This is an excellent read that at once portrays the majesty and cruelty of high-altitude climbing. Matt also seems to be a relatively normal human-being, as opposed to the gods of climbing like Alan Hinckes and Reinhold Messner, so you can empathise with him a little more. The tragic events of the "Killer storm" are movingly related especially the description of Rob Halls' final hours which had me choking back tears.<p>I couldn't put this book down for the last half and I'm about to read "Into Thin Air" off the back of it.

"One of those books that you simply can't put down" - sounds like a cliche, but it sums up Matt's book fully.<p>It is not a long book, but is one that keeps pulling you back - Matt transports you right back to Everest in 1996 and it keeps moving until the end. This is a book that is perfect for airports etc, as it makes you oblivious to what is happening around you.<p>I am not a mountaineer, but this book makes for compelling reading with its observations. It is written in a way that makes it easy to grasp the enormity of what is happening, without the reader needing to have had similar experiences. It is every bit as graphic as if it had been a film.

This book provides a harsh realism to the dreams of Everest. One man's story of his ascent, brings to life the harsh realities of a summit attempt on the world's highest peak. Matt Dickinson shows the conflicts between the individuals within team, and bears his inner-most thoughts in a climate where everything should be kept well wrapped up!<p>In fact this is the most interest part of the book - how the 'players' act and react to what is happening.<p>Well written, with excellent backup material - the author does not dwell on the mundane planning aspects of such an attempt - but get's right into the action.<p>Don't be put off - this is not a mountineers book written by a mountineer. <p>Very impressed.<p>Oh - and it's a good book for a plane trip or holiday, stimulating, interesting and not too long! You won't be disappointed.