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Average Customer Rating:

How to climb Safely!

Customer Rating:

This book is really different from the usual climbing fare. Ed Viesturs is a climber who was able to turn back at critical points, an attribute that few share. I'd throughly recommend this as an alternative to the derring do of most climbing books. He seems to be a very determinded as well as displayhing a rare type of courage -- the courage to say no. A very refreshing read. It is basically his biography starting with his early years and then on to the stories behind his ascents of the world's 14 8000m peaks. The first American to achieve this feat

Far-out stuff indeed

Customer Rating:

Anyone who needs some kind of inspiration for whatever in life ought to read this. Ed Viesturs is a hard charger, there's no two ways about it. His extreme motivation, which led him to summit the top 14 peaks in the world, is clearly visible in his writing. But it's not just his desire and drive that have an impact on the reader, it's also a downright good story. It takes a certain kind of human to walk to the top of Everest, I believe, let alone all 14 highest peaks. It is an epic adventure story that must be told, and Ed tells it just fine.

Mr Nice Guy

Customer Rating:

A thoroughly enjoyable read. It does not concentrate solely on the Ed Viesturs attempt to climb all the world's 8,000 metre peaks, but also includes some insights into his personal life and feelings, and the drive which enabled him to achieve his dream. There is just enough technical information for the reader to understand how the climbs are achieved. What does show throughout the book is Ed Viesturs total respect for other climbers and his willingness to recognise their achievements. He appears not to like being called a "nice guy" which is a pity, because that is clearly what he is.