4 out of 4 stars
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One of the reasons why I am passionate about reading is because by reading you are travelling to places from the comforts of your bed. This book The Altitude Journals by David J. Mauro is not only 'bringing' me to new places but also in conquering the seven summits of the world!
Have you ever wish to climb a mountain but receive disapproval response from your family and friends simply because they think you won't make it? Never crossed in Mauro's mind that he will ever attempted to climb a mountain, let alone in climbing all the seven summits of the world! Yet because of his brother-in-law, Ty Hardt who relentlessly invites him and personal things happened to him, he had no choice but to yield to Ty's invitation.
I like the fact how Mauro who is not athletic like his older brother by two years, has defied the odds by his level of commitment and determination in climbing each mountain. Reading about this has inspired me to make plans to climb mount Kinabalu in my state which is the highest mountain in South East Asia.
Don't get mistaken thinking that this book is solely all about the mountains as it is also explores about types of relationship ranging from family, friendship, and a romantic relationship. Each mountain had given him different insights which made him to reflect things through and to do self-evaluation. For example, when he attempted to climb mount Kilimanjaro, he learnt that he will be emotionally healed when he is facing his problems instead of running away from them.
What I like the most is about Mauro making use of what he has to make a difference in children's life in his area by raising education fund for them because he knew well how was it feel like living in poverty and in deprived of many things. I'm amazed and inspired by that selflessness that not everyone has.
New places as well as the mountains lead you to new people.That is the only difficulty I met with this book in remembering the names of his fellow climbers. As I am bad in keeping in touch, I am in awe with the author for maintaining the bond of friendship or what he termed as 'ozone brotherhood' with his fellow climbers, guides, and a sherpa.
This book appeared to me well-edited as far as I'm concerned except for 1 mistake in spacing between the words like 'servicepeople' instead of 'service people'. However, the mistake did not detract me from my enjoyment in reading this book. Thus, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
I recommend this book to those who are curious or considering about the idea of climbing a mountain, who is keen about self-development, and to those who has interest in reading autobiographies.
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The Altitude Journals
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