Travel to Latin America

Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival

Format: Paperback
Author: Joe Simpson
ReleaseDate: January, 2004
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
Rating:

You won't do better in this genre
If it weren't so well documented, this story of survival would be hard to believe. I loved Into Thin Air, but liked Touching the Void even better. If you plan on doing both, see the movie first. I read the book first and it made the movie just okay, while those with me who saw the film without reading the book were mesmerized. The book, as is usually the case, is just plain better, and I think would still be great after seeing the film.

Simpson, being a climber first and author second, uses a lot of jargon specific to climbing that I didn't understand, but it made me look some of it up and learn more about the sport, which was kind of cool. I felt like I was right there with him during his unreal descent, sharing the loneliness, cold, and delirium. I have even gotten the same annoying song stuck in my head that drove him crazy during much of his ordeal.

If you are a fan of survival non-fiction, you have probably already read Touching the Void. If you are considering trying this genre, you couldn't possibly find a better choice; if you don't like this book, I can pretty much guarantee you are not going like any others in this category.
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Great Book!
Great story, and told very well. I finished this book in about 3 days. I've been telling everyone I know they have to read this book.

Even better than the movie
(saw the movie first) An amazing story of survival as well as a glimpse into the mindset and mental and physical toughness of alpine mountaineers. As good as the movie was this was even better. Anyone who wanders into the back country, regardless of experience, could end up facing a similar situation as recent events attest. .

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