Mt. Everest Disaster unfolds dramatically albeit slowly

Seattle-based author’s first person account of the tragedy that occurred in 1996 lives up to most of the acclaim it has received. I found it hard to get through the first 8 chapters as Jon describes the personalities involved and the various teams climbing  mt. everest in1996 and also the acclamitization runs.  But after chapter 9, the story  reaches a  pulse-pounding speed and a style so vivid that you feel as if you are on the mountain with Jon. There are some really heart-rending moments, such as when Helen is begging Hall to descend immediately (p244).  The story proves why high altitude climbing is such a lethal mix of thrill-seeking and risk-taking.  It is a must-read book, no question.