Consensio’s Top 3 Reads for World Book Day
Today is World Book Day and a seemingly fitting opportunity for us to share a few of Consensio’s favourite reads. The creme of the crop; these top three picks are inspiring tales that capture the often fatal and ominous allure of the mountain. Emphasising our innate capacity to endure pain when faced with survival. Telling of courageous human experiences in life or death situations, they are stories that reveal the strength and determination of the human spirit, while serving as a powerful reminder of our helplessness in the hands of mother nature.
Originally published: 1997
Author: Jon Krakauer
Genre: Non-fiction
Awards: New York Times 10 Best Books of the Year
Jon Krakauer is a mountain climber and author. In 1996 Krakauer he joined a summit climb to research an article about the commercialisation of Everest. Yet in the tragic events that unfolded, Krakauer’s article evolved into a personal reflection on one of the most fatal Everest expeditions in history. His controversial story details the decisions and conditions leading to the catastrophic outcome of the climb. He alleges that the competitive rivalry to the summit between guide agencies sometimes led to the compromise of essential safety methods. Extensively researched, Krakauer has interviewed all survivors of the expedition and reflects on his own survivor’s guilt. Undeterred from detailing the events of the climb- be they heroic, selfish or tragic- his story is definitely worth a read.
Originally published: 1988
Author: Joe Simpson
Genre: Biography
Awards: NCR Book Award
When two climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are struck by disaster during a summit climb in the Peruvian Andes, a gruelling story of survival prevails. After reaching a 21,000-foot peak, Simpson falls from an ice ledge breaking his leg. Still attached to Yates, Simpson is left dangling on a rope in the darkness. As a storm descends and a blizzard rages, Yates is forced to cut the rope or face being pulled to his own death.
This story is epic, unveiling the torment both men endure in making it off the mountain alive. With the making of anyone’s worst nightmare, it is the ultimate depiction of human survival and a poignant testament to unshakable courage and friendship.
Author: Josh Sundquist
Genre: Biography
Originally published: May 3, 2010
At the young age of nine, Josh Sunquist was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma – an aggressive cancer that resulted in the loss of his leg. With his whole life ahead of him, Josh is confronted with the overwhelming challenge of rediscovering how to use his body and live a life without his limb. From one hospital to the next, Josh walks you through his exhausting road to recovery, talking of his personal turmoil and the strain on his family. Then in one pivotal moment, he finds himself upon a mountain facing down a run and attempts the first of many skis.
This book conjures up so many emotions. It is an inspirational tearjerker that leaves you in awe of Josh’s accomplishment as a Paralympian. His determination is something you wish you could bottle and his courage is something you could only hope to possess somewhere deep within. This is a must-read for those gloomy days when you need a reminder that life is what you make it.
