At the Mercy of the Mountains: True Stories of Survival and Tragedy in New York's Adirondacks

You don't have to have knowledge of the Adirondacks to love this book. I have never been there and don't know anything about them, but still found this book a wonderful read. What I found most incredible is the amount of research and intervieweing that went into it. Each story held so much useful and clear detail that I felt I got a true sense of the atmosphere and events as they unfolded. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure reads, especially true ones.

Peter Bronski's collection of survival stories is riveting. Beginning with an introduction discussing the unique history and characteristics that are the Adirondacks, Bronski sets the tone for some amazing and harrowing true stories. The infamous 1995 `blowdown' (derecho) is witnessed by several campers, where tornado-like microburst combined with thousands of lightning strikes terrifies the region. The storm leaves campers stranded in a mix of tangled trees piled like matchsticks. Four young men on a winter hiking trip suddenly experience a fast regional thaw and watch as several feet of snow turn to slush, suddenly flooding their lean-to and leaving them to hike over treacherous lakes and rivers that can't hold their weight. An experienced pilot and his wife crash their small plane into a mountainside, barely surviving, only to find themselves miles from nowhere. These are just some of the stories that the author brings to life, some old and some recent. The most striking aspect this collection is the emphasis on search and rescue (SAR) in conjunction with the survivors ordeals. There are numerous missing persons mentioned over the years, some found and some lost forever. Instead of dwelling on morbid or gory descriptions, Bronksi focuses on the survivors and those that risk their lives to save others. Sometimes remnants of a lost hiker are found years later. Sometimes the family never gives up the search. This book is an instant classic and a must read for any outdoor enthusiast, especially if they travel in the Adirondacks.

My mother is from this area, and I have gone up my whole life (mid 40s) and this is the BEST book I think I have ever read about this area of the Adirondacks. A wonderful book - cannot recommend enough!!

I was aware, at least in part,of most of these stories but didn't know the details. The author made these historic events come alive. Great book. DML 4/5/08

Definitely one of the best books I've read on the Adirondacks. Having just completed climbing all the 46 Adirondack High Peaks in the past year I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. It is well researched, well written and the stories are retold in such a way that keep you on the edge of your seat. I really had a difficult time putting this book down as I read about many mishaps in areas in the "Daks" that I had personally "discovered" having passed through just recently- these areas will be well-know to those who frequent this still somewhat rugged wilderness. Not only was the book entertaining but educational. One can always learn from other's mistakes thus minimizing a repeat of such tragedies or risky situations. It certainly pushes home the idea that safety should never be compromised when venturing out into any mountains or wilderness. This book will be a big hit amoung those not familar with the region as well as those who love the Adirondacks. Anyone who enjoys mountaineering and adventure tales involving tragedy or survival will enjoy & benefit. I can see this book selling like "hotcakes" once word gets around about its availability.