Last Step: The American Ascent of K2

I had intended to stretch the reading of this over a couple of weekends. Instead I read it in two sittings. I literally could not put it down! I especially liked the author's account of his experience in the "death zone" while making his successful assault on one of the more difficult peaks in the Himalaya - without supplemental oxygen! I had always thought I would like to climb in the Himalaya. After reading the part about Wickwire's bivouac near 28,000 feet, I think I will be satisfied just reading about it. I highly recommend this excellent book!

The most amazing thing about this book is the sense of being there it creates for the reader. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to be on a high-altitude expedition, this is the book. I've read a number of other mountaineering books, but this one stands out in putting the reader in the action. Aside from that, the book is also an inspiring story of heroes who knew what they wanted and were willing to do whatever it took to get it.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most riveting mountaineering books around. Not for the climbing, which is in and of itself gripping, but for the slice of human drama found in the deterioration of relationships amongst various members of the expedition. At times, one is mesmerized by the bad behavior displayed at such high altitudes! One would think that these expeditioners were on Melrose Place, rather than fighting for their place in mountaineering history on K2, one of the most perilous mountains in the world to ascend.Central to all the squabbling, was the love trangle which developed on the expedition, which was perceived by some of the expeditioners to be an extra marital affair in progress. Though this later proved to be true, at the time it was the source of much denial and hard feelings. It further split the team, which was already divided over who would be chosen to summit, and eroded already existing friendships, while preventing new ones which might have otherwise developed.On top of all this, add in poor weather which caused them to spend about sixty seven days on the mountain, mostly at altitudes over eighteen thousand feet, and you have a recipe for disaster. These expeditioners, however, managed to become the first Americans to ascend K2. Their success in achieving their objective, despite the trials and tribulations which they endured, is testament to their fortitude in putting aside petty, mean spirited concerns and inter-personal conflicts. This painstaking account of the first time summit of K2 by Americans is a must read for all climbing enthusiasts and readers of this genre.

This was the first mountaineering book I had ever read, and it is still one of the best. First of all, it is just a great book if you enjoy mountaineering and adventure. This book has something that most mountaineering books don't... a storyline on top of all the info on climbing and K2. As we read we start feeling the strains and upsets that fellow climbers in the expedition have caused (by taking rest days on perfect weather, not listening to the leader.. ect...) As you read you start to feel like you are there, and what a great feeling that is! The story ends with sucess (hence the title) and an impressive feat by Jim Wickwire, when he comes within inches of death! I recommend this book for anyone who likes adventure, you will surely enjoy it.

I rarely read a book twice, but this is one that I couldn't resist picking up again! High drama, with insights into the terrible physical and psychological dangers of mountaineering and the price that must be paid to climb possibly the most difficult mountain in the world. The excellent writing by Rick Ridgeway weaves the interrelationships of climbers with each other, the mountain, and the eventual sacrfices to be the first American team to reach the summit of K2. If you love adventure; want a better understanding of alpine mountaineering; or to see why K2 is probably the most formidable of the great mountains...read this one!