Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 56 votes)
5 stars
17(30%)
4 stars
21(38%)
3 stars
18(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
56 reviews
July 14,2025
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This book is truly hard to read. It is a meandering and weird one that fails to cover any new ground or provide any new information.

There are far better sources to gain knowledge from. The books written by Bonington, Boardman, and Tasker, as well as those by Tasker's widow Maria Coffey, offer much more valuable insights and learning opportunities.

It is highly recommended to avoid this particular book. Instead, one should turn to the works of the aforementioned authors to expand their understanding and knowledge in the relevant field.

By doing so, readers can expect to encounter more engaging and informative content that will truly enhance their learning experience.

Don't waste your time on this unremarkable book when there are so many excellent alternatives available.
July 14,2025
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Mostly in the context of how you would want to read climbing books, and the other available literature.

When it comes to climbing books, I prefer ones that offer detailed and accurate accounts of the climbs, along with vivid descriptions that can transport me to the mountainside. I also appreciate books that provide valuable insights and tips on climbing techniques and safety.

However, this particular book was a huge disappointment. There was a lot of "train of thought" and "imagery" in it, which was rather strange considering the author wasn't actually present during the climbs and didn't have this information from the actual climbers. Fortunately, he is a climber himself, so not everything was made up. But the problem was that his descriptions were hilariously bad, to the point of being comical. It was a truly painful read. I really wish I had it with me right now so I could make some specific comments.

The only reason I managed to get through any part of this book was because I was stuck in the lavatory and it was the only one I had. I would highly recommend reading any other climbing book instead.
July 14,2025
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Why anyone would want to put themselves and their family through this is way beyond my comprehension.

It seems completely unfathomable to me. The idea of willingly subjecting oneself and one's loved ones to such difficult and potentially harmful experiences is truly baffling.

What could possibly drive someone to make such a choice? Are they unaware of the consequences? Or perhaps they have some sort of misguided belief that it will lead to a better outcome in the end.

Whatever the reason may be, it is something that I just cannot understand. I would never dream of putting my own family through anything like this.

I value their well-being and happiness too much. It makes me wonder if there are others out there who share my perspective, or if I am in the minority.

Either way, this is a mystery that I doubt I will ever fully solve.
July 14,2025
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This book is truly a treasure trove, filled to the brim with the rich history and thrilling adventures of British mountaineering.

Willis delves deep into the career of Chris Bonington, painting a vivid picture of his remarkable achievements. However, he doesn't stop there. He also includes the important climbs of some of Bonington's common partners, providing a more comprehensive view of the mountaineering community during that era.

One of the most poignant aspects of the book is Willis' coverage of the deaths of many famous climbers. These accounts serve as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices involved in the pursuit of high-altitude climbing.

Moreover, the author sheds some light on the many old climbing conflicts that have shaped the sport. He explores the differences between the older and younger generations, the impact of equipment advancements, and the ongoing debate between large expeditions and the alpine style of climbing.

Overall, this is a great book for anyone with an interest in the 8,000-meter peaks. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of British mountaineering and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to this challenging and rewarding pursuit.
July 14,2025
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I was truly irritated by this book.

It seemed highly inappropriate to presume the thoughts of individuals just before they die alone.

How could anyone claim to know what those thoughts might be when there can be no possible record of such private and final moments?

It felt like an invasion of the most personal and intimate space.

The author's attempt to imagine and describe these thoughts came across as both audacious and disrespectful.

It was simply too much for me to bear.

I found myself constantly questioning the validity and authenticity of the author's claims.

Surely, there are some things that should remain unknown and unpresumed.

This book crossed that line for me and left me with a sense of dissatisfaction and disappointment.

I would not recommend it to others who value the privacy and mystery of a person's final moments.
July 14,2025
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This book truly ought to have been titled "Chris Bonington and All of His Friends and Every Single Hill and Mountain They Ever Climbed"!

There were an abundance of people and a plethora of climbing expeditions. Eventually, they all began to blend together, making it less thrilling to read about.

This could be partially attributed to the fact that I was listening to the book rather than reading it, which is why I gave it a 3-star rating instead of the 2 stars I felt it deserved.

I also rated it low because Willis wrote about things he couldn't possibly know, such as what every climber who died was thinking, feeling, and seeing as they died. That really irritated me and, in my opinion, was unnecessary.

It seems that the author tried to add a touch of drama by imagining these details, but it just didn't work for me.

Overall, while the book had some interesting aspects, it also had several flaws that prevented it from being a truly great read.

Perhaps if I had read it instead of listened to it, I might have had a different perspective.

However, based on my experience, I would not highly recommend this book to others.

July 14,2025
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What a disappointment!

I eagerly jumped into this super long account of Chris Bonington and his group of British friends, who made a significant impact on mountain climbing during their era. I had high hopes that it would provide a comprehensive exploration of several mountains and climbers. However, unfortunately, the text is rather dense and slow-paced.

After introducing Chris, the author delves into great detail about almost every major climb that anyone in the group attempted. Bonington's original fame for climbing the Eiger was an interesting part of the rundown, but after that, it became increasingly difficult to keep track of which peak they were currently on.

So, this isn't the best mountaineering book I've read. But "The Boys of Everest" has another serious flaw that I simply can't ignore. The author writes about each person's death while climbing and tries to capture their dying thoughts. It's really messed up! When I was listening to the audio, I really couldn't distinguish when the narrative shifted from fact to speculation, which was extremely unsettling. This makes me question most of the book's finer details. I'm aware that the climbs took place, but Willis goes into such specific details about steps, movements, thoughts, and intentions, and it seems rather improbable considering that all these men have been dead for a long time.

July 14,2025
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This was truly an excellent read.

It offers a captivating exploration into the history of mountaineering.

The details and accounts provided are both fascinating and engaging, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the world of mountaineering's past.

Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or simply someone with a general interest in the subject, this piece has something to offer.

It presents a unique perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and evolution of mountaineering over the years.

The author's writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the history of mountaineering.

It is a must-read for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of this exciting and adventurous sport.

Overall, this article is a great addition to the literature on mountaineering history and is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
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