The first two-thirds of this book is totally gripping as you follow a team of ice climbers up the vertical side of a mountain in Western North Carolina. For the first time in my life, I felt could understand, truly understand what makes people all of the world want to face this kind of challenge. The details of the equipment, the physical effort, the debilitating disappointments, the unforeseen errors, the abject fear, the ultimate jubilation — it was all there. The last third of the book was emotionally charged with firsthand recollections of an event that no one wants to experience. The reader undergoes the kind of catharsis you usually get from fiction, but in this case it’s an absolutely true story, simply told, but emotionally overwhelming. I’m looking forward to Mr. Stubbs’ next one!
See original review here.
