Into Thin Air


By: Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer, author of three books, provides readers with a
suspenseful and riveting non- fiction drama with Into Thin Air.
The novel describes Krakauer and his experience on Everest.Krakauer has climbed many mountains before, but none compare to the challenge that lies ahead on Everest. This is Krakauer’s first time ever stepping on Everest. As Krakauer starts to ascend toward the summit, he begins to realize how extreme the climb is. Krakauer also begins to realize that the fight and struggle is all worth it for a chance to reach the top of the world. He examines what it is about Everest that has motivated so many people, including himself to throw caution to the wind, ignore concerned loved ones, and voluntarily subject themselves to such risk, privation, and expense.
Krakauer tells us about the other climbers on this expedition to Everest. These people include Rob Hall and the 9 other climbers on his team. He also shares how he met many climbers on Scott Fischer’s team when Rob and Scott decided to join the two groups. Each climber had their own reason to climb, but they all shared the same goal, to reach the summit. But the only way it is possible to reach the top is to stay on time with the head Sherpa’s schedule. Krakauer informs his readers of the dangers that occur when being even slightly off schedule on Everest. He warns us about the weakness and exhaustion that is shown in each climber from climbing for so long, and how each person must find the strength to go both up and down the massive mountain.
With so many climbers, not all can withstand the deadly conditions that occur throughout the expedition. Krakauer shows us how not enough oxygen, energy, or strength can cause you to shut down as the trek continues. The author knows how to use his words in order to build up suspense and mystery in the story. He makes the readers wonder who will be the strongest and weakest. Also, Krakauer allows us to understand and completely absorb each character in depth and what their intentions are on climbing Everest.
Written in the late 90’s, this is one of Krakauer’s early books and one of the first that include his mountaineering experiences. The audience becomes absorbed into this page turner and cliff hanging book making it challenging not to keep reading.