Cool to read about things I will never do. However, it's less cool when there are underhand dismissals of female climbers, and none of them are profiled here. It's quite disappointing. The best quote in this context is: "[climbing] is sort of like having fun, only different". This quote seems to capture the essence of climbing in a unique way. It implies that while there is an element of enjoyment, it's not the same as typical forms of having fun. Maybe it's the challenge, the physical exertion, or the sense of accomplishment that makes it different. But regardless of what makes it unique, it's clear that climbing is a passion for many. It's a shame that the article doesn't give more attention to the female climbers who are also part of this exciting world.

I've been a fan of Krakauer's writing ever since I read Into the Wild at some unknown point in the past (before I even had Goodreads). For reasons that I don't entirely fathom, I have a soft spot for writing about outdoor "adventures" in general and mountaineering as a specific sub-genre. (Please, no one inform me if Krakauer has proven to be an absolute jerk....)

I wasn't aware that this was a collection of essays, so the diverse locations and climbing cultures came as a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed broadening my horizons in that regard. It was also fascinating to read essays that dated back to around 1987 at the latest. It was like taking a trip in a time machine. In any case, this was a nice departure from my usual reading.

The actual book could have benefited from a more meticulous editing process. I noticed several blatant errors.

3.5 stars.

I have read (in order) "Into the Wild", "Into Thin Air", "Under the Banner of Heaven", and "Where Men Win Glory". I am eagerly looking forward to reading "Missoula" as soon as it is released. I had postponed reading "Eiger Dreams", being aware that it is just a compilation of articles. However, it has proven to be a great book to keep oneself occupied.

I don't have a specific interest in ice climbing, and perhaps others may not be overly interested in some of the particular "sports" discussed. But in my opinion, it was all worth reading and quite enjoyable. "Devil's Thumb", the longest essay, is essentially a repetition from "Into the Wild", yet I still enjoyed reading it again.

The various stories and accounts in these books offer a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. They take the reader on adventures, explore different cultures and mindsets, and delve into the human spirit. Whether it's the exploration of the wild, the challenges of extreme sports, or the examination of religious and social phenomena, there is something for everyone to engage with and gain from.

Overall, I have found these books to be captivating and thought-provoking, and I look forward to seeing what Krakauer has in store with his next work.

Jon Krakauer’s Eiger Dreams is an absolute must-read for anyone with even the slightest inclination towards wilderness and adventure.

Most individuals are drawn to this book after having delved into Krakauer’s more renowned work, Into the Wild. Eiger Dreams has the power to tug at the reader’s heartstrings on multiple occasions, although not with the same intensity as Into the Wild.

What truly makes it shine, however, is the author’s ability to describe the scenery in such vivid and detailed manner. This allows the reader to vividly visualize what the characters were witnessing in that very moment.

The stories in this collection all center around rock-climbing and mountaineering, yet they are captivating enough to engage readers with no prior knowledge of these activities. Each story is set on magnificent peaks scattered across the globe, but they do more than just describe the physical challenges. They also explore the mindset of the characters as they strive to overcome the environment, deal with injuries, and push their personal limits.

This collection of true stories not only offers several valuable life lessons but also presents some fascinating facts about the places and historic events. Any person who loves or has an appreciation for the wilderness will surely adore this book. It might even have the power to inspire an appreciation for the wilderness in those who previously had none.

The use of short stories takes the reader through a gamut of emotions, and the desire to know what happens next makes it extremely difficult to put this book down.

I have a great fondness for the author, and the book itself was indeed very good.

However, it didn't quite meet my initial expectations, and I take full responsibility for that.

I made the purchase solely based on the title, without conducting any in-depth research into what the book was truly about.

I had wrongly assumed that it was an adventure book centered around climbing the Eiger.

As I was about to embark on a vacation to Switzerland, I thought this would be the perfect read for my plane journey.

In reality, the book was a compilation of articles that the author had penned for various magazines and other publications, all related to mountain climbing.

The story about the Eiger was merely the first chapter of the book.

Despite this, I still found enjoyment in the book, although I was hoping for more content specifically about the Eiger.

It was my oversight.

Nonetheless, the more I delved into the book, the more I grew to appreciate it.

And finally, the last chapter turned out to be perhaps my absolute favorite.

It offered a unique perspective and a satisfying conclusion to the collection of articles.

Overall, it was a learning experience for me, and I'm glad I gave the book a chance.

I failed to review this when I read it way back in 2008. At that time, I was thoroughly enthralled and bowled over by Krakauer's classic and un-put-downable, Into Thin Air.

Eiger Dreams is a solid compilation of Krakauer's magazine pieces on different mountaineering adventures. It places an emphasis on ice climbing. The stories are pretty thrilling stuff. Krakauer tells them with great attention to detail and high drama.

Each piece in this compilation offers a unique perspective on the world of mountaineering. Whether it's the challenges faced by climbers on the icy slopes or the intense emotions that come with such adventures, Krakauer's writing brings it all to life.

Reading Eiger Dreams is like embarking on a series of adventures yourself. You can feel the cold of the ice, the excitement of the climb, and the sense of accomplishment when the summit is reached. It's a must-read for anyone interested in mountaineering or adventure stories.

This is a very good book.

It presents a great variety of stories about those individuals who have something profound deep within their souls.

This something can only be satisfied by subjecting themselves to the hardships of hell and then persevering through the climb.

The tales are not only captivating but also inspiring.

They show the strength and determination of the human spirit in the face of extreme challenges.

Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread of the characters' inner struggles and their quests for self-discovery and fulfillment.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of the human soul and its ability to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

More adventures on the mountain from Mr. Krakauer. This book consists of a series of short stories about various climbs. I believe the Snow Country review on the back cover summarizes it quite well. Krakauer's rarest and most enviable skill is his ability to make himself unseen, allowing the stories to unfold as if the reader were front-pointing up a Himalayan serac or hanging by a nubbin in an Arizona canyon.

There were several quotes that I liked as people attempted to explain the allure of mountain climbing. I think it's part of the madness that all endurance sports participants can relate to. On page 72, Howard Donner said, "...it's sort of like having fun, only different." Indeed.

On page 81, Yates said, "I knew in an abstract, intellectual sort of way that it was a beautiful view, but I couldn't get myself to care about it; I'd been up all night; I felt totally strung out; I was just too tired." It's sad when the madness takes hold and you don't really care if or when you finish. It's just over and you're tired. And yet, you find yourself out there doing it again and again.

I didn't bookmark it, but towards the end, there was a quote stating that 1/30 people died while attempting to climb Everest (this was in the 80s) and that 1/5 died while trying to summit K2. It's wild that even knowing those statistics, people were still saying yes and signing up! It would be interesting to see what the stats are today.

Eiger Dreams is an outstanding collection of (mostly) previously published articles penned by the mountaineering virtuoso, outdoors enthusiast, and internationally renowned writer Jon Krakauer.

I was completely enthralled by each and every one of these pieces. There isn't a single one that falls short. He vividly describes the summer when thirteen seasoned climbers met their demise on K2. He also delves into the world of the glacier pilots in Talkeetna, Alaska, who undertake the perilous task of flying climbers to base camps (a truly high-risk endeavor!). Additionally, he writes about the snobbishness within the European mountaineering community of Chamonix.

There is a great deal of humor as well. There's an entertaining piece about the English Burgess brothers, the Yorkshire 'rascals' of the climbing world, and about the tedium of being confined to a tent during bad weather.

Best of all, at the conclusion, there's an expanded version of Krakauer's own experience when, at the age of twenty-three, he took on the fearsome Devil's Thumb in Alaska - all by himself (unlike the account included in Into The Wild). It's simultaneously thrilling, humorous, and captivating. The more I immersed myself in these stories, the greater my curiosity grew about the extraordinary individuals who become obsessed with this most dangerous of sports.

This collection is extremely readable and comes highly recommended.

A Bunch of Captivating Climbing Stories!

I have a deep admiration for Jon Krakauer. His works always manage to draw me in with their vivid descriptions and engaging narratives. However, when it comes to climbing itself, it's not really my area of interest. As a result, there were times when the climbing stories in his books seemed to lose my attention.

Despite this, I have to admit that the writing in his works is truly outstanding. Krakauer has a remarkable ability to paint a detailed picture in the reader's mind, making them feel as if they are right there on the climb. His use of language is both powerful and evocative, and his stories are filled with interesting characters and thrilling adventures.

Overall, while the climbing aspect may not be my cup of tea, I still highly recommend Jon Krakauer's books to anyone who enjoys great writing and exciting stories.

Eiger Dreams is one of Krakauer's earlier books. It is a slim volume that encompasses essays about various forms of climbing, such as rock climbing, ice climbing, and boulder climbing. The question arises: why do people engage in this seemingly mad activity? The simple answer is because they can.

Of course, there are those who perhaps really shouldn't. They are often reckless and ill-prepared, thereby putting not only their own lives but also those of others at risk. However, for those who have everything in order and are physically fit enough to undertake this highly demanding activity, they usually come away with an extraordinary experience.

Nevertheless, the weather at these extreme altitudes is never predictable and is always unforgiving. Even some highly skilled climbers can end up injured at the very least or, in the worst-case scenario, dead.

Climbers can be doctors, engineers, or other professional individuals in their daily lives, while others are solely climbers and earn their living from it. In every instance, true climbers work towards and anticipate the next climb.

Eiger Dreams has the power to both scare you and simultaneously make you want to climb, in equal measures. The reason I chose to read this book or any book on climbing is because I am fascinated by the idea of ascending a rock, a piece of ice, or a boulder with nothing but my fingers, feet/toes, shoe spikes, and perhaps a pick to hold me. It terrifies me, yet at the same time, it makes me yearn to climb.

An extract from the book which I feel aptly reflects the nature of mountains, as well as the people who attempt to climb them:

Hackett’s team, I later learned, not only received no remuneration for their lifesaving labors. In fact, having failed to obtain funding in both 1986 and 1987, they met most of the project’s expenses out of their own pockets. This shows their great dedication and selflessness. I asked one of the doctors, Howard Donner, why they volunteered to spend their summers toiling in such a godforsaken place. “Well,” he explained as he stood shivering in a blizzard, reeling from nausea and a blinding headache while attempting to repair a broken radio antenna, “it’s sort of like having fun, only different.” His words are both humorous and revealing. It seems that for these climbers and rescuers, the experience in the mountains is not just about physical hardship but also about a unique kind of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from facing challenges and helping others. Yikes. This extract truly makes us realize the extraordinary nature of those who dare to take on the mountains.