K2: Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain by Ed Viesturs and David Roberts
How did I find it?
Recently for an informal book club that I'm in we read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer which reignited a childhood fascination with mountaineering. It lead me to just looking at what audiobooks about climbing were available from the library and I found this one on K2-a peak I hadn't ever looked into.
What is it?
Covers some of the most well known expeditions on K2 while highlighting the history of high altitude mountaineering as told by an accomplished mountaineer.
Why do I like it?
That childhood interest - in Everest particularly - was due to one of my cousins being a mountain guide. He's climbed many peaks, including Everest (several times) which automatically made him the coolest person I knew as a child. After I read Into Thin Air I called him to chat about some of my questions as well as inform him I thought he was crazy for doing this as hobby and occupation his whole life. After reading this book I immediately texted him to apologize, because I learned just how dangerous it could have been.
Viesturs and Roberts did a great job covering the history of expeditions that lead to summiting this terrifying mountain in a way that, while technical, is easy enough for the average person to follow. And the personal experience that Ed Viesturs is able to bring to the table makes it feel deeper and more impactful. By the end of the book I really felt like I had a better understanding of my cousin and his passion for these great peaks.
Overall I feel that this is a compelling nonfiction book, and I will definitely be recommending it to friends in the future as well as seeking out the other books that Viesturs has authored.