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Facing Up: A Remarkable Journey to the Summit of Mount Everest
"No Western climber or even any Sherpas had been this high, so far this year. We were treading on virgin territory on the ever-changing surface of the glacier. The excitement welled up, and I felt strong. Here I was with those I knew so well, alone and isolated in the rawness and wonder of nature; and it made me feel good." Facing Up tells the remarkable story of Bear Grylls' ascent of Everest, making him, at the age of 23, the youngest British climber to survive the adventure. Bear is at sometimes quirky and at others reflexive in his account of his months on Everest. "Nobody minds pain occasionally, but the prospect of being at my wit's end for the next two months terrifies me". Bear battles against all the odds in the pursuit of his childhood dream--to stand on the summit of the world. Somewhat akin to an emotional roller coaster, Bear shares his elation and his despair, from standing on the summit, to swinging precariously in a crevasse in the Icefall. We are witness to the loss off hope being swept aside by grim determination and a restored faith; the pain and discomfort are quashed by his spirit, sense of humour and eccentricity. Written in an amazingly personable style, incorporating extracts from his diary and select photos from his expedition, Facing Up takes you every extraordinary step of the way. This book is a must for climbers and adventurers everywhere; a remarkable tale.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2000
46 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Bear Grylls
314 books955 followersBear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over £2.5million for children around the world. In recognition of his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including To My Sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 2, 2010
The beginning was a little rough, but once he got going, Bear did not disappoint. I read Jon Krakaur's account of the tragic 1996 season on Everest years ago, but came away from it without any real sense of what it's actually like to climb Everest--only what it's like to be up on Everest in the midst of one disaster after another. In Facing Up, however, Bear Grylls does a really excellent job of explaining what it's like the rest of the time--the climbing back and forth between camps, the waiting, the fear and anticipation and excitement, the dealing with other people, the dangers, the bad food, the physical toll the mountain takes on the body... And he's funny and honest about it--sometimes brutally, awkwardly, too-much-informationally so. It in no way made me want to attempt to climb Everest myself, but it helped me to understand why people do it, and I really admire those people greatly--especially those who manage to turn themselves back without attaining their goal after they've invested so much time and expense and hard work in their effort to reach the summit, when pushing on would almost certainly mean death. Bear Grylls may not be the best writer out there, but I think his honesty, humor and humility are far more compelling to me than Krakauer's journalistic prowess. Well done, Bear!
February 17, 2020
What a great book. There is so much to learn from it. I will probably never understand why people would put their life at stake to climb Everest. Even though this idea is not that tempting to me, the book totally communicated Bear's emotions and his state of mind. It is so motivating to see him fight every small and big battle with such courage and self-trust.
However, I wish there was a more detailed explanation of his mental and physical state after the Africa incident; it would have surely helped in adding more sentiments to his achievement.
However, I wish there was a more detailed explanation of his mental and physical state after the Africa incident; it would have surely helped in adding more sentiments to his achievement.
June 8, 2019
"If I have learnt a deep understanding of anything, it is this. Everest never has been nor ever will be conquered. It is what makes the mountain so special."
-Bear Grylls after his successful ascent of Mt. Everest on May 26, 1998.
This is basically a story of struggling towards a dream-the extent you have to endure in order to achieve it. In this case, the dream is the peak of Mt. Everest.
I loved how Bear Grylls managed to get on top of the world through sheer determination with the help of his friends and his deep faith in God. He has been one of the people I looked up to since I was very young but now, having read my first book of his, I now declare him my role model, and by this I want to be like him, adventurous and ever faithful to our loving Creator.
It's a remarkable book that everyone should read because not only will it take you into an adventure of a lifetime, it's also informative in a way that's casual which I don't think would feel the same if you read it on some magazine or science book elsewhere-although truth be told, I haven't really perused any material on the Everest, only what I could learn from school and from the net. When I closed the book at the end of my reading, I conjured the thought of Mt. Everest in my head and what I saw were men and women who fought against the harsh environment and their own internal struggles, instead of just the mountain. Mt. Everest is no more than just the highest mountain on earth to me but a place of dreams for the brave, humble, chosen ones.
-Bear Grylls after his successful ascent of Mt. Everest on May 26, 1998.
This is basically a story of struggling towards a dream-the extent you have to endure in order to achieve it. In this case, the dream is the peak of Mt. Everest.
I loved how Bear Grylls managed to get on top of the world through sheer determination with the help of his friends and his deep faith in God. He has been one of the people I looked up to since I was very young but now, having read my first book of his, I now declare him my role model, and by this I want to be like him, adventurous and ever faithful to our loving Creator.
It's a remarkable book that everyone should read because not only will it take you into an adventure of a lifetime, it's also informative in a way that's casual which I don't think would feel the same if you read it on some magazine or science book elsewhere-although truth be told, I haven't really perused any material on the Everest, only what I could learn from school and from the net. When I closed the book at the end of my reading, I conjured the thought of Mt. Everest in my head and what I saw were men and women who fought against the harsh environment and their own internal struggles, instead of just the mountain. Mt. Everest is no more than just the highest mountain on earth to me but a place of dreams for the brave, humble, chosen ones.
August 10, 2022
I'm in an in-between phase of reading where my interests are shifting and I'm not quite sure what my favourite genres are. I've got to say though, I do love an Everest book. Reading about people pushing their bodies to (and sadly often past) the brink in bitter unimaginable cold is something else. Purposely going somewhere your body physically cannot survive for long, where many have died before you - it's a certain kind of crazy. Never say never and all that, but one of the things I am most sure about is that I will never climb Everest. I don’t have the dedication, the bravery, the stomach, the focus or (not least!) the skills, and I like my bed too much. Reading about Bear having to get out of his tent at 4am, into the blistering conditions, that was painful for me.
I have so much admiration for those that attempt extreme climbs like Everest. I learn alot from their accounts about mental strength, pushing boundaries, persevering, releasing perfection (because it’s not a pretty experience) and living in the moment (because you have to). But in this book Bear Grylls also acknowledges the wisdom in turning back, in knowing your limits, the courage it takes to not risk it all to get to the top. Facing Up is vivid and detailed, emotional and gripping. Unlike me with this review, Bear manages to make this book not about him. His humility in the face of the mountain and his respect for all those he climbed with enriches the story to no end.
I have so much admiration for those that attempt extreme climbs like Everest. I learn alot from their accounts about mental strength, pushing boundaries, persevering, releasing perfection (because it’s not a pretty experience) and living in the moment (because you have to). But in this book Bear Grylls also acknowledges the wisdom in turning back, in knowing your limits, the courage it takes to not risk it all to get to the top. Facing Up is vivid and detailed, emotional and gripping. Unlike me with this review, Bear manages to make this book not about him. His humility in the face of the mountain and his respect for all those he climbed with enriches the story to no end.
July 13, 2023
Note to Self: You are lucky that you are broke and lazy enough to not want to climb the Everest ever. It is a blessing in disguise.
"If you weren't going to make the summit and back in that time, you had to have the self-discipline to turn around. But discipline can get blurred when the summit is in sight; it is why people die."
That quote up there tells you exactly why climbing the Everest is a challenge. It isn’t about mountaineering skills or physical attributes required (because a lot of the other Himalayan peaks require way more technical climbing skills). It is more about the mental capability to not let ego supersede your common sense. It is probably what intrigues me the most while reading these Everest books.
This is a detailed account of Bear Grylls climbing the Everest. I did not know he had climbed the Everest or the fact that he did it 2 years after suffering a spinal injury during his time in the Military. I liked how detailed this book was without getting monotonous or info-dumpy. IF you’re curious about something other than the technical details, like how folks go to the toilet for the 2 months they trek, what they eat, how do they acclimatize to the 8000m+ altitudes, then this is the book for you.
Intriguing and inspiring throughout!
"If you weren't going to make the summit and back in that time, you had to have the self-discipline to turn around. But discipline can get blurred when the summit is in sight; it is why people die."
That quote up there tells you exactly why climbing the Everest is a challenge. It isn’t about mountaineering skills or physical attributes required (because a lot of the other Himalayan peaks require way more technical climbing skills). It is more about the mental capability to not let ego supersede your common sense. It is probably what intrigues me the most while reading these Everest books.
This is a detailed account of Bear Grylls climbing the Everest. I did not know he had climbed the Everest or the fact that he did it 2 years after suffering a spinal injury during his time in the Military. I liked how detailed this book was without getting monotonous or info-dumpy. IF you’re curious about something other than the technical details, like how folks go to the toilet for the 2 months they trek, what they eat, how do they acclimatize to the 8000m+ altitudes, then this is the book for you.
Intriguing and inspiring throughout!
March 12, 2025
I really liked this book. I didn’t know this story about Bear and have a different perspective of him now, as I’ve only seen his present day tv show. A very determined man full of life.
Bear does an amazing job of getting into the small details of Base camp life and on the climb itself like going to the bathroom, the crowded tents, and the endless waiting for the weather window for them to climb. For a mountaineering book this is not the norm.
His writing style is simplistic but brutally honest about all the emotions that he, and probably a lot of others, go through when one is tackling one of the toughest personal challenges that one can go thru.
The description of the climbs up and down from the camps and the actual climb itself was really fascinating and gave a good perspective of the emotional and physical toll this endeavour can have on someone.
I also didn’t mind his occasional religious thoughts as I felt it made one understand the man that much more.
Bear does an amazing job of getting into the small details of Base camp life and on the climb itself like going to the bathroom, the crowded tents, and the endless waiting for the weather window for them to climb. For a mountaineering book this is not the norm.
His writing style is simplistic but brutally honest about all the emotions that he, and probably a lot of others, go through when one is tackling one of the toughest personal challenges that one can go thru.
The description of the climbs up and down from the camps and the actual climb itself was really fascinating and gave a good perspective of the emotional and physical toll this endeavour can have on someone.
I also didn’t mind his occasional religious thoughts as I felt it made one understand the man that much more.
March 4, 2012
When writing a book about climbing Everest you already score 10/10 just for the subject. Come on, this is Everest - the highest mountain in the world - what's not to like ? So the only thing you can do is lose points for poor writing. Thankfully Bear doesn't lose points for his account of life on the mountain, the anticipation, the fear, the wanting, waiting but never really knowing...
At the end of the book I'm still not sure whether this is really a "journey you take" or an "ordeal you survive". But, sitting in the comfort of my home I am strangely torn between wanting to find out - to experience that adrenaline filled moment when you reach the summit - and not being able to accept the risks and such an attempt presents.
I have great admiration for anyone who takes their first steps with the aim of reaching the top of Everest. There is much cynicism in the press about younger and less capable people being on the mountain, but after reading this I account I feel that anyone who makes it to the top must do so largely under their own efforts - for there's little assistance that those around them will be capable of giving. Or maybe I just like to believe in others ? I think I'm unlikely to find out for myself.
At the end of the book I'm still not sure whether this is really a "journey you take" or an "ordeal you survive". But, sitting in the comfort of my home I am strangely torn between wanting to find out - to experience that adrenaline filled moment when you reach the summit - and not being able to accept the risks and such an attempt presents.
I have great admiration for anyone who takes their first steps with the aim of reaching the top of Everest. There is much cynicism in the press about younger and less capable people being on the mountain, but after reading this I account I feel that anyone who makes it to the top must do so largely under their own efforts - for there's little assistance that those around them will be capable of giving. Or maybe I just like to believe in others ? I think I'm unlikely to find out for myself.
August 6, 2022
Jedna z nejlepsich knizek, co jsem kdy cetl. Ackoli “jak to dopadne” clovek vi hned z prvnich kapitol ci znalosti autora, pribehy jeho kolegu, jeho pocity a obsahly pribeh celkove vypravy bohate prevrsi uspech ze zdolani Mt Everestu.
Knizka zaroven obsahuje pribehy horolezcu, kteri museli vzdat vystup par desitek metru pod vrcholem a zachranili si zivot, coz nazorne ukazuje, ze pokazde nejde dosahnout vytyceneho cile.
Zaroven kazda kapitola zacina peknym poucnym prislovim.
Asi nejrychlejsi prectena kniha, cetl jsem ji vetsinou v prirode po boku svy pritelkyne, takze i v peknem prostredi a myslim, ze ji nectu naposled. Jasna 5/5
Knizka zaroven obsahuje pribehy horolezcu, kteri museli vzdat vystup par desitek metru pod vrcholem a zachranili si zivot, coz nazorne ukazuje, ze pokazde nejde dosahnout vytyceneho cile.
Zaroven kazda kapitola zacina peknym poucnym prislovim.
Asi nejrychlejsi prectena kniha, cetl jsem ji vetsinou v prirode po boku svy pritelkyne, takze i v peknem prostredi a myslim, ze ji nectu naposled. Jasna 5/5
October 25, 2018
I cannot recommend this book enough! The honest, humble narrative keeps you hooked throughout the book. The humour continues throughout, even in the most dangerous situations. I love that it is all real, yet so exciting! This is a definite must-read for everyone, particularly if you like climbing, hiking and trekking or love the mountains.
August 26, 2020
Inspiring and spell binding
December 7, 2020
Brilliant.
May 19, 2021
This is wonderful work by Bear Grylls and a must read for adventure enthusiast. It feels like the author is taking along you along to summit as turn the pages of the book !!
August 16, 2023
A really gripping account of the shear danger but excitement of climbing the worlds most hospitable mountain, great book !
Read
September 18, 2025Such an insight into one of the toughest things to physically do on this earth! Yet Bear makes tou smile through the anguish and torture!
October 22, 2023
A remarkable book by a remarkable man. Borrowed from a British friend because I was curious about their chief scout, not expecting overly much, but I was pleasantly surprised. It turned out to be a well written, fascinating story. I learned a lot about mt Everest-expeditions too. Recommended!
July 23, 2022
"'Did you find God on the mountain?' The answer is no. You don't have to climb a big mountain to find a faith... It is a wonderful thing about God; He is always there, wherever you are."
This book has just really transported me to Everest. I would wake up and would tell my brain that I wasn't in a tent, freezing in the cold, and waiting for water to boil up. This was just an engaging read for me and how well it also put my hiking experiences into words.
"There was a raw simplicity in what I was doing. My mind was entirely focused on every move I made; nothing else clogged my thoughts. It is this straight simplicity that I knew drew men and women to climb. Man is living to his utmost, straining everything towards one single purpose. It made me feel alive."
And I couldn't agree more with that paragraph in the book. Whenever I go for a climb, each step I take to reach the peak would always be two voices arguing in my head; the other regretting it and the other shushing the other voice down so we can concentrate on our steps. No other thoughts.
This book has taught me that acknowledging your limits is one of the bravest choices to make. Life is still what matters for everyone in the end. If the dream, goal or task only sucks away life, then it's ok to find a new path or try again until the time is right. We only get second chances when we're alive.
I admire everyone who attempted and attempts to go up this mountain. For me, the book helped me realized that it is not just about reaching the summit, that it's the overall experience of meeting other brave men and women, witnessing their courage, perseverance, and resilience.
I would never attempt to climb Everest, but if there's a reason why, it's because I want to meet these people.
"Be not afraid of moving slowly, only of standing still." - Chinese proverb
Just thankful to my special guy for sending me this book, and allowed me to experience what he has experienced when he read it.
December 29, 2011
Bear Grylls is always looked up by me,One day shuffling through the books at the book store, my eyes contoured along the edges of many books scanning desperately for something to match up with my to-read list..I never deliberately as much as looked at the non-fiction corner but there the name stood out ...And all i know is i have to read it.
Whilst i purchased it and got back to my room to start reading it I was wondering the possibility of Bear (The guy from the man vs wild show!!) sitting and writing a book and the first thing my mind howled at me was 'Ghosted' and my face got pale ,but i still wanted to read it anyways.. From as much as i can judge it ,its not ghosted ..It has too much raw truth narrated without any sort of screening,Only possible to him. As quoted in the book a true mountaineer will have certain qualities -'They are Truthful,distinguished and modest'
I always start the book slowly setting up everything in proper place in mind ,so the first hundred pages are always at my slowest pace just as the Everest climbers have to acclimatize and after that i read the book in a single stretch and reached the crowning summit,The book not even for a whisk of a moment got me bored or made me feel like i'm not there.And only such sense of humor as his can make it so natural reading about an adventure of this scale.If its not inspiring to you it will at least be remarkable and educative,I never learned more about Everest anywhere else and enjoyed it as such anyways.
Whilst i purchased it and got back to my room to start reading it I was wondering the possibility of Bear (The guy from the man vs wild show!!) sitting and writing a book and the first thing my mind howled at me was 'Ghosted' and my face got pale ,but i still wanted to read it anyways.. From as much as i can judge it ,its not ghosted ..It has too much raw truth narrated without any sort of screening,Only possible to him. As quoted in the book a true mountaineer will have certain qualities -'They are Truthful,distinguished and modest'
I always start the book slowly setting up everything in proper place in mind ,so the first hundred pages are always at my slowest pace just as the Everest climbers have to acclimatize and after that i read the book in a single stretch and reached the crowning summit,The book not even for a whisk of a moment got me bored or made me feel like i'm not there.And only such sense of humor as his can make it so natural reading about an adventure of this scale.If its not inspiring to you it will at least be remarkable and educative,I never learned more about Everest anywhere else and enjoyed it as such anyways.
December 16, 2021
When I started to read this book, I was hooked right away. The factor of fear and suspicious really set the tone for this book too. I think that it was a very good book to read! As Bear Grylls attempted and succeeded to climb mount Everest, being the youngest man (at the time) to summit Mount Everest. Just at 23 years of age this British man faced so many hard trials when summited this dangerous mountain. I think that these are really interesting books because it is like a journal entry, and it is constantly showing how they were feeling. It helped me to connect a lot more to the book because I could relate to a few of the minor things he felt! One of my favorite quotes from the book was actually his favorite quote. "Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong." I love that quote because it really showed me that facing up is the only option. There is not a million directions, just up and down. The way that you look is the way that you go. I think that goes along with the theme really well. What you put in is what you get out. The way that Bear put his all into everything, even with his group of explorers struggling, he was able to press on. And because of his preparation, there was many things that helped and benefited him that others may have not done. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure. It kept me hooked from the first page - to the last. I think that this book is awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2016
Most Autobiographies are boring. Lets be real. Not Bear Grylls. The whole time you felt like you were right there with him, and he doesn't just tell you the big moments about his summit, he tells you the little things that let you know the joy and the pain of what he went through. I read this right around the time I watched Everest, and this was better. The movie was just about the people, the story was about the people AND how you climb everest. It showed all the details of what it takes to climb Everest without ever being dull. I never though, "Ok, Bear I've heard about all the gear you needed," no, I felt involved it what he was doing the whole time.
If you like Bear Grylls, Outdoor Adventures, or just fun uplifting stories then read this book.
If you like Bear Grylls, Outdoor Adventures, or just fun uplifting stories then read this book.
August 27, 2012
An absolutely incredible book about mountains, adventure and in the same time a book about life, dreams and overcoming your physical and psychological limits. The book is centred around Bear Grylls' 1998 expedition of reaching summit Everest at only 23 years old.
December 23, 2021
Took so long to get into this amazing story but worth it. The effort ,determination and strength if character was amazing and left me with an enduro respect for these mad mountain climbers.
January 17, 2022
The best Everest account I have read so far. Great insight on what it is like to actually climb the mountain.
October 20, 2018
An interesting read, this one. The voice of a young twenty-something, with it's enthusiasm and thirsty-for-life attitude could, ironically enough, get really old really quickly. Refreshingly however, he never comes across as a cocky kid, but as someone who's experienced enough in his life to keep him thankful and determined. That's a great place to start from when you're climbing to the top of the world. The book is a little slow to get off the ground as he talks about getting everything ready but thinking about it now, it fits in well with the rest of the book in that he really conveys clearly how long everything takes. From getting sponsors, to getting to base camp, to the constant back and forth to higher camps to adjust to the altitude, to waiting around for days and weeks for the weather to change, etc. But it's never boring. It's the best book I've read so far that makes me feel like I have a better understanding of how it actually works, day to day, living in camps on a mountain and what exactly is involved when they go for it. Glad I read it, glad he wrote it. Would be interesting to see how his writing style changes as he's got older. I'm not really tempted to read anything else he's written so far but maybe I should. Would be interesting to compare.
If you've never read any mountain climbing books, I think this is a great one to take out for a test drive.
If you've never read any mountain climbing books, I think this is a great one to take out for a test drive.
January 14, 2024
When writing a book about climbing Everest you already score 10/10 just for the subject. Come on, this is Everest - the highest mountain in the world - what's not to like ? So the only thing you can do is lose points for poor writing. Thankfully Bear doesn't lose points for his account of life on the mountain, the anticipation, the fear, the wanting, waiting but never really knowing...
At the end of the book I'm still not sure whether this is really a "journey you take" or an "ordeal you survive". But, sitting in the comfort of my home I am strangely torn between wanting to find out - to experience that adrenaline filled moment when you reach the summit - and not being able to accept the risks and such an attempt presents.
I have great admiration for anyone who takes their first steps with the aim of reaching the top of Everest. There is much cynicism in the press about younger and less capable people being on the mountain, but after reading this I account I feel that anyone who makes it to the top must do so largely under their own efforts - for there's little assistance that those around them will be capable of giving. Or maybe I just like to believe in others ? I think I'm unlikely to find out for myself.
At the end of the book I'm still not sure whether this is really a "journey you take" or an "ordeal you survive". But, sitting in the comfort of my home I am strangely torn between wanting to find out - to experience that adrenaline filled moment when you reach the summit - and not being able to accept the risks and such an attempt presents.
I have great admiration for anyone who takes their first steps with the aim of reaching the top of Everest. There is much cynicism in the press about younger and less capable people being on the mountain, but after reading this I account I feel that anyone who makes it to the top must do so largely under their own efforts - for there's little assistance that those around them will be capable of giving. Or maybe I just like to believe in others ? I think I'm unlikely to find out for myself.
January 18, 2022
[PTBR] Incrível. Em determinados momentos desse livro, eu fiquei com as mãos suando e uma ansiedade muito grande de saber o que aconteceria. Eu já sabia o que ia acontecer mas mesmo assim, a forma que Bear conta a história é fantástica. É um relato muito pessoal sobre auto-superação, amizade e algumas vezes sobre sua visão religiosa da escalada do Everest. O começo no qual ele descreve o seu acidente de paraquedas e o processo de recuperação é bastante interessante e eu achei que ao longo do livro ele sempre se lembraria do seu acidente e o que poderia acontecer com suas costas "recuperadas" na escalada. Ele só volta a falar sobre isso em uma das últimas páginas. Poxa, foi a história que abriu o livro, achei que ele amarraria melhor no final. Mas mesmo assim, é uma descrição muito divertida e que dá vontade de fazer algum esporte de alta performance para sentir a mesma sensação, ou algo muito próximo, do que ele sentiu com o cansaço, a desidratação, o medo e no final a felicidade de atingir algo muito grande.
June 26, 2023
This book was a 5* even before I started reading the book, just for the theme. How could I rate a book about real life adventure on the top of the world anything less?
The book justified the rating as Bear Grylls gives the complete details of his journey to the Summit of Mt. Everest. I could vicariously feel his fear, hope, triumph, when he describes the trek through the treacherous path. For me, the reference point for Everest Adventure was 'Into Thin Air' by John Kraukeur. While that book completely focused on the 1996 disaster, it lacked the details of this extremely difficult trek and somehow except for the last part, it felt like an easy feat.
But Bear's book provides all the details of the preparation, the trek back and forth between camps, the maddening wait, physical discomforts, the lack of basic facilities - oxygen, food, water and shelter. He even tells how difficult it is to start using the oxygen mask. He almost lost his life twice, but his perseverance was amazing. He knew it was his only chance because of the exorbitant costs. (He didn't know then he would become synonymous to 'Adventure' and there would be rich Corporations tripping over one another to sponsor Bear Grylls)
This is an informative and inspiring book.
The book justified the rating as Bear Grylls gives the complete details of his journey to the Summit of Mt. Everest. I could vicariously feel his fear, hope, triumph, when he describes the trek through the treacherous path. For me, the reference point for Everest Adventure was 'Into Thin Air' by John Kraukeur. While that book completely focused on the 1996 disaster, it lacked the details of this extremely difficult trek and somehow except for the last part, it felt like an easy feat.
But Bear's book provides all the details of the preparation, the trek back and forth between camps, the maddening wait, physical discomforts, the lack of basic facilities - oxygen, food, water and shelter. He even tells how difficult it is to start using the oxygen mask. He almost lost his life twice, but his perseverance was amazing. He knew it was his only chance because of the exorbitant costs. (He didn't know then he would become synonymous to 'Adventure' and there would be rich Corporations tripping over one another to sponsor Bear Grylls)
This is an informative and inspiring book.
May 30, 2017
Having read ‘Mud, Sweat and Tears’ I was hoping for rather better with this and it delivers. Grylls certainly does not have the writing ability of Jon Krakauer but it is an absorbing and exciting read. The story is told in a very easy-to-read fashion. Even though you know the end result it is quite a ride.
Let’s be honest here. Mr Grylls comes from a very privileged background which always helps in these types of events and although he talks about not having much money and an old banger of a car the money is there as a very nice safety cushion. This means he can go trekking in the Himalayas at the age of 18 or all round the world doing what he enjoys but for all of that it takes some doing to do what he did at such a young age.
It is just an amazing feat. I found the whole acclimatization factor fascinating and the length of time they were at Everest was extraordinary.
Let’s be honest here. Mr Grylls comes from a very privileged background which always helps in these types of events and although he talks about not having much money and an old banger of a car the money is there as a very nice safety cushion. This means he can go trekking in the Himalayas at the age of 18 or all round the world doing what he enjoys but for all of that it takes some doing to do what he did at such a young age.
It is just an amazing feat. I found the whole acclimatization factor fascinating and the length of time they were at Everest was extraordinary.
February 24, 2024
This isn't my usual type of book but was bought as a gift prior to setting off for Everest Base Camp myself. Having started reading it when I came back and was missing the freedom of the mountain life it flooded my head with memories of the places, thoughts and feelings that were mentioned.
Despite knowing the outcome on if Bear makes the summit I found myself hooked wanting to read just one more page and it quickly became a book that I didn't want to put down, especially the further into Bear's journey I got. The beginning is a little slow but I think that is a reflection of how the preparation and the journey to the summit is and is definitely made up for. This book gives a true sense of what happened that almost made me feel like I was there and is full of twists and challenges that a mountain like Everest throws at you.
Despite knowing the outcome on if Bear makes the summit I found myself hooked wanting to read just one more page and it quickly became a book that I didn't want to put down, especially the further into Bear's journey I got. The beginning is a little slow but I think that is a reflection of how the preparation and the journey to the summit is and is definitely made up for. This book gives a true sense of what happened that almost made me feel like I was there and is full of twists and challenges that a mountain like Everest throws at you.
May 12, 2020
I probably wouldn't have read this book except it was recommended to me - I would have thought it would be full of technical details about the climb - it isn't. It's really well written, very engaging, honest and very much about Bear Gryll's personal journey as he climbs Everest - with enough details of the climb to keep mountaineers and would-be summiters (if that's a word!) happy! I didn't even know BG had attempted to summit Everest - but he did at just 23 years of age. Well worth a read.
May 30, 2020
There is something compelling about the way Bear describes his experience. It may not be the most well written book ever, but once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. It lacks the journalistic detail of Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, and also thankfully, the painful tragedy of the 1996 climbers, but conveys a lot in its simplicity. The ever present sense of nervousness and fear can be felt throughout the book. The majesty of the surroundings is also not lost on the readers. All in all, a really good read.
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