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The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth
Grand Prize Winner of The Beverly Hills Book Awards 2018 2018 B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree When David Mauro was in his forties, his life hit rock bottom. With nothing to lose, he left everything he knew behind and set out on an epic international adventure. For the next seven years, Dave trudged across glaciers and frozen wastelands and through dense, dangerous forests. He communed with penguins and elephants, kept company with cannibals and gunrunners, and spoke with the dead. And though he'd never been a climber, he ended up joining history's courageous few when he ascended into the clouds to stand at the summit of Mt. Everest.Drawn from Dave's personal diaries, The Altitude Journals is the poignant, inspiring, and endlessly exciting true story of a remarkable midlife crisis. It is an unforgettable tale of one man who went to amazing extremes to repair a shattered life--and how he regained the powers to love and forgive, and to believe in himself once again.
- GenresNonfiction
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
37 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
David J. Mauro
2 books8 followersIn addition to working as a Certified Financial Planner, David Mauro writes for Adventures Northwest magazine and blogs extensively on topics ranging from mountain climbing to why sardines are safe. In the course of his acting career David has appeared in several commercials for television, the internet, print and radio. He is an improv alumni of The Upfront Theatre, frequent consumer of emergency room services, and builder of dubious water craft. The father of two sons (Trevor, living in Seattle, and Chase, living in Beijing), David resides in Bellingham, Washington with Lin Lehn ...to whom he is permanently engaged.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 17, 2020
extraordinary debut nonfiction
I enjoyed this book very much...
"Along the way, I learned that a person
does not come to believe in himself by climbing mountains,
but by facing his problems. I learned that the only way to truly experience love is to risk your heart
completely."
"But most of all I learned that every big mountain is really
just a lot of little mountains, and they can only be climbed
one at a time. What’s more, your ability to climb today’s
mountain is largely dependent on whether you found joy
in climbing yesterday’s."
4,5 stars
I enjoyed this book very much...
"Along the way, I learned that a person
does not come to believe in himself by climbing mountains,
but by facing his problems. I learned that the only way to truly experience love is to risk your heart
completely."
"But most of all I learned that every big mountain is really
just a lot of little mountains, and they can only be climbed
one at a time. What’s more, your ability to climb today’s
mountain is largely dependent on whether you found joy
in climbing yesterday’s."
4,5 stars
June 5, 2019
David J Mauro believes he has lost everything that matters to him. His brother has passed away, his marriage is in shambles and he has to move in with his sister. During this dark time in his life, his brother-in-law asks him to climb Mt. Denali. At this point, if he fell off the mountain, David believes no one would really care. Agreeing to the climb, David has no idea it is exactly what he needs. As he embarks on the climb, he will be forced to face his demons on the highest point in North America. This first climb will show him what it takes to move forward with his life. As he attempts each of the seven summits, he will learn valuable lessons and grow into his full potential.
Join David as he battles against subzero temperatures, dense jungles and so much more. You will not be able to put this book down!
To see the full review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Join David as he battles against subzero temperatures, dense jungles and so much more. You will not be able to put this book down!
To see the full review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
April 25, 2019
Amazing read, but I have a bone to pick with the editor: the editing process needs working. There was 20 errors for the first 100 pages and it wasn't funny.
June 14, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I am not an avid reader by any stretch of the imagination!. If I start reading a book it needs to draw me in to the story within the first chapter or I am done with that book! He has a writing style that is honest , engaging and humorous at times! It brings you along as David faces the struggles of going through a midlife divorce to climbing Mt. Everett and everything in between! He openly discusses depression and seeking professional help. The excitement of the seven mountains he climbed bring you along as if you are with him on every adventure. I was amazed at how different the challenge of each mountain was to climb. He learns something from each climb in his personal life including his own self esteem which was very low at the start of this journey, trusting others, being the best father, forgiveness and finding love again. This is a MUST READ! If you liked the book" Wild" I think you will enjoy reading this book as well.
October 21, 2020
Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, Carstenz Pyramid, and Everest are words tattooed on Mauro's lower leg. The Altitude Journals by David J Mauro describes the hazardous treks to each of these summits. Mauro is the sixty-fifth American to complete the seven summits. The book begins with Mauro’s biography told from the first-person point of view. He is a chubby kid abandoned by his father, who ultimately makes a successful life for himself to find that he becomes his father and lives his nightmare of a loveless marriage.
The Journals relive Mauro’s path through forests and wastelands over glaciers until his ascent into the clouds. After we survive the emotional and physical anguish of Mauro’s first landing on the summit of Denali Mountain, it is unbelievable that he will put himself through another such venture. He records six more gripping adventures, some of which involved cannibals, leeches, elephants, and lions.
This book educated me about the critical dangers of high altitude mountain climbing and the seven summits' geographical locations. Persons who enjoy outdoor adventures will enjoy reading this book. The Altitude journals morph smoothly into a motivational text as Mauro shares his emotional journey during each of his seven climbs.
As a reader born on a tropical island and having an experience of being cold and unprepared during a hike in 1988 to La Soufriere in St Vincent, I lapped up every detail of Mauro’s first climb to Denali. I thought the playing of volleyball and skateboarding in the glacier mountain was incredible. The only aspect of the book I was not fond of was Mauro’s conversations with his fish and his sentimentality over its death. Mauro’s writing style is engaging; he balances a conversational style with a sophisticated mix of professional climber’s jargon. He also masters the balance between narration and dialogue to produce a page-turner journal.
The stories told of the seven climbs are all emotionally stirring. Each time Mauro and his team summit, I experienced the adrenaline rush that gave them the final energy to reach the summit. Mauro’s talent as an actor translates into his writing skills, so the reader experiences the full-blown drama of his death-defying climbs. Mauro’s narrative brings his readers closer to him as a climber overcoming seemingly huge psychological issues and the team of climbers on each journey that formed unshakeable bonds.
The Journals relive Mauro’s path through forests and wastelands over glaciers until his ascent into the clouds. After we survive the emotional and physical anguish of Mauro’s first landing on the summit of Denali Mountain, it is unbelievable that he will put himself through another such venture. He records six more gripping adventures, some of which involved cannibals, leeches, elephants, and lions.
This book educated me about the critical dangers of high altitude mountain climbing and the seven summits' geographical locations. Persons who enjoy outdoor adventures will enjoy reading this book. The Altitude journals morph smoothly into a motivational text as Mauro shares his emotional journey during each of his seven climbs.
As a reader born on a tropical island and having an experience of being cold and unprepared during a hike in 1988 to La Soufriere in St Vincent, I lapped up every detail of Mauro’s first climb to Denali. I thought the playing of volleyball and skateboarding in the glacier mountain was incredible. The only aspect of the book I was not fond of was Mauro’s conversations with his fish and his sentimentality over its death. Mauro’s writing style is engaging; he balances a conversational style with a sophisticated mix of professional climber’s jargon. He also masters the balance between narration and dialogue to produce a page-turner journal.
The stories told of the seven climbs are all emotionally stirring. Each time Mauro and his team summit, I experienced the adrenaline rush that gave them the final energy to reach the summit. Mauro’s talent as an actor translates into his writing skills, so the reader experiences the full-blown drama of his death-defying climbs. Mauro’s narrative brings his readers closer to him as a climber overcoming seemingly huge psychological issues and the team of climbers on each journey that formed unshakeable bonds.
January 25, 2022
This book was fascinating and enjoyable for a myriad of reasons. I enjoyed the author's writing style immensely and how he shared events from his childhood that many readers would find relatable. He may not have become the Olympic athlete that he had dreamed of as a child, but he reached heights he probably never imagined. I liked the humor that was sprinkled throughout the narrative, how he shared stories of the mistakes he made on the climbs, and his thoughts on divorce were quite evocative. There is a lot in this novel, geography, history, geology, life lessons, the culture of the people in the places he visited, as well as the importance of teamwork and being there for one another.
June 17, 2018
This story about the passion and dedication required to summit the highest peaks on each continent while dealing with personal physical, emotional and spiritual challenges makes for a truly inspiring read. It is a very human narrative with no pretensions; an exceptionally heartwarming and moving tale about mountains both real and metaphorical. Giving great insight into the fortitude, resilience and vulnerability of the author, the account is a rousing journey from beginning to end.
June 10, 2018
You don’t want to miss sharing this journey with Dave Mauro! The personal accounts of climbing the seven highest peaks in the world to find himself make you feel like you are part of the team. This story is about so much more than climbing and travel. It is about defeat, and redemption, about searching and finding meaning, about hurting and healing. You won’t want to put this book down as you explore the world through Dave’s eyes and his heart!
May 13, 2019
My wife and I went to a talk Dave had at our local REI about his experiences with summiting the Seven Summits. After his presentation we had to buy his book and it didn't disappoint. It's a different book about mountaineering. Dave brings a human and humorous side to it. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
May 31, 2018
Excellent. Moving, poignant, succinct yet vivid. 👍👍
June 16, 2018
Great adventure read about the challenges (physical and otherwise) of summiting the highest peak on each continent.
March 4, 2019
Absolutely loved this book.
December 21, 2021
"Along the way, I learned that a person does not come to believe in himself by climbing mountains, but by facing his problems. I learned that the only way to truly experience love is to risk your heart completely."
Words, words that form phrases, strong phrases full of meaning, emotions, pain. This is the book "The Altitude Journals" by David J. Mauro, a book full of emotions, full of such phrases that motivate others to change their lives forever. A book that will make you unable to leave your place, as it will keep you in tremendous agony.
"The Altitude Journals", is a non-fiction adventure novel, which presents the life of David J. Mauro on his journey that lasted seven whole years to the gratest mountains in the world, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, Carstensz Pyramid, and Everest. In these seven years the author tries to overcome the traumatic experiences of the past, to escape as he says from his own demons and to return stronger, to rebuild his life. A divorce and the idea that he now had to raise two boys, shook his life. After moving to his sister's house, he remembered the proposal made to him by his other sister's husband, which was to climb Mount Denali with him. And that's how all it started...
I enjoy the way the author wrote, the way he recorded his personal experiences on a piece of paper, with colour and vibrancy even if they were quite sad. I also really liked that the book contaided photos, this made reading more lively and intense. Another thing I loved about the book is the way David overcame his demons, this can help people who read this book to ward off their own demons.
Honestly, there was nothing that I did not like about this book, but as I read it I noticed that there were several blank pages, and this made reading in electronic form even more difficult. Although, this is not a serious reason to get a star from my final score, I give this book 5 out of 5.
I recommend this book to those who are facing difficulties, the so-called "mountains" which they have to climb to reach the top, whether this route is full of joy or is full of pain and sorrow. In addition, I believe that readers who prefer books with adventure, travel and suspense they will love it. Anyone who would like to engage in mountaineering should definetely read it and finally it is a perfect inspiration to start working on your dreams.
I would like to close with the continuation of the quote written above:"But most of all I learned that every big mountain is really just a lot of little mountains, and they can only be climbed one at a time. What’s more, your ability to climb today’s mountain is largely dependent on whether you found joy in climbing yesterday’s."
(Excerpts:The Altitute Journals, Page 440)
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Words, words that form phrases, strong phrases full of meaning, emotions, pain. This is the book "The Altitude Journals" by David J. Mauro, a book full of emotions, full of such phrases that motivate others to change their lives forever. A book that will make you unable to leave your place, as it will keep you in tremendous agony.
"The Altitude Journals", is a non-fiction adventure novel, which presents the life of David J. Mauro on his journey that lasted seven whole years to the gratest mountains in the world, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, Carstensz Pyramid, and Everest. In these seven years the author tries to overcome the traumatic experiences of the past, to escape as he says from his own demons and to return stronger, to rebuild his life. A divorce and the idea that he now had to raise two boys, shook his life. After moving to his sister's house, he remembered the proposal made to him by his other sister's husband, which was to climb Mount Denali with him. And that's how all it started...
I enjoy the way the author wrote, the way he recorded his personal experiences on a piece of paper, with colour and vibrancy even if they were quite sad. I also really liked that the book contaided photos, this made reading more lively and intense. Another thing I loved about the book is the way David overcame his demons, this can help people who read this book to ward off their own demons.
Honestly, there was nothing that I did not like about this book, but as I read it I noticed that there were several blank pages, and this made reading in electronic form even more difficult. Although, this is not a serious reason to get a star from my final score, I give this book 5 out of 5.
I recommend this book to those who are facing difficulties, the so-called "mountains" which they have to climb to reach the top, whether this route is full of joy or is full of pain and sorrow. In addition, I believe that readers who prefer books with adventure, travel and suspense they will love it. Anyone who would like to engage in mountaineering should definetely read it and finally it is a perfect inspiration to start working on your dreams.
I would like to close with the continuation of the quote written above:"But most of all I learned that every big mountain is really just a lot of little mountains, and they can only be climbed one at a time. What’s more, your ability to climb today’s mountain is largely dependent on whether you found joy in climbing yesterday’s."
(Excerpts:The Altitute Journals, Page 440)
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
May 7, 2021
David J Mauro is a financial planner yearning to seek new opportunities in life outside of his unsupportive marriage. As he opens himself up to be available for these new opportunities, he begins an incredible journey within himself, and the world around him. Facing challenges along the way with equipment malfunction, below freezing temperatures, and physiological threats while never giving up hope.
After receiving an invitation from his brother-in-law and ready for a change, Dave accepts the challenge of climbing his first mountain, MT. Denali. Dave embraces this excursion with excitement as he ventures towards the highest location in North America. This trip will test his strength as he learns to trust his instinct. He has a remarkable way of listening for his calling with each continent he explores. As he interacts with other cultures, Dave builds relationships with those who reside in each location he visits. The love and understanding he is shown from his family forms the support he not only needs, but longs to share in return.
The way this story is described pulls the reader in page after page as you experience this adventure as if you are alongside Dave himself. Each trip offers an experience to learn, discover, and to feel the emotion he carries through with determination. The sense of accomplishment that surrounds the reader sparks inspiration as each chapter leaves you wanting more.
I would recommend this book to those who seek adventure. I would also suggest this book to those who enjoy reading about the reward that determination brings. This book has a documentary feel mixed with authenticity. The anticipation and wonder unfolds beautifully from the beginning to the end. All ages are able to benefit from the curiosity that peeks through to question ones own dreams to conquer. If you have a passion for discovery, this book is for you.
After receiving an invitation from his brother-in-law and ready for a change, Dave accepts the challenge of climbing his first mountain, MT. Denali. Dave embraces this excursion with excitement as he ventures towards the highest location in North America. This trip will test his strength as he learns to trust his instinct. He has a remarkable way of listening for his calling with each continent he explores. As he interacts with other cultures, Dave builds relationships with those who reside in each location he visits. The love and understanding he is shown from his family forms the support he not only needs, but longs to share in return.
The way this story is described pulls the reader in page after page as you experience this adventure as if you are alongside Dave himself. Each trip offers an experience to learn, discover, and to feel the emotion he carries through with determination. The sense of accomplishment that surrounds the reader sparks inspiration as each chapter leaves you wanting more.
I would recommend this book to those who seek adventure. I would also suggest this book to those who enjoy reading about the reward that determination brings. This book has a documentary feel mixed with authenticity. The anticipation and wonder unfolds beautifully from the beginning to the end. All ages are able to benefit from the curiosity that peeks through to question ones own dreams to conquer. If you have a passion for discovery, this book is for you.
May 6, 2018
I am not outdoorsy nor am I a climber, in fact most days I dread climbing the stairs to my front door and yet this book captured my attention from the very first few pages. Dave shares his story in such a personal and insightful way with enough humor sprinkled in that I could not put the book down. It was a wonderful weekend read that sparked inspiration to carry into my week. It's refreshing to read about a man willing to overcome his fear of loving again and the wrongs of his childhood by conquering his fears and trepidation about his physical abilities and laying himself open to us, the readers. You will fall in love with Dave and his book, but sorry ladies, Dave isn't available, but his book is!
August 5, 2020
I've read quite a few mountaineering/climbing books, and this one is among my favorites. Mainly because of the humility and modesty expressed by the author that's rare in the genre. The writing is excellent and entertaining, descriptive and thought-provoking.
May 6, 2018
Loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I laughed, cried tears of joy and became inspired to reach higher. It's an exciting, inspirational, AMAZING adventure, beautiful love story and spiritual emotional journey all in one.
July 13, 2018
There are more nuggets in this book in addition to the author's experiences in climbing the 7 summits.
1 of my favourites is don't mess up with your life just because you are from the humble beginning and suffered bitterness during your formative years; Let those experiences be a stepping stone for you to succeed and help those kids who are suffering as you were in your childhood years.
What I find mind blown to me was "you will only know to what extent is your strength and limits when you are facing those challenges"(paraphrased).
I enjoyed reading Mr Mauro's insights that he received from each mountain he attempted to summit.
Without giving much away, I thank the author and the onlinebookclub.org for this book to be made available to me.
1 of my favourites is don't mess up with your life just because you are from the humble beginning and suffered bitterness during your formative years; Let those experiences be a stepping stone for you to succeed and help those kids who are suffering as you were in your childhood years.
What I find mind blown to me was "you will only know to what extent is your strength and limits when you are facing those challenges"(paraphrased).
I enjoyed reading Mr Mauro's insights that he received from each mountain he attempted to summit.
Without giving much away, I thank the author and the onlinebookclub.org for this book to be made available to me.
May 8, 2018
Both my husband and I read the book in a matter of days (he actually finished it in24 hours).
His words:
This book is a fantastic read. Definitely my favorite mountain climbing book I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down!
For me it was Dave’s vulnerability concerning his emotional journey. So much shared and so much learned.
Favorite quote : “There isn’t much in this life that can’t be lost, taken away, or worn to dust by time,” I told Brian. “But the fact you stood on top of Africa? That can never be taken away.”
His words:
This book is a fantastic read. Definitely my favorite mountain climbing book I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down!
For me it was Dave’s vulnerability concerning his emotional journey. So much shared and so much learned.
Favorite quote : “There isn’t much in this life that can’t be lost, taken away, or worn to dust by time,” I told Brian. “But the fact you stood on top of Africa? That can never be taken away.”
July 1, 2018
Inspirational and entertaining!
What a wonderful story of coming up out of the ashes. Linda and I have been friends for a long time but now live far apart and to see how this love story unfolded and hearing about the costumes at the airport, among other things, made me smile and warmed my heart. Normally, I would comment on what an accomplishment this was, to summit all 7 of those mountains, but instead, I say, “I am so happy that you had the climbing and the writing as catalysts for personal healing”. An inspirational read!
What a wonderful story of coming up out of the ashes. Linda and I have been friends for a long time but now live far apart and to see how this love story unfolded and hearing about the costumes at the airport, among other things, made me smile and warmed my heart. Normally, I would comment on what an accomplishment this was, to summit all 7 of those mountains, but instead, I say, “I am so happy that you had the climbing and the writing as catalysts for personal healing”. An inspirational read!
December 28, 2019
Loved It!
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I do going in, but I was hooked from the first page. Mauro is so relatable and his story is so inspiring, and not just for his accomplishments. This is really a story of hitting rock bottom and finding yourself again. 5 out of 5 stars with no reservations!
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I do going in, but I was hooked from the first page. Mauro is so relatable and his story is so inspiring, and not just for his accomplishments. This is really a story of hitting rock bottom and finding yourself again. 5 out of 5 stars with no reservations!
April 22, 2018
A book that gathers you up and carries you along through each chapter. This is a story that shows you the way without telling you what to do and is enjoyable from every laugh out loud joke and heartwarming celebration. If you've ever had problems, you'll love this book
May 14, 2018
Great read!
A spiritual & inspiring account of one man’s ascent past self doubt to connection, love, and fulfillment. Funny, honest, and gripping, you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy Mauro’s personal story of achieving the seven summits.
A spiritual & inspiring account of one man’s ascent past self doubt to connection, love, and fulfillment. Funny, honest, and gripping, you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy Mauro’s personal story of achieving the seven summits.
January 25, 2019
We are proud to announce that THE ALTITUDE JOURNALS: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
May 1, 2019
Great Adventure Tale,
Even better because it's true. Climbing the highest mountain on each continent is at the heart of the seven summits. Each are different and present their own unique challenges. Great book David Mauro, and even better for letting us come along.
Even better because it's true. Climbing the highest mountain on each continent is at the heart of the seven summits. Each are different and present their own unique challenges. Great book David Mauro, and even better for letting us come along.
April 29, 2020
I think this book is underrated. If you enjoyed Everest(maybe not right word) or other outdoor stories about pushing yourself to your limits, you will enjoy this. Push past the first chapters and it will pull you in.
June 6, 2018
Excellent book that was well written. Many thoughtful insights as well as laugh out loud passages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
September 10, 2018
To view on OnlineBookClub.org: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
January 30, 2019
"You've painted such amazing pictures with your words. Our favorite chapters are #6 Carstans and #7 Everest. You masterfully knocked it out of the park in this adventure of the 7 Summits." ~ J and J
May 17, 2019
Climbing mountains
This was a good book.. I like how each summit represented another life lesson learned. You felt like you were there with him as the story unfolded.
This was a good book.. I like how each summit represented another life lesson learned. You felt like you were there with him as the story unfolded.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews