Community Reviews
As many other readers, I too have seen the documentary and, intrigued to learn more, decided to read the book. Nims has a way of storytelling that might trigger a certain emotional response in many a reader. He comes across as a somewhat boastful, self-promoting, very self-confident person — but, arguably, rightfully so, I presume. His achievements are striking and unusual, and self-promotion is probably what has earned him the attention and the means he needed to make them come true. I read on with a persistent confusion, lingering on the verge of accepting the self-centeredness of the narrative and dismissing it as full of itself.
Perhaps that verge is a place I personally often find myself on anyways, hailing from a rather self-effacing culture and navigating daily life in United States, where greater self-promotion is expected and accepted. But enough self-reflection.
The book is a pretty fascinating record of Nims’ unprecedented feat of climbing the 14 8,000-ers within only 6 months. Something deemed impossible, even suicidal, prior to his attempt. He draws attention to all the important things — teamwork, Sherpa culture deserving more limelight, environmental issues, the difficulty and precariousness of extreme mountaineering, of finding strength in self without falling prey to one’s own perceived weakness or pain or ego.
Still, I had hoped to learn about his expeditions in more detail than what the documentary offers. I guess it’s hard to pack so much into a single book. Consequently, the storytelling feels hasty and perfunctory with the main focus, sadly, on the ‘I achieved despite adversity’ type of attitude. Bottom line: It’s a weird mix of irksome and inspiring.
Perhaps that verge is a place I personally often find myself on anyways, hailing from a rather self-effacing culture and navigating daily life in United States, where greater self-promotion is expected and accepted. But enough self-reflection.
The book is a pretty fascinating record of Nims’ unprecedented feat of climbing the 14 8,000-ers within only 6 months. Something deemed impossible, even suicidal, prior to his attempt. He draws attention to all the important things — teamwork, Sherpa culture deserving more limelight, environmental issues, the difficulty and precariousness of extreme mountaineering, of finding strength in self without falling prey to one’s own perceived weakness or pain or ego.
Still, I had hoped to learn about his expeditions in more detail than what the documentary offers. I guess it’s hard to pack so much into a single book. Consequently, the storytelling feels hasty and perfunctory with the main focus, sadly, on the ‘I achieved despite adversity’ type of attitude. Bottom line: It’s a weird mix of irksome and inspiring.
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