4 out of 4 stars
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I've just read an exciting book about a man that wasn't afraid to conquer a dream that others might think would be impossible to do. This strong and courageous person is David J. Mauro, who is also the author. The book is called The Altitude Journals.
Have you ever done anything in your life that you were unsure of but decided to take the plunge anyway? Was the award worth the outcome? The Altitude journals is a book about a man that discovered a new passion in life and never gave up in going after what he wanted to do.
At the age of 44, David was going through a difficult phase in his life. He was going through the process of a divorce and wasn't sure where his life was going to lead. While staying at his sister's house and yelling at dolls for judging him, he opens a cardboard tube that is addressed to him. There are two climbing poles that are from his brother in law. His brother in law has been trying to persuade him to climb up Mount McKinley[ Danail] with him, which happens to be the highest summit in North America. For a long time, he had hesitated but now he figures why not? What does he have to lose? After a long but awarding journey of reaching up to the top of Denali, he discovers his love for climbing and gets the courage to climb each of the seven summits.
This book talks about his adventures of climbing each summit. Each summit is completely different from the one before it. Every summit has a different personality and has many new obstacles. While achieving this goal, he also talks about personal demons that he has had to face, taking care of his dad and his personal life at home. He talks about his adventures of online dating and how he came to meet his soul mate.
This book was very enjoyable and easy to read. It is easy to like David and his quirky personality. He is very easy to relate too and you really get to know him on a personal level. He has had a fun and adventurous life and it's fun to read along while he tells you about his experiences up each summit. There are many pictures in the book of him and his friends. I love that they are in there. It adds a personal touch to all of his stories. There is one of him dressed up like a penguin and with his girlfriend dressed up as a snowflake. There is also a great one in the back of the book with just him.
When he talks about climbing each summit you really get the feel of how cold the weather is and what the team had to struggle with. I've learned new information about mountain climbing and also about different cultures around the world. I've learned the dangers of mountain climbing other than falling down one. He talked about the illnesses that you can get at high altitudes and also other ways it can affect your body. He goes into detail about the environment around him and also what he's feeling throughout the climb.
I could relate to the book a little. Growing up in Georgia, I've enjoyed hiking up mountains a lot. I haven't climbed any of the summits but I can understand what it must have been like to finally reach the top of the mountain. It makes you feel great knowing that you didn't give up.
This book taught me that anything can be possible if you have the motivation to do it. Age is not a factor. In his book, there were people that were even older climbing up the summits. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. All you have to do is believe in yourself. This is a nonfiction book but I think it could be a great self-help book because he encourages people to go after their dreams.
There are a few parts of the book that I thought was really funny. One, in particular, was one of the flights to Antarctica. He 's on the plane and while he's on it the navigator falls asleep. When he looks down to see what the navigator is holding, thinking that it is something important, it ends up being a crossword puzzle book. He has a lot of entertaining stories in the book that keeps you interested in his expeditions.
I didn't notice any grammar errors in the story. He writing is very wonderful. He uses easy terminology throughout the book.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a fun book to read. Probably is the best book that I have ever reviewed. I recommend this book to anyone that likes nonfiction novels, adventure stories or has a love for nature. If you are looking for a fiction novel this book is not for you. This book was a real pleasure in reading and I hope people enjoy it as much as I do.
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The Altitude Journals
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