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 Fun to read Jul 09, 2010
While the book tells the story of what happened including some very dramatic events, it somehow remains too factual to evoke strong emotions from me - I never felt like I was there. I also would have appreciated a little more technical discussion about critical decisions made during the climb rather than simply stating that he decided to turn back 300 feet from the summit. The main character has had incredible experiences climbing tall mountains. Unfortunately his prose is unconvincing. A good editor could have vastly improved the book. Many of the passages that are meant to be humorous simply aren't. The numerous quotes from other people describing him as a great person, climber or as having had a big impact on them make Ed seem boastful.
 Great Book with Universal Appeal Jul 08, 2010
Ed Viesturs has written an adventure book detailing his life and ordeal to climb the worlds 14 highest peaks.
What I like most about the narrative is the universal appeal of Ed's story struggle 'to get to the top' is his down to earth understanding of competition, managing risks, dealing with corporations, balancing family and work, sacrifice, trusting yourself, training, death, career choices, and sport.
In short I think most people, regardless of their field of endeavor, will gain perspective reading this book.
No Shortcuts Indeed! Jun 19, 2010
NO SHORTCUTS!
I read allot of mountaineering books. Ed Viesturs story just jumped to one of my favorites. Not only has time proved him to be one of the world's premier mountaineers, but the narrative of this book shows that it is not by luck that he lives to tell the tale. Viesturs is proven to be a man of resolve, character, and discernment. I was apprehensive of reading this book because of many reviews that told of a boastful man who is full of himself. Nobody wants to read a 350 page work of hubris and self adulation. As I read this book and gained respect for the man, I realized that some have mistaken his realistic evaluation of situations as self congratulation. This is an error. Viesturs is an extra-ordinary man(not ordinary). Like an ultra marothoner recalling a 10 mile run as nothing (for most a big feat). When Viesturs recalls things that are just recollections of his normal reality, some may interpret this as a huge ego. However, it is his ability to make clear and unemotional judgments about situations that has gotten him not only up, but down the mountains he has climbed. This is unlike the self flagellation of some who profess humility, while clearly seething with pride at their own meekness. Viesturs makes no such claims. Buy this book, learn from Ed Viesturs, enjoy. I certainly did.
Quick Shipping Jun 10, 2010
The Book I recieved came sooner than i had expected. The book itself was in perfect condition! I would definitly use this seller again!No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World's 14 Highest Peaks
Go Ed, GO! Apr 04, 2010
A good friend actually lent this book to me a long time ago and I recently finished it. My reading dedication is typically limited to a few pages at a time so it is, unofficially, the longest amount of time it has ever taken someone to read it. I'm very proud of that...
As you sit and read my take on this national bestselling book, climbing season is about to begin in the Cascade Mountain Range of Washington State. It's where the author, Ed Viesturs, lives and began his eighteen-year journey to be the first American to summit the world's highest mountains without supplemental oxygen--the fourteen 8,000 meter (26,246 ft.) peaks!
He explains how his curiosity with climbing began when he read Annapurna, the best-selling mountaineering book of all time and his inspiration of conquering the world's most dangerous mountain. But climbers typically do not earn much risking their lives every day so as a young adult, Ed became focused on becoming a veterinarian. As he worked through school established himself as a successful vet, he realized that there was more rewarding endeavors in the mountains and turns his passion of climbing into a successful career.
Ed's No Shortcuts to The Top tells stories well and allows any couch mountaineer or mortal to understand the risks involved as well as absorb the extreme environmental changes that can happen in mother nature from one minute to the next. Viesturs' takes the reader to places that are remote and sometimes the most unforgiving on our planet.
As you read Mr. Viesturs' stories of being a mountain guide and all of the challenges involved, the reader gets a thorough understanding of why he does it. He takes the responsibilities of being a mountain guide - taking care of clients, assessing terrain and weather conditions and making life or death decisions - super seriously.
The author has the burning desire to be in the "high country" and the stories he shares are compelling, frightening, sad, funny and inspiring so there's something for everyone. The battle for survival, the determination to complete a goal, the ability to selflessly help others in need - even while risking his own life, and doing this all while married with a family of children shows why Ed Viesturs is someone special!
This book is an easy read because Mr. Viesturs explains the terminology associated with mountaineering so anyone can follow along. His dedication to his family and his well-being were key factors in getting Ed up and down the mountains safely. His saying, "Reaching the summit is optional. Getting down is mandatory" proves to be his most valuable thought.
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