When I picked up the cover of this book, I said, "A third book from RAs about Climbing Everest? hmmm..." The Kid Who Climbed Everest had one definitive twist, the story of a twenty-three year-old climbing the mountain. Interesting to note too it was written by the guy (Bear Grylls) who was in that TV show Man vs. Wild. Grylls, whom is known as “Bear” and we learn why in the book, decides after a near fatal fall from an Army parachute expedition to “go for the gusto” after a six month rehabilitation process. Grylls somehow raises the necessary monies to be sponsored for the trip when at the last moment a corporate sponsor came forward (Surprising that Grylls doesn’t mention his family’s political power in Britain, as he is the son of Sir Michael Grylls - which I’m sure didn’t hurt!). Bear’s expedition involved nearly four months on Everest's southeast face and he faced one near disaster after almost falling into a crevasse when he wasn't really paying attention. This lesson served a stark reminder of the realities of climbing the mountain. The close bonds and relationships that develop in such close quarters and relying on your colleagues to get you through each step of the way was nicely conveyed in the book. The daily challenges and the frustration of weather and illness demonstrate how luck plays the largest factor in those who make the summit, those who come back alive and those who don’t. Compared to the other two I read about Everest, this one does not give as much detail to the intricacies of each level and the moment to moment crisis that occur. If you are into the Everest challenge, you’ll enjoy this one. I feel that after reading three of these, I should attempt a climb...NOT! I’m actually afraid of heights, another interesting fact of mine!
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