Review by AntonelaMaria -- The Altitude Journals

[AntonelaMaria]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Altitude Journals" by David J Mauro.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro is a memoir you must find time to read.

After getting a divorce and sleeping on his sister’s spare bed, one unexpected question from his brother-in-law changed everything for David Mauro. He asked him to climb Mount Denali. His life changed forever when he went on this adventure. Suddenly, 44 is not looking so grim anymore, and it was only the beginning of his exploits. Facing that first summit brings so much more ambition but also a fight with his demons. Through his skilled writing, Mauro immerses the reader in Indonesia’s jungle and subzero temperatures of Antarctica. David takes the reader on a seven-year-long physical and emotional journey from Denali to the great Everest.

This book is so much more than a book about climbing mountains. It is a story about pain and healing, about searching for answers and finding redemption. Above all, this is a story about the hope and strength of a human spirit. Even though this is a debut book, I would never guess it. The flow of the plotline is seamless and cohesive. My favorite part is the writing style. David Mauro writes with such effortless and dry humor that I found familiar and endearing. It hooked me from start to finish while reading this book. This story made me reflect and think about my life journey.

“Along the way, I learned that a person does not come to believe in himself by climbing mountains, but by facing his problems. I learned that the only way to truly experience love is to risk your heart completely.”

Because I am a very greedy reader, I would like more details in some parts of this book. I wish there were more photos of his adventures. Otherwise, I can't think about anything else I disliked about this book.

Is David J. Mauro the craziest person I read about or the bravest? Both? I was thinking one or the other while reading this book. I have to say I’m impressed, inspired, and in awe. Not just by exceptional editing but overall excellence of this book, I can’t rate it any lower than perfect four out of four. I haven’t read such a good non-fiction book in a while. This book expertly makes a reader reflect on life and things that are happening around him.

It is an obvious choice to recommend this book to all wanderlust spirits out there and adventure seekers. Maybe if you have someone like that in your family, then this book is a perfect birthday present for them. However, I have to say I would recommend this to all readers who feel that they are stuck in a mundane pattern of work or life. Give this book a chance.

“But most of all I learned that every big mountain is really just a lot of little mountains, and they can only be climbed one at a time. What’s more, your ability to climb today’s mountain is largely dependent on whether you found joy in climbing yesterday’s.”

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The Altitude Journals
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[xoxoAnushka]

Thumbs up for your review! Looking forward to read this.

[Prisallen]

What an inspiring story from someone who has learned to believe in himself and pursue his goals! I can see how it would make one take a look at their own life. Thank you for the wonderful review!

[AntonelaMaria]

Thumbs up for your review! Looking forward to read this.

It really is an amazing book. Hope you enjoy!!

[AntonelaMaria]

What an inspiring story from someone who has learned to believe in himself and pursue his goals! I can see how it would make one take a look at their own life. Thank you for the wonderful review!

Thank you! It truly is an inspiring story to read.

[Connie Otwani]

I have soo enjoyed reading ur review! So, life really starts at 40? Looks like an exciting self-discovery. Great review!!

[Julius_]

I like adventures and adventure novels. This is definitely my type of book. Thanks for such a good review.

[AntonelaMaria]

I have soo enjoyed reading ur review! So, life really starts at 40? Looks like an exciting self-discovery. Great review!!

Thank you so much. I don't know but as we grow older we tend to be scared of the changes, be alone and deal with ourselves. This is a great book to give a perspective and maybe a nudge to move. Thanks for reading!

[AntonelaMaria]

I like adventures and adventure novels. This is definitely my type of book. Thanks for such a good review.

If you get the chance give it a try. I think you might love it. It is definitely in my top reads since I have been reading books here. Thank you for stopping by and reading my review!

[Wyland]

I like how David draws so much in terms of a life changing lesson from a single adventure he decides to take later in life. Thanks for the insightful review.

[AntonelaMaria]

I like how David draws so much in terms of a life changing lesson from a single adventure he decides to take later in life. Thanks for the insightful review.

It is a hopeful book for sure. Never say never I guess. Thank you!