The Squamish
Literary Society

Into Thin Air

Discussion rating 5/5

*****

This book is the riveting account of Jon Krakauer's ascent of Mt. Everest in 1996 and the disaster and controversy that resulted.

We discussed whether Anatoli Boukreev's decision to leave his group was wise as well as his decision not to use supplementary oxygen. Some members had read Boukreev's book defending his decision and others had brought a synopsis with both Krakauer's claims and Boukreev's defence, from the internet. Boukreev did not get much support from our group.

We also discussed the appropriateness of Sandy Pittman's attempt to summit Everest (as well as some of the other clients). It was our consensus that climbing Mt. Everest had been marketed as attainable by almost anyone and this sentiment contributed to the disaster.

We wondered what Jon Krakauer felt now, three years after his climb. One of our members had researched this and he adamantly claimed that he would never do it again! It becomes clear towards the end of the book, that reaching the summit was not worth the pain and suffering Krakauer, the other survivors, the deceased and all the families involved have had to endure.

http://www.canadianbookclubs.com/ab/squamish_krak.html