast to most ordinary people. Listening to their constantly terrifying quests, my hands would sweat, my stomach would churn, and I would think, I could never, ever do this - but I sure wish I could. In this sense, Krakauer acts as a mediator. But just because most readers (presumably) don't choose to take on the Nordwand of the Eiger, we still understand the search for meaning. After all, who hasn't had some version of Krakauer's Devil's Thumb journey - that moment when we believed some external achievement would give meaning and purpose to our lives?

Collections can be a tricky thing. They can sometimes seem hastily put together, like an editor's money-making scheme. Certainly, there were a couple of stories here that didn't interest me as much as the others, but the stronger ones more than compensated. Overall, Eiger Dreams is an enjoyable adventure with the always-amusing, always-sincere, and always-thoughtful Jon Krakauer. It has a relatively low body count and gets to the heart of some existential theme that runs through all his writing.

A collection of adventures that alleviates the banality of life.

These adventures are not just about the act of climbing, but rather they delve deep into the psyche of climbers. It explores not only the reasons why climbers choose to climb, but also why they have such an intense and almost obsessive passion for it.

Climbing is not just a physical activity for them; it is a way to break free from the monotony of everyday life and seek something more meaningful.

The challenges and risks involved in climbing add an element of excitement and danger that they find irresistible.

It is through these adventures that climbers discover their true potential and push the boundaries of what they thought was possible.

Each climb becomes a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, leaving them with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you're a fan of adventure and have a penchant for great storytelling, then this book is an absolute must-read for you.

Throughout this captivating series of essays, Krakauer takes you on an extraordinary journey, exploring the thrilling and awe-inspiring beauty of remote, often inhospitable landscapes, all through the unique lens of climbing.

He deftly employs his wry wit, which adds a touch of humor and charm to the narratives, while his vivid vocabulary brings the scenes and experiences to life in the most vivid and detailed way.

Moreover, his deep knowledge of the sport of climbing allows him to tell these incredible stories in an unguarded and approachable fashion, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the adventures and understand the challenges and triumphs that come with climbing in such extreme environments.

As you turn the pages, you'll find that they seem to fly by, and the stories practically tell themselves, drawing you in and keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Two stars is supposed to mean, "it was okay".

Sadly, that is all I feel about this book. I thought I'd like it because I do enjoy reading about people's adventures. I also found the two other Krakauer books that I have read, namely Into Thin Air and Into the Wild, to be quite good.

Unfortunately, this one fell short for me. The book was divided into sections of short stories and climbing history. Some of these I found very interesting, but often I found myself spacing out while reading. It's not his best work.

The last section on his arrogant attempt at Alaska's Devil's Thumb was engaging, as were a few of the other short blurbs about other people's mountaineering attempts. However, all in all, I was disappointed.

I had high expectations for this book, especially after enjoying his previous works. But this one just didn't quite hit the mark for me. Maybe it was the disjointed nature of the stories or perhaps it was my own state of mind while reading.

Nevertheless, I still appreciate Krakauer's writing and his ability to bring these adventure stories to life. I will likely continue to read his work in the future, hoping to find that same level of excitement and inspiration that I found in his other books.

There is a brilliant exposition of the unique individuals who dare to climb the world's biggest mountains. These remarkable people frequently endure massive risks just to reach the summit. Their courage and determination are truly astonishing. They face extreme weather conditions, dangerous terrains, and the possibility of life-threatening situations. Yet, they persevere, driven by their passion for adventure and the desire to conquer the uncharted. However, this also serves as a reminder that I will never be mad enough to undertake such a perilous endeavor. I admire their bravery from a safe distance, content to experience the wonders of the world through other means.

I've perused the majority of what Krakauer has penned, and he has never once let me down.

In this particular instance, his early works (primarily from the 80s, in magazines such as Outside, where he made a name for himself, and Smithsonian) predominantly center around mountain climbing, along with rock climbing and canyoneering.

The very first book of his that I ever delved into was Into Thin Air. His account of real-life events in that book reads almost like a horror story, not because of any sensationalism on his part, but rather due to his sharp, brutally honest depiction of what transpired there on Everest.

He carries that same quality and tone into his writing here as well. He writes about the excitement and fear associated with this original extreme sport, enabling people like me to experience it vicariously and get a thrill.

That being said, Kathmandu and Everest base camp are firmly on my bucket list, and this is primarily because of reading Krakauer's writing over the years. His words have truly ignited a passion within me for these places and the adventures that await.

Jon Krakauer has an excellent collection of stories.

I had the impression that people did some crazy things when climbing, but mountaineering is on another level entirely.

I don't think any huge summits are in my future plans, but these stories make you渴望 feel the intensity of those climbs.

There is a cool range of stories, from Alaskan pilots to Everest expeditions and canyoneering adventures.

Each story offers a unique perspective and takes you into the world of extreme mountaineering.

You can almost feel the cold wind, the steep slopes, and the sense of danger that comes with these challenging climbs.

Krakauer's writing is engaging and descriptive, making it easy to immerse yourself in the stories.

Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or just someone who enjoys reading about adventure, this collection of stories is sure to captivate you.

Jon Krakauer’s Eiger Dreams is a captivating love story. At first glance, it may not seem like a traditional love story. However, it truly is. It is a love story between humans and “high altitude adventures,” some of which might be better suited for the extremely crazy.

Any book on “high altitude adventures” would be incomplete without a chapter on Mount Everest. Krakauer does not disappoint, meticulously chronicling the dangers of attempting to conquer “one of the largest landforms on the planet.” The summit stands more than 17,000 vertical feet above its base. It includes the common perils such as cerebral edema, crevasses, “sledgehammer winds and hellish cold” above 14,000 feet, and of course, frostbite.

The book is also filled with numerous mountaineering trivia. For instance, with an overall body count of 2,000+, Mont Blanc is “by far and away the deadliest mountain on earth” (p. 92).

After leaving Everest, Krakauer takes readers on a journey to frozen waterfall climbs in Alaska, Chamonix in France, canyoneering in Arizona and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and to “Club Denali.” Along the way, we learn enough mountaineering jargon to at least pretend to be experts: pitch, crater, Cag, hypothermia, piton, Talkeetna, foehn winds, pulmonary edema, and Tigers Milk bars. The chapter on Club Denali is especially lively (pun intended).

In this chapter, the author describes his failed attempt to climb Denali, also known as Alaska's Mount McKinley. Along the way, we encounter a diverse group of colorful mountaineering characters. There is Adrian the Romanian, whose initial attempt to solo the highest mountain in North America lacked a tent, stove, and water – and seemingly, common sense. There are also “The Honeymooners,” young newlyweds who, “for reasons known only to them,” decide to spend their honeymoon on Mount McKinley. We also meet Dick Danger and the Throbbing Members and others who are either seriously crazy or addicted to high altitude adventures – perhaps the two are one and the same.

The story of world-class climbing pioneer and bouldering maestro John Gill is equally fascinating, as is the author's tense account of his attempt to climb Alaska’s Devil’s Thumb alone.

Krakauer’s writing style is sharp, and his prose is graceful. Eiger Dreams is probably best enjoyed with a steaming cup of your favorite hot beverage in hand.

Happy reading!

Reading this while living in Alaska is truly surreal. So much time has elapsed, and it's mind-boggling to think about how far mountaineering has advanced. The vast and majestic landscapes of Alaska serve as a backdrop to this remarkable journey of progress in the world of mountaineering.

Over the years, mountaineering has evolved from a dangerous and somewhat primitive pursuit to a highly technical and sophisticated sport. New equipment, improved techniques, and a deeper understanding of the mountains have all contributed to this transformation.

As I sit here in Alaska, I can't help but be in awe of the achievements of mountaineers past and present. Their courage, determination, and love for the mountains have pushed the boundaries of what is possible and have inspired generations to come.

Don't think I'll ever tire of reading his writing.

His words have a magical charm that always draws me in.

Every time I pick up his work, it's like embarking on a new adventure.

The way he weaves stories and creates characters is simply remarkable.

His descriptions are so vivid that I can picture every scene in my mind as if I were actually there.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking essay, his writing always leaves a lasting impression.

I find myself constantly amazed by his talent and creativity.

No matter how many times I read his work, there's always something new to discover and appreciate.

His writing has become a source of inspiration and joy for me, and I look forward to many more wonderful reads in the future.

This was the best book I could have read to commence the new year, I firmly believe.

It is also rather fitting that I perused it while shivering my buttocks off in the snowy wilderness, with a slight tinge of concern that I might be succumbing to frostbite.

As some of you might be aware, I invest all my time either out in the mountains or preoccupied with thoughts of being in the mountains - and reveling in all the challenges, goals, and dreams that accompany pushing one's limits outdoors.

This book is a magnificent compilation of tales about mountaineering, interspersed with a touch of climbing and bouldering. Those who are fixated on mountains are an intriguing lot, and my favorite chapters were the essays that zeroed in on specific characters.

I don't envision you would cherish this as much if you aren't completely consumed by the outdoors and climbing/mountaineering.

Here is the most unforgettable line, with regard to the popularity of the West Buttress route on Denali: "So many people attempt the route, Jonathan Waterman writes in Surviving Denali, that at the higher elevations where gale-force winds regularly sweep all fresh snow from the slopes shortly after it descends, climbers must'select cooking snow very carefully from among the wasteland of brown turds... Fortunately, sometimes below 15,000 feet, snowfall will blanket the excrement, the bodies, the trash, and the discarded gear."

Mountaineering is no laughing matter, and it exacts a heavy toll in terms of lives. But there is something about those mountains that incessantly beckons us.

Maybe 3.5.

Some stories are indeed rather boring and overly long, dragging on and on. However, there are also some others that are truly excellent and captivating.

Perhaps I'm just not a big enthusiast of magazine stories that are adapted into book form.

It's much like the case with "Americana" by Hampton Sides.

This particular work might have failed to fully engage me in the way that a story originally written for the book format might have.

The transition from the magazine context to the book might have lost some of the essence or pacing that would have made it more appealing to me.

Nonetheless, I recognize that different people have different tastes, and while this particular adaptation didn't work for me, it might very well be a favorite for others.

It just goes to show that the process of adapting stories can be a tricky one, and not every attempt will be a resounding success.