The Climb

Tragic Ambitions on Everest

By: Anatoli Boukreev

Narrated by: Richard Davidson

Anatoli Boukreev’s first-hand account of the worst human disaster in the history of Mt. Everest will hold listeners spellbound. A top-rated guide and high altitude climber, Boukreev dictated the raw and powerful details of this ill-fated trek from memories and notes recorded just five days after the catastrophe. In May of 1996, 33 people went up the mountain, but only 28 returned. As two commercial expeditions climbed the world’s highest peak, poor planning, miscommunication, and an unpredictable blizzard conspired to defeat them. Although the author made it back to the safety of his tent, he defied his own pain and exhaustion to go back up the mountain. His rescue attempt saved the lives of three climbers. The events of those two fateful days prompted researchers at MIT to develop new technology that could prevent the recurrence of such a disaster. Narrators Richard M. Davidson and Nelson Runger sensitively convey the full scope of a drama and a tragedy the world hopes never to see again.

©1997 Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

I've read a number of mountaineering books and this one is by far the best.

Anatoly Bouchreev is the hero and an amazing storyteller. I think you are you understand more about climbing Everest, Than with any other book.

Superb insight and detail well delivered

What an incredible story, hard to grasp in a way in our age of everything-all-the-time connected world. As non-fiction really well structured, rich in information plus personal insight based on deep experience and the epilogue was an unexpected bonus. An excellent package that really s is the audiobook format.
The performances were excellent too, the voices really seemed to fit the roles. It seemed to start a little slow-paced (much better later on) and the poor pronunciation of the Japanese climber's name was jarring next to the accuracy of the Russian names but v minor criticism of a compelling listen!

another perspective

ive read the other books about that most fateful day on Everest, and while I enjoyed The Krakhour book, Into Thin Air, more, I did find listening to this other point of view of the same tragedy well worth it.

Wow

Not only eye opening, but finished with the mysticism only the mountains and their adventurers could provide.

Gripping Engaging Account of Disaster

Krakauer's biased account covered up Pittman's antics and his own team's failures while abusively and inaccurately piling onto Boukreev.

A lot of detail and perspective not found in other accounts and the co author did a masterful and careful job.

Excellent mountaineering book

A must read as an additional perspective to the tragedy on Everest as told in "Into Thin Air." I enjoy Krakauer's books, but his engaging style comes at the price of a nuanced perspective on complex events. "The Climb" is clearly a defense of Boukreev. I found his defense to be well worth listening to.

Great story

If you read or listened to "Into Thin Air" you must listen to this. This is another well told side of the 1996 Everest coin. Here the author refutes Krakauer's criticism's of him in not doing enough to save people's lives during the 1996 Everest disaster. And it makes you really wonder why Krakauer didn't do more to investigate his bold claims defaming Anatoli. Written simply and honestly but in a thrilling way - this is an adventure classic for generations to come.

Excellent book. Great narration.

This is the real story behind the 1996 Everest disaster told by mountaineer Anatoli Boukreev.
Honest and to the point, this book did not disappoint like Krakauer's book "Into thin air".
Anatoli was not sponsored by any big "Media" or other top named brand sponsor. In writing this book he had nothing to lose. He describes the competition and egos between two Expedition team leaders that ended in the deaths of both owners Scott Fisher and Rob Hall. Well written and to the point. If you like EVEREST STORIES.....this book is a page turner.

The Climb

Amazing story. I came away with a real view of Mount Everest and the various mindsets of those who reach for the summit.

Best account I’ve read

Incredible account of the disaster on Everest. I have read pretty much everything including into thin air. Please listen all the way to the end… The very end left me in tears.