Touching My Father's Soul: A Sherpa's Journey to the Top of Everest

Perspective - that's the real key this book gives one with respect to the disaster of Everest '96. Many books have been written, from the bigger than life action thriller angle of "Into Thin Air", the defensive shield of "The Climb", the horrific cringe of "Left for Dead" on through the somewhat egotistical air of Lene Gammellgard's book. But to me, "Touching My Father's Soul" is the best of the lot. This book is not fast moving, nor impressively dramatic but it is exceedingly real. Having been born a Sherpa, raised in India and schooled in America, Jamling brings us a unique perspective on the events. I've read countless books written by westerners that attempt to describe the culture of the Sherpa, but none compare with this book.

Touching My Father's Soul traces Jamling Norgay's two journeys: (i) to the top of Everest with the 1996 IMAX expedition, and (ii) his inner search for spirituality and how to grapple with his father's legacy. It is this latter journey that makes this book a welcome addition to the many books already written about the 1996 Everest disaster and, more generally, about climbing Everest, as his perspective as a Buddhist Sherpa has not been articulated before.Although Jamling Norgay's story provided the emotional backbone of the IMAX movie, the movie didn't really provide a full portrait of the man, or the way in which he had to grapple with his father's legacy. The book really helps flesh out his character and his spiritual reawakening. Although it's not as gripping as Into Thin Air, for example, the book is reasonably well written and is a page turner in its own right.I wouldn't buy this book solely to try to find a lot of additional information about the 1996 Everest disaster or much "behind the scenes" information about the Everest IMAX movie, as it really doesn't add much new. Instead, it is a heart-felt story of one man's journey and perspective on Everest.As a final note - if you have the opportunity to see Jamling Norgay's book tour in support of Touching My Father's Soul, I would highly recommend it. I attended the book signing in Washington, and he has a very interesting 40 minute slide show.

There's a reason the Dalai Lama wrote the foreward to Jamling Norgay's book. This is a story that delves deeper than the typical adventure tale. It is a journey to the core of a man and his relationship to his family, his "people," nature, Buddhism, and himself. It is inspiring, filled with true examples of courage, bravery, and fortitude. For all those enthralled with Everest, Norgay's book provides a view of the mountain from both a historical and cultural aspect. It's fascinating to read how the Sherpas view the mountain and how cultures collide when the peak gets closer. The book is well researched, filled with interesting stories, and a fast, fun read. It is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

Among all the books that have come out since the 1996 Everest debacle, Jon Krakauer's stands out and now Jamling Norgay's new entry has touched my soul as it will yours. From an inner peace that represents a sherpa's life meaning, "Touching My Father's Soul" is a poignant look not only at climbing but the sherpa culture that few Americans will ever see.Jamling Norgay, whilst having become a popular figure in the climbing world, exceeds efforts by other Everest authors, way past Beck Weathers' dreadful book and shows that climbing comes from within. He looks at it from a spiritual sense rather than a mechanical task. He and Krakauer are close in style and certainly in heart. I strongly recommend this book and hope that it touches your soul and your mind.

This book is a poignant look at one man's search for his heritage, who his father was and what his father stood for. In doing so, Jamling seems to learn who he is as a man. The book is amazing as it weaves the son's story with that of his father's almost fifty years ago. It is refreshing to see that something as pure as a man's relationship to his father and our relationship to nature and faith still exists in at least one culture in a remote corner of the world. I am humbled by Jamling's deference to his father, heritage, and faith. My children will read this book when they are old enough to understand. I can only hope to leave half the legacy and example that Jamling's father has left and that Jamling will leave to his children.