This is a terrific book which draws the reader into David Breashears' world. The reader follows his development from young rock climber to world class mountaineer and filmmaker. The reader also sees his development as a person, all while drawing the reader into that exclusive club of mountaineers. He makes the reader feel his passion for the mountains he so loves. The reader learns how he combined that passion with the art of cinematography, making him an award winning filmmaker. <p>The reader lives through the 1996 tragedy on Everest with him, and feels the compassion that he has for those who died on the mountain under such tragic circumstances. The narrative is always compelling and informative, making the book a hard one to put down. His compassion and sensitivity towards those who did not fare well on the ill-fated 1996 Everest climb is palpable, and for his assistance to those who needed it, even though it put him and his expedition in jeopardy, he is truly an unsung hero. This is, without a doubt, a man who leads by example.<p>David Breashears writes beautifully of his experiences and his book is a must read for all climbing enthusiasts, as well as for those simply interested in the human condition. This is a book that is simply too good to pass up.

This is a terrific book which draws you into David Breashears' world. You follow his development from young rock climber to world class mountaineer and filmmaker. You also see his development as a person, all while drawing you into that exclusive club of mountaineers. He makes you feel his passion for the mountains he so loves. You learn how he combined that passion with the art of cinematography, making him an award winning filmmaker. <p>You live through the 1996 tragedy on Everest with him, and feel the compassion that he has for those who died on the mountain under such tragic circumstances. The narrative is always compelling and informative, making the book a hard one to put down. His compassion and sensitivity towards those who did not fare well on the ill-fated 1996 Everest climb is palpable, and for his assistance to those who needed it, even though it put him and his expedition in jeopardy, he is truly an unsung hero. This is, without a doubt, a man who leads by example.<p>David Breashears writes beautifully of his experiences and his book is a must read for all climbing enthusiasts, as well as for those simply interested in the human condition. This is a book that is simply too good to pass up.

David Breashears has led an interesting and varied life, and this autobiography most certainly does it justice. The style of writing is consistent and reads well, and more importantly, the subject matter is gripping. From his early days of learning to climb to the summit of Everest, Breashears writes humourously, tinged with moments of sadness and revelation as he describes the path he chose. The book is about more than mountaineering though. The author is also a film-maker, having worked on a number of films, as well as the IMAX presentation "Everest", the making of which he describes in detail towards the end of the book. This film was made in the pre-monsoon season of 1996, when a large number of climbers were killed on the upper slopes of the mountain and it is obvious from his reflections that the event affected him deeply. This book will interest both mountaineers and non-mountaineers alike.