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A review by writesdave
No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks by Ed Viesturs, David Roberts
4.0
"Memoir of a mountain climber" seems overly simplistic but Viesturs is humble enough to be embarrassed by being called anything more than a mountain climber. It's a psychological study, too, offering insight into what prompts people (especially a guy who grew up in a shithole like Rockford, Ill.) to head for the mountains — and beyond.
Excruciatingly detailed, which is a blessing and a curse; for example, the discussion of probability of death up there flew past me like a Nolan Ryan fastball. On the other hand, I appreciated the detail that went into each climb, from the preparation and selection of gear to making it back to base camp ("Getting to the summit is optional. Getting down is mandatory," he says repeatedly).
Overall, this is a great read for anyone who's ever looked up at the snow-capped peaks and wondered, "What's it like..."
Excruciatingly detailed, which is a blessing and a curse; for example, the discussion of probability of death up there flew past me like a Nolan Ryan fastball. On the other hand, I appreciated the detail that went into each climb, from the preparation and selection of gear to making it back to base camp ("Getting to the summit is optional. Getting down is mandatory," he says repeatedly).
Overall, this is a great read for anyone who's ever looked up at the snow-capped peaks and wondered, "What's it like..."