Joe has a taut, spare style of writing. Perhaps the only negative one can point to is that he goes a little too much into techno-speak on mountaineering. However, this is forgivable since that was the audience he was writing for. That the book became a general public bestseller was a surprise. In a sense he writes sort of like Mickey Spillane- with spare descriptions, clipped, but not as taut as MS. But, there are some soaring moments of poetry- especially one scene where Joe describes looking out of the crevasse at stars at night in a dreamy poetic way that makes a very familiar scene seem new. He also has taken Simon's story, told to him since they were separated, and crafted a compelling counter-narrative that acts antiphonally with Joe's own tale. We get to parallax the whole tale, which lends far more realism than a singular viewpoint would.

The only negative part of the book is the ending, in which little aftermath is given. While this is a good technique to start the book off with- we get little background information on Joe and Simon (later in the memoir we get a few digressions to past expeditions by them and others), and a few tantalizing hints as to the rich life Richard Hawking has led- we are so drawn to these characters that to not be given information feels a cheat. But, that would be acceptable had the actual ending been good, narratively or in its mere construction, or left us in a particular moment as we had been in other parts of the book. Instead we end the book with this dreamy recollection of Joe's being readied for surgery on his broken leg in a hospital a few days after his rescue, and his desire to not be operated on in Peru:

A strong hand pressed me back. Another gripped my arm and I felt the slight pain of the needle. I tried to lift my head but somehow it doubled in weight. Turning to the side I saw a tray of instruments. Above me bright lights came on, and the room began to swim before my eyes. I had to say something....had to stop them. Darkness slipped over the lights and slowly all sounds muffled down to silence.

That's it. After this rousing tale the reader is left with this wet noodle of an ending. This frustrates a reader far more than the slight drag a reader feels by reading of the duo's every single little mountaineering movement and the accompanying emotions they felt. That, at least, lent a compelling authenticity to the narrators' voices. So did the descriptions of the physicality of the men, mountain, and meteorological conditions. The end, alack....

That said, this book is far better written than most of the `creative writing' peddled at MFA programs. Had he gone there before writing this I'm sure the book would have been over twice its 184 pages, and larded with banal digressions that eked into every little detail of Joe's and Simon's childhoods, endeavoring to find the `real meaning' behind why Simon cut the rope. Fortunately, Joe's a better writer than that, and better than Simon, a part of whose book Joe quotes from in an afterword called Ten Years On.... It's obvious from the selection that Joe wrote Simon's soliloquy in his own book, and does a really good job of empathizing with the man a lesser man might scorn as someone who abandoned him.

It's rare that such an archetypal story is so concisely well-written, especially considering this was Joe's first effort- usually these sorts of Gilgameshian man vs. nature epics are long on the epic tale, and short on the ability to convey it. Almost as rare as the adventure it describes.

Joe Simpson's disastrous experiences climbing Siula Grande in 1985 make for one of the greatest true adventure stories of the twentieth century. After Joe's accident on the mountain, he and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, nearly achieved an unlikely descent. When Simon is unable to continue Joe's rescue, he does the unthinkable (which Joe does not blame him for), and Joe's hellish troubles begin.

Sounds like the outline for an exciting and heart-wrenching adventure, doesn't it? Unfortunately, Joe was not an experienced writer when he penned Touching the Void, his first book, and it clearly shows. The reader is often disoriented by Simpson's use of mountaineering jargon (e.g., cols, ridges, and gullies). And although the book provides a brief glossary, it's not easy to picture what he's writing about if you've never seen a couloir before. In short, although the story has universal elements, climbers are likely to feel most at home in the account's setting.

There are some wonderful observations and images in the book, but these gems rarely glitter against the more plentiful heaps of clichés. The book needs to be edited and whittled down, and the IFC film based on the book is an absolutely spectacular rendering of Joe's experiences--the film captures what Joe is unable to accomplish in this book.

It's difficult for me to write a review recommending a movie over a book, but I'm positive that you'll enjoy the film much more. I found the book difficult to finish even though it's only around 200 pages long, yet the movie had me riveted from the beginning; I felt physically colder watching the movie, for example. Joe is certainly not the worst untrained writer to publish a bestseller, but in Touching the Void his weaknesses as a writer does not properly relate his greatness as a climber.

This is a very boring book. I thought it would be an action packed survival book, but it put me to sleep.

After watching the movie version of this book I wanted to read Touching the Void. I usually like to read the book first but in this case I am glad that I did it in reverse. I am not a mountain climber and do not know the terms used in the sport. So watching the movie helped set up the book to where it made a lot of sense. The book provided a more realistic vision of what the climbers thought and felt. It put me there with them. I am in awe.

Touching the Void is one of the best books I've ever read. Wow. I am still kind of stunned. I started it way too late at night and couldn't put it down. I went to work the next morning with only four hours of sleep.

It's not even that the writing's good, per se. It is - it's VERY good. But the story itself and the way he wrote it is just amazing.

I've read a lot about the high altitude hallucinations people have (conversations with your feet at 27000 ft or people sitting on your ice ledge telling you they have tea set up just around the corner) but his experience was not at all like that. He had what he calls a voice inside that was insistent about keeping to a timetable and doing certain things, especially as he dragged himself off the glacier. It was deeply fascinating and the only thing that made the suspense at all bearable was that I knew he must have lived, since, hello, holding his book in my hands. I could not put it down.

I was also really impressed with the sections written by his climbing partner, Simon Yates. OUCH. Painful and honest but not self-exculpatory or irrational.

Augh. This is the worst review ever. But, jeez. Read it! See for yourself!

If you liked "Into Thin Air," then you will love this book, which is just as brilliant and perhaps even more incredible. If you've been to Peru, even better. Great writing, great story, and an unforgettable tale. Again, a rare book that once begun, is almost impossible to put down. Simpson has written some others, but none as good as his first. Read it. And try his "This Game of Ghosts" if you want more.

What an experience. Miraculous is the correct word. Other reviewers have discribed the situation for you. I will just concure that this is a must read.

Much better than Jon Krakauers - Into Thin Air because it's more intimate imo. Into Thin air is about a big expedition up Mount Everest. Touching the Void is about two men.

Two men together, Simon Yates attemping to save Joe Simpsons life by slowly lowering him down the Mt. 300 ft. at a time.
You can just feel the agonising Simon Yates went thru. I mean he stayed and hung on to Simpson for as long as was humanly possible. I really felt for him.

Than it was one extremely determined soul fighting to live.

Some nice pictures too.

Highly recommended

Even though I obviously knew he would live through the experience, I found myself on the edge of my seat hoping he would make it. A good story-teller telling an incredible story.

Touching the Void begins with the story of Simpson and Yates's ambition to bag a Peruvian peak and, honestly, they come off a little cavalier about the whole adventure. The climb starts out well enough, and the pair gains a lot of confidence as they ascend. About halfway through the expedition, though, a terrible misstep by Simpson renders his leg useless and Simpson and Yates have to figure out how to cope with the descent. Eventually, Yates perceives Simpson to be lost and proceeds to base camp alone. With sheer will and survival instinct, Simpson also makes it out alive (obviously - we are reading his book) and his story is amazing. Knowing the basic plot outline does not take away from the book - it is not about what happened per se, but how where one man would have died, another survives. It is about what goes on in the mind of a man who is left in a dire situation, and in the mind of his partner, who did all he could to save him. Simpson's narrative is simply incredible, and while reading it, I felt like I was right there with him. A lot is added from Yate's short contribution, too. This book is an excellent addition to a "mountaineering library" or for anyone interested in the human condition at extremes.

In Touching the Void, Joe and Simon struggle to stay alive as they fight their way through extreme weather conditions while rock climbing. After a near death situation that left Joe with a broken leg they now must work together to climb down the mountain safely, until about halfway down another disaster strikes which separates the two friends.
Could you imagine crawling down a mountain, with a broken leg, all alone? You try to turn on your headlamp but the light just flickers and instantly goes out as you try to make your way through the pitch black night. You feel lost and ready to give up when that voice comes in your head that won't let you quit and tells you to keep going. Joe never gives up as he hangs on to his last chance of hope....and finally he is rewarded.
I would definitely recommend this book as it kept me interested the whole time. This book shows perseverance and the will to survive, which keeps you in suspense and makes you want to keep reading. It shows that you should hang on to every last chance you might have, as the unthinkable can happen. I admire the characters in this book as I remember how they never gave up and kept fighting, I now think of them when I am about to give up something. Overall, this book is exciting and will give you a better understanding of what it means to persevere and never give up.

Jake J

Perhaps posting this notice on mountains would prevent exactly the type of incident outlined in this book. If one climbs UP an icy lump of rock, falling back DOWN is certainly one possible outcome. And if there are chasms, yes one will fall into them. Haven't we ever dropped a peanut butter sandwich? Goodness. Anyway, we already HAVE the Discovery Channel. There is simply no need for youngsters to get themselves up to this kind of hijinks, particularly on slippery slopes. Why do you think we use that metaphor? How many books of this sort must I read before the Human Race realizes the outdoors were not meant for us. If we were intended to rush about in the open, why would God have invented the Ritz Carlton. If one must go to areas of natural wonder, one should stay in a hotel like a normal person. Scenery is best viewed from the en-suite television. Remember, there is no room service in nature. And while nature is scenic, it is hell on one's vital organs, not to mention manicures. If one truly wishes to risk life and limb, why not do it for a valid REASON, for heaven's sake. Climbing rocks is the kind of challenge that ants and potato bugs must overcome. Not us, darlings. We are not potato bugs. No, no, no! If one is simply determined to undertake some highly threatening physical activity, fine. But at least make it worthwhile for me. Become my surrogate shopper at the Max Azaria BCBG sample sale downtown, or at the annual Fred Segal sale in Santa Monica. You will have all the danger you crave. Immediate decisions and swift actions are imperative, you will be injured, probably killed. All the thrills of outdoor adventure, but with up to 75% off. If you manage to grab me a pair of gray suede Ferragamo pumps, size 8, the ones with the thin leather piping, at Fred's, lunch is on me, name the place.

Oh, about the book? Well, I DID read some of it, except for parts in the beginning, middle and end. The writer just goes on and on about everything. In a nutshell, they climbed up something covered in ice, they fell down. It was cold. Anyhoo, I don't want to give anything away, but the author DID write the book, so there is your big clue as to the outcome.

Ciao darlings.

When two hikers, Joe and Simon set off to climb Sula Grande in South America they had no idea how it would turn out. In the course of the descent Joe is lowered over a cliff by mistake in the gathering clouds. His climbing partner is forced to cut the rope in order for himself not to be dragged over, thus ensuring Joe's death. But Joe does not die. He has a brocken leg and is lodged in a crevace. After houre os harrowing attempts to go up he decides to go down.

This book tells the story of his fascinating survival, his tremendous will to live, his thoughts on death and God, and his realization that only he could get himself free.

An amazing story, one of the most extraordinary survival stories, up their with Alive. A great story of the outdoors that rivals Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster. However it may not be quite as good as the documentary on the same story, Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival.

Seth J. Frantzman

i am sorry but i was so disappointed with this book! -i read this book after seeing all the great reviews and i do not understand all the hype- i think the only reason there are so many great reviews is that climbers stick together and have a reverence for eachother so perhaps they don't want to "pan" joe simpson's book- but as far as i am concerned, this book was very poorly written, so slow, so boring, way too technical and such a chore to get through- i didn't understand what all the terms meant and even when looking them up, i still couldn't get a clear picture of what was happening to him- even the photos were of no help- if you are not a climber you will have the same problem- and if you are a climber, you will still find it as i described above less the terminology problems- i didn't find it enjoyable at all- i expected to find it rivetting and interesting and heart wrenching but it was none of the above- and his friend simon yates was so despicable in this book that you just can't believe that joe even talks to him let alone includes his version of events in this book and dedicates the book to him? huh?- it just made no sense- but,
if you do want the greatest true adventure survival story EVER WRITTEN then you ABSOLUTELY MUST read "ADRIFT"- it is BY FAR the greatest true survival story ever written- it is superbly written and you don't have to be a sailor to understand his plight- your heart aches and you feel you are there as he literally drifts across the atlantic in a sinking dinghy for 76 days waiting to be rescued- but he realizes no one is coming to rescue him, so therefore, he must save himself- UNBELIEVABLE- he is an amazing man- now this is an amazing story of survival- i am shocked that touching the void was even put to pen to be honest- this may sound unkind but while i was reading it i kept thinking, "why was a book written about this?" -didn't seem worth writing a book over- (sorry joe- glad you are alive though of course)- i encourage you all to skip this one and read "ADRIFT" instead- UPDATE: i decided to rent the movie "touching the void" from the library to see if the movie made for a more interesting story- well yes it did- it wasn't the best adventure survival movie i have ever seen but it was still infinitely better than the book- and it was nice to see the real joe tell the story- he really lets us into his soul i find and one could see how much this experience has affected him- tears were never far from his eyes- i came away liking the guy- you will not get the same feeling from simon yates, however- if you read his excerpts in the book and watch him in the movie, you will see he is a cold person, a friend you wouldn't want to have- a friend who would leave you to die when you needed him- with friends like that who needs enemies? glad you are safe joe! and i must say it was brave of simon to show his face in the movie- at least he is not denying his role (or lack thereof) in this adventure- to you readers, my advice is to watch the movie over the book-

i am sorry but i was so disappointed with this book! -i read this book after seeing all the great reviews and i do not understand all the hype- i think the only reason there are so many great reviews is that climbers stick together and have a reverence for eachother so perhaps they don't want to "pan" joe simpson's book- but as far as i am concerned, this book was very poorly written, so slow, so boring, way too technical and such a chore to get through- i didn't understand what all the terms meant and even when looking them up, i still couldn't get a clear picture of what was happening to him- even the photos were of no help- if you are not a climber you will have the same problem- and if you are a climber, you will still find it as i described above less the terminology problems- i didn't find it enjoyable at all- i expected to find it rivetting and interesting and heart wrenching but it was none of the above- and his friend simon yates was so despicable in this book that you just can't believe that joe even talks to him let alone includes his version of events in this book and dedicates the book to him? huh?- it just made no sense- but,
if you do want the greatest true adventure survival story EVER WRITTEN then you ABSOLUTELY MUST read "ADRIFT"- it is BY FAR the greatest true survival story ever written- it is superbly written and you don't have to be a sailor to understand his plight- your heart aches and you feel you are there as he literally drifts across the atlantic in a sinking dinghy for 76 days waiting to be rescued- but he realizes no one is coming to rescue him, so therefore, he must save himself- UNBELIEVABLE- he is an amazing man- now this is an amazing story of survival- i am shocked that touching the void was even made into a book to be honest- this may sound unkind but while i was reading it i kept thinking, "why was a book written about this?" -didn't seem worth writing a book over- (sorry joe- glad you are alive though of course)- i encourage you all to skip this one and read "ADRIFT" instead-

i am sorry but i was so disappointed with this book! -i read this book after seeing all the great reviews and i do not understand all the hype- i think the only reason there are so many great reviews is that climbers stick together and have a reverence for eachother so perhaps they don't want to "pan" joe simpson's book- but as far as i am concerned, this book was so slow, so boring, way too technical and such a chore to get through- i didn't find it enjoyable at all- i expected to find it rivetting and interesting and heart wrenching but it was none of the above- and his friend simon yates was so despicable in this book that you just can't believe that joe even talks to him let alone includes his version of events in this book and dedicates the book to him? huh?- it just made no sense- but,
if you do want the greatest adventure survival story EVER WRITTEN then you ABSOLUTELY MUST read "ADRIFT"- it is BY FAR the greatest survival story ever written- your heart aches and you feel you are there as he literally drifts across the atlantic in a sinking dinghy for 76 days waiting to be rescued- but he realizes no one is coming to rescue him, so therefore, he must save himself- UNBELIEVABLE- he is an amazing man- now this is an amazing story of survival- i am shocked that touching the void was even made into a book to be honest- this may sound unkind but while i was reading it i kept thinking, "why was a book written about this?" -didn't seem worth writing a book over- i encourage you to skip this one and read "ADRIFT" instead-

This book is well written, very interesting to anyone who has been up on a Mountain in South America or elsewhere. I enjoyed reading this book as a recommendation I had from a British climber on our trip to Cotopaxi in Equador.

This book is more than just the story of the conquest of a mountain but about survival amidst impossible odds. I've never climbed a mountain yet I read large quantities of books and accounts about mountaineering. This was a difficult read for some reason however. The pages are dense with terminology that make the reading slow and tiresome at times. I suppose fellow mountaineers can eat this book in an afternoon but although I found the story compelling it took me a while to make any kind of progress and I admit I skimmed pages here and there to find the meat of the story. Joe Simpson and Simon Yates seem a little foolhardy in some aspects as they attempted a highly difficult climb with very little support knowing in the backs of their minds that anyone injured surely must be left. The conditions did not seem favorable for a summit in many ways and yet they are full of adventure and ready to get on with it. I didn't feel especially close to the characters until after the accident as they began to describe the fear, the terror and intimate thoughts and struggles. I'm glad that I read it, but I have to say that Jon Krakauer's books are my favorites by far when it comes to the challenge, tragedy and triumph of mountain climbing.

Joe Simpson proves to be a gifted writer who brings us into the past with him (I'm so happy he was able to do so). This reader constantly had goosebumps on her flesh as Simpson unraveled the events of his climb. When he plummets off a ledge after being lowered by his climbing partner, Simpson realizes that his broken leg is just the beginning of his bad luck. Yates, Joe's partner, hangs on as long as he can, wondering why he hasn't felt a signal on the rope. Yates has no choice but to cut the rope, anything else would've cost two lives. I can hardly imagine Yate's horror when he learned that Simpson fell into a crevasse while still alive. Exhausted, frost bit and haggard, Yates barely stumbles into camp himself.
All alone and thought dead, Simpson hangs onto the crevasse wall, refusing to quit on life, though life seems to have quit on him. What happens next isn't just a great story, it's inspiration for us all to never quit until we've taken that last breath! My heart does go out to Yates, who must have had deep emotional scars to heal from. Simpson calls Yates his hero, and rightly so. You won't want to miss reading this book and also watching the documentary. I'm not a climber, but I certainly appreciated the world Joe and Simon shared with me.

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

This incredible, true story of survival will literally keep you hanging onto the edge of your seat, much like Simpson dangling off the edge of the cliff.

`Touching the Void' is the story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates who climbed the West Face of Siula Grande, a mountain in the Peruvian Andes. After an accident Simpson has a broken leg and little chance of getting off the mountain alive. Yates lowers Simpson off the mountain quickly (as they do not have enough supplies to stay on the mountain) and unknowingly off a cliff face. Simpson cannot beck up the rope and Yates cannot pull him back up. Seconds before being pulled off the face of the cliff himself Yates cuts the rope and Simpson falls off the cliff and down the mountain. Yates, leaving the mountain the next morning, thinking Simpson dead, leaves Simpson to crawl off the mountain with his injuries.

In the best portions of the book you get both Yates's and Simpson's thoughts about the accident, where they were and what was happening step by step in the days following the accident. You feel the pain, guilt, fear, and panic in both parties and get the idea that something fantastic occurred on Siula Grande.

I say you get the feeling because in the poorer portions of the book you do not understand why one `crevasse' is worse than another, why a `pear shaped cornice' is a bad omen, why it is hard to place a `friend' in a secure position on the mountain, and why a `bollard' is dubious. In Simpson's words one portion of the mountain blends into the other and you have to be told this portion is scary, or that he is making progressing, rather than seeing why he is scared or how he is making progress.

Simpson admits as much in the Epilogue to the book when he says `I simply could not find the words to express the utter desolation of the experience' and to be fair Simpson was not an experienced writer at the time of this book (he has written six since then). However, you are certainly left wanting for a description you can understand, and emotion that stands out from the rest, and a story you can grasp on to instead of feeling that `you needed to be there'.

This was a great book to read as far as adventure goes, but not being that much of an experienced climber it was tough deciphering thru all the lingo and climber talk. It did get me to buy the documentary that put a lot fo things into perspective.

I like this type of story a lot. In old Outdoor Life they used to be called "THIS HAPPENED TO ME.." (caps intended). I always hate it when they take some hardship like being stuck in the car for a couple of days without water and make each tick of the clock seem like the end of the world. This book is the linear opposite. The hardships come through, but the writing is almost never sensational- it is understated if anything. It begins at a leisurely pace, much like the journey of Joe Simpson and his climbing partner Yates. As the tension increases we know the big Accident is around the corner, but when it finally happens it seems routine, and Simpson makes evident how fragile life can be- that a pretty simple turn of events can have disatrous consequences. I suppose it's no spoiler, since we know he wrote the book, to let it be known that he survives a broken leg and a 100 foot drop above 19,000 feet, and manages to crawl his way back to camp when everyone thought he was dead. For a first-time author he does a tremendous job of relating this story, and it is even more realistic without the touches of a ghost writer or heavy handed editor.

It's hard to find a real weakness, other than the story itself doesn't seem to totally capture what must've been the sheer horror of the journey, and the dialogue and characters are not quite as sympathetic as one would expect, probably due to some first person modesty. In any case, this is a minor complaint, and I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone who likes adventure/outdoor literature.

I loved Into Thin Air, but liked Touching the Void even better. If it weren't so well documented, this story of survival would be hard to believe. If you plan on doing both, see the movie first. I read the book first and it made the movie just okay, while those with me who saw the film without reading the book were mesmerized. The book, as is usually the case, is just plain better, and I think would still be great after seeing the film.

Simpson, being a climber first and author second, uses a lot of jargon specific to climbing that I didn't understand, but it made me look some of it up and learn more about the sport, which was kind of cool. I felt like I was right there with him during his unreal descent, sharing the loneliness, cold, and delirium. I have even gotten the same annoying song stuck in my head that drove him crazy during much of his ordeal.

If you are a fan of survival non-fiction, you have probably already read Touching the Void. If you are considering trying this genre, you couldn't possibly find a better choice; if you don't like this book, I can pretty much guarantee you are not going like any others in this category.

I loved Into Thin Air, but liked Touching the Void even better. If it weren't so well documented, this story of survival would be hard to believe. If you plan on doing both, see the movie first. I read the book first and it made the movie just okay, while those with me who saw the film without reading the book were mesmerized. The book, as is usually the case, is just plain better, and I think would still be great after seeing the film.

Simpson, being a climber first and author second, uses a lot of jargon specific to climbing that I didn't understand, but it made me look some of it up and learn more about the sport, which was kind of cool. I felt like I was right there with him during his unreal descent, sharing the loneliness, cold, and delirium. I have even gotten the same annoying song stuck in my head that drove him crazy during much of his ordeal, since reading the book.

If you are a fan of survival non-fiction, you have probably already read Touching the Void. If you are considering trying this genre, you couldn't possibly find a better choice; if you don't like this book, I can pretty much guarantee you are not going like any others in this category.

I finished this book in about 3 days. Great story, and told very well. I've been telling everyone I know they have to read this book.

As good as the movie was this was even better. (saw the movie first) An amazing story of survival as well as a glimpse into the mindset and mental and physical toughness of alpine mountaineers. Anyone who wanders into the back country, regardless of experience, could end up facing a similar situation as recent events attest.

Where could Simpson go from here? Hardly almost kill himself again & write another! Well it could be worse, making a living being a guest speaker at business functions. His grain of wisdom seems to be that if you want to succeed, (or get out!)then you have to get in deeper.

This is a real page-turner. Despite the fact that you know the outcome of this story, Joe Simpson takes you with him on the impossible journey. You'll have no trouble making time to read right through this exciting book.

A Riveting, captivating, and intense story of luck, survival, and clever thought keeping the reader glued too the book until it is finished. Here are my thoughts: 1. The climb to the summit is dangerous, but the descent to the bottom is more deadly. 2. The dream of reaching the summit invokes massive adrenalin surges and intense God-like visions of grandeur. Joe and Simon got caught up in the moment of glory at the top causing them to dream of more daring feats and adventures. The day-dream was potential distractive because it detoured them from realizing they need to start focusing and preparing for the descent down. 3. Joe and Simon were equally fit and Joe envied Simon climbing skill and pose in danger. Joe and Simon both experience near fatal slides through snowy powder, collision with falling rocks, floods of small avalanche snow slides, and intense fear relating to the possibility of step into the void and falling 4,500 onto the glacier below. 4. Joe and Simon narrative include discussion of how they control strong emotional fear perceptions by returning to rationale and objective thought. Thought and belief lead to action. Action practiced and understood through years of experience climbing mountains. However, action often leads to failure, but as long as the failure was not fatal, the climbers learned and kept moving. 5. Action required life and death decisions by Simon. Simon and Jeo reach the west side of the mountain which is a safer descent down and this gives them hope they will get off the mountain. Simon sits on a seat cut out in the snow and lowers Joe and Joe then builds the next seat as Simon climbs down to the next seat; they repeat the process rapidly until Joe falls over an ice cliff hundreds of feet above the glacier bottom. Simon can't hold the weight and Simon must cut the rope holding Joe suspending in a crevice. Simon thinks he has killed Joe. Simon had to act and if Simon didn't cut the rope, he believed he too would be pulled over the ice cliff.

Success through failure is the central theme of this book. Both Joe and Simon had to act and too not act meant freezing to death on the mountain. Acting meant possible falling through the snow into the void, but the failures were usually mitigated by the equipment and safety procedures preventing fatal failure. Miscalculation seems to have been the cause of the serious judgments in error: 1. Joe admits too the lack of study about the path for descent 2. Joe removes the safety line and then the accident occurs, an accident that leaves his leg useless, pain filled, and jeopardizes his chances of survival. 3. Joe and Simon miscalculate the amount of petro they needed for the descent down. They didn't carry tents and reduce weight, but they did carry extra oxygen for the climb to the top and both Jeo and Simon's focus was on reaching the summit and not on getting back to base camp. 4. Simon could have abandon Jeo after his accident. Jeo realized any attempt to save him could mean death for both of them. Simon failure of not abandoning Jeo turned into a success, as he managed to lower Jeo over 3,000 feet, 150 feet at a time. Jeo and Simon defied odds and turn the odds in their favor giving them increased confidence to survive.

Luck favored Jeo. Jeo managed to lowered himself on a snow crust at the bottom of the crevice and navigate himself to the surface into the sunlight. The element of luck seemed to favor Jeo. Jeo reflected on the death of two Japanese climbers, whose line failed them and they fell to their deaths, as they crashed and slide down the glacier 4,500 feet below. Jeo commented how they seemed to defy the odds of failure that did not spare the Japanese climbers.

I also recommend reading "Into the Thin blue Air" and "Success through failure"

Some of us are adrenalin junkies. We need to feel the rush, the tension and the accomplishment that comes with scaling 21,000-foot mountains, such as the Siula Grande. Then there are people like me, who would rather read of other's accounts of such incredible experiences. And Joe Simpson reaches your psyche in ways few other writers could. Part of it is just the knowledge and fearful horror of what he went through -- realizing that not only did he make it through the experience, but that he was able to articulate such inexpressible fears and feelings in such a vivid, moving way. Of course one can never truly understand what Joe Simpson experienced, but when one reads his words and begin to let your mind wonder into the "void", isn't the book as close as anyone would want to get? This vicarious adventurer says yes, yes, God yes.

This book is worth reading & Joe Simpson is without a doubt a great writer. I do recommend this book if you like survival / adventure stories.

I do have a couple of minor criticisms. First off I think you would get a little more out of this book if you are a mountain climber yourself. It seems every page has something about an a couloir, an abseil or a belay. So while you can try to picture it in your mind if you aren't sure exactly what Joe is describing it makes it a little harder to imagine what was going on. I have also read other mountain climbing books by Jon Krakauer & Chris Bonnington but I still think someone unfamiliar with the jargon may not enjoy it as much.

I also think that he does get into minute descriptions where it seems you are reading the same thing page after page at times. Again I want to say my criticisms are minor ones & I do recommend it as a worthwhile read.

True Story of overcoming the mind and the mountain.

Joe, and his buddy Simon, climb a mountain, a big cold mountain. Just the two of them, out in the wicked cold conditions. Me - I'd rather be home warm and snug, thank you. But, this book is about Joe.

They set off on their adventure with high hopes, of course. We get to feel the cold, the sore muscles, the wind, the rocks, the footholds, the ice screws, the rope, the clamp-ons... Every step is documented. I can feel the cold wind and numb fingers.

They reach the summit, yea! Then, on the way down, there is trouble. Oh NO!!! But, I'm not going to give it away! Will Joe and Simon make it back? Will they loose toes and fingers to frostbite? Will they run out of rope, clips, food, strength?

The book was good reading, but, I must admit, There was one point, where poor Joe was crawling, and he described every inch. And, I mean every inch. I skipped ahead 2 pages, and he was still crawling and describing every inch. (Hence, 4 stars not 5, sorry Joe!!) Aside from that tiny part, very gripping story.

Pure endurance, the fight for life, in slow motion. So cold, and somewhat disorientated, Joe is near death a few times, but he doesn't mind. He is too darn cold and tired to care. But he persists. Will it be enough? Will they get out alive?

In bed, reading this, last night, my dear hubby, Norman asked me, "So, does he make it?" I laughed, "well I think he does, sweetums, or he wouldn't have been here to write the book!"

Finished it up, and got to sleep about 3:00 this morning. It was good. But, the next true adventure book I read... I think I'll read that one about the kid that gets his arm stuck between a bolder and the cave wall. Not so darn cold!! Burrrr, wear a heavy coat when you read this one!!
sally

True Story of overcoming the mind and the mountain.

Joe, and his buddy Simon, climb a mountain, a big cold mountain. Just the two of them, out in the wicked cold conditions. Me - I'd rather be home warm and snug, thank you. But, this book is about Joe.

They set off on their adventure with high hopes, of course. We get to feel the cold, the sore muscles, the wind, the rocks, the footholds, the ice screws, the rope, the clamp-ons... Every step is documented. I can feel the cold wind and numb fingers.

They reach the summit, yea! Then, on the way down, there is trouble. Oh NO!!! But, I'm not going to give it away! Will Joe and Simon make it back? Will they loose toes and fingers to frostbite? Will they run out of rope, clips, food, strength?

The book was good reading, but, I must admit, There was one point, where poor Joe was crawling, and he described every inch. And, I mean every inch. I skipped ahead 2 pages, and he was still crawling and describing every inch. (Hence, 4 stars not 5, sorry Joe!!) Aside from that tiny part, very gripping story.

Pure endurance, the fight for life, in slow motion. So cold, and somewhat disorientated, Joe is near death a few times, but he doesn't mind. He is too darn cold and tired to care. But he persists. Will it be enough? Will they get out alive?

In bed, reading this, last night, my dear hubby, Norman asked me, "So, does he make it?" I laughed, "well I think he does, sweetums, or he wouldn't have been here to write the book!"

Finished it up, and got to sleep about 3:00 this morning. It was good. But, the next true adventure book I read... I think I'll read that one about the kid that gets his arm stuck between a bolder and the cave wall. Not so darn cold!! Burrrr, wear a heavy coat when you read this one!!
sally

The problem with this book is it pales in comparison to many other adventure/survival stories, most notably another mountaineering debaucle "Into Thin Air." I'm sure if you are a climber the technical detail (ad nauseum) is riveting. If you read these stories for inspiration and to attain some insight into the thrill-seeker mind, it will be a tough 218 pages to get through.

The problem with this book is it pales in comparison to many other adventure/survival stories, most notably another mountaineering debaucle "Into Thin Air." I'm sure if you are a climber the technical detail (ad nauseum) is riveting. If you read these stories for inspiration and to attain some insight into the thrill-seeker mind, it will be a tough 218 pages to get through.

This is a true story of a mountain expedition in the Andes where two British partners take risks acceptable to experienced and fit climbers. But here they draw a spectacularly bad hand - first with Joe having a terrible bone crunching accident that leaves him scarcely able to move, and then with rapidly deteriorating weather. Partner Simon attempts the impossible and begins an inventive, courageous one-man rescue operation, but half way down the mountain he is forced to make a ghastly choice: stay roped to Joe and both will perish, or cut the rope and make a desperate bid to reach the bottom.

Simon chooses the latter, and the result is horrifying: with Joe plunging into a deep crevasse with no way of climbing up the sheer ice.

But of course this memoir is written by Joe so we know that somehow, against all odds, our author will also get himself to safety. How he does so, and how he skirts around the very edges of death provides the book with its extremely powerful human resonance.

I read this after seeing the excellent movie, and Joe's reflections, at the end of this book about the experience of helping make the film and reliving the horror (he and Simon are played by actors in wide shot, but the climbers provided all the close-up technical shots)- provides additional and unexpected depth and humanity.

There's another reviewer below who was bored by this book. They must have been having a really bad day because Joe's writing takes you right into the heart of his ordeal. This is a stunning story. Five stars aren't enough.

This is a true story of a mountain expedition in the Andes where two British partners take risks acceptable to experienced and fit climbers. But here they draw a spectacularly bad hand - first with Joe having a terrible bone crunching accident that leaves him scarcely able to move, and then with rapidly deteriorating weather. Partner Simon attempts the impossible and begins an inventive, courageous one-man rescue operation, but half way down the mountain he is forced to make a ghastly choice: stay roped to Joe and both will perish, or cut the rope and make a desperate bid to reach the bottom.

Simon chooses the latter, and the result is horrifying: with Joe plunging into a deep crevasse with no way of climbing up the sheer ice.

But of course this memoir is written by Joe so we know that somehow, against all odds, our author will also get himself to safety. How he does so, and how he skirts around the very edges of death provides the book with its extremely powerful human resonance.

I read this after seeing the excellent movie, and Joe's reflections, at the end of this book about the experience of helping make the film and reliving the horror (he and Simon are played by actors in wide shot, but the climbers provided all the close-up technical shots)- provides additional and unexpected depth and humanity.

There's another reviewer below who was bored by this book. They must have been having a really bad day because Joe's writing takes you right into the heart of his ordeal. This is a stunning story. Five stars aren't enough.

If you like the DVD version you will like this book. It follows very close to the DVD. Great pictures and maps! A must read.

It never ceases to amaze me how much strength we human beings possess in a time a crisis be it major or minor.

Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are two of the finest examples.
To live to tell the tale of that horrific experience is quite a coup.

This book is truthful, accurate as well as compelling and heart shattering.
Even though my survival of having been kidnapped in Moscow in 1992 just after the fall of Communism is not the same breed of survival, I can only say that I feel for these two brave men.

-Yvonne Bornstein, Author, Eleven Days Of Hell

It never ceases to amaze me how much strength we human beings possess in a time a crisis be it major or minor.

Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are two of the finest examples.
To live to tell the tale of that horrific experience is quite a coup.

This book is truthful, accurate as well as compelling and heart shattering.
Even though my survival of having been kidnapped in Moscow in 1992 just after the fall of Communism is not the same breed of survival, I can only say that I feel for these two brave men.

-Yvonne Bornstein, Author, Eleven Days Of Hell

Touching the Void will take you on an incredible journey with the author as he struggles to overcome a disasterous accident in the Peruvian Andes. From when he arrives in the area and begins with day hikes to the accident and through to the end, the author paints such a realistic picture that it easy to imagine yourself there. That makes this a hard book to put down.

Touching the Void will take you on an incredible journey with the author as he struggles to overcome a disasterous accident in the Peruvian Andes. From when he arrives in the area and begins with day hikes to the accident and through to the end, the author paints such a realistic picture that it easy to imagine yourself there. That makes this a hard book to put down.

This was one novel that I could not put down. In a nut shell, this true life story is about Joe Simpson and the troubles he endured while mountaineering in Peruvian Andes. What makes the story so gripping is that this was no up the mountain; down the mountain story. Instead Joe takes us on a wild ride into his psyche as he encounters a few problems along the way, and how he manages to deal with them in a calm, cool, collected manner.

Even though this book has been making the rounds in the rock climbing/mountaineering scene for years now, everyone, regardless of their backgrounds should give this book a read. It is a testament to the human spirit, as well as a never give up attitude. At the end of the book, all you'll be able to say is 'wow'.

I bought this book based on the story of Joe Simpson and tried so hard to like it, but I just couldn't. It had to be one of the most boring books I've read in a long time...No, correct that, I couldn't even finish it because it was so boring. I lasted about 80 pages and skimmed the other 20 and just wanted the book to end....

The book started out okay but once the two started climbing it became extremely repetitive....I just wanted the book to end...It was so damn boring! Great story (hence two stars and not one) but terribly written.

This was one novel that I could not put down. In a nut shell, this true life story is about Joe Simpson and the troubles he endured while mountaineering in Peruvian Andes. What makes the story so gripping is that this was no up the mountain; down the mountain story. Instead Joe takes us on a wild ride into his psyche as he encounters a few problems along the way, and how he manages to deal with them in a calm, cool, collected manner.

Even though this book has been making the rounds in the rock climbing/mountaineering scene for years now, everyone, regardless of their backgrounds should give this book a read. It is a testament to the human spirit, as well as a never give up attitude. At the end of the book, all you'll be able to say is 'wow'.

I bought this book based on the story of Joe Simpson and tried so hard to like it, but I just couldn't. It had to be one of the most boring books I've read in a long time...No, correct that, I couldn't even finish it because it was so boring. I lasted about 80 pages and skimmed the other 20 and just wanted the book to end....

The book started out okay but once the two started climbing it became extremely repetitive....I just wanted the book to end...It was so damn boring! Great story (hence two stars and not one) but terribly written.

I think that this book was alright it was a little confusing at times because i didn't understand words of some of the equipment that was used. I rated this book 3 stars because it got boring and i wanted to stop reading. The end was the best part when he finally survived. I picked to read this book because it is kind of amzmaing how it is about a true person going though torture just to survive and come out with his life.

I think that this book was alright it was a little confusing at times because i didn't understand words of some of the equipment that was used. I rated this book 3 stars because it got boring and i wanted to stop reading. The end was the best part when he finally survived. I picked to read this book because it is kind of amzmaing how it is about a true person going though torture just to survive and come out with his life.

Excellent Inspiration

The awesomely true adventure story Touching the Void, buy Joe Simpson, is the account of two men's epic battle against time, nature, and ultimately themselves. Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are experienced mountain climbers and good friends. For their next task they attempt to tackle the very dangerous West face of a mountain in the South American Andes. No one has made it down alive from this route, but Joe and Simon will be the first. Or will they?
Be prepared to never put this book down. From beginning to end readers will be at the edge of their seats anticipating what is in store on the next page. Not only is this book amazing in the sense that it is a true story, but it is tremendously inspiring. Many people would simply quit, give up, if they were put in the same situation of the lead character (being trapped on a mountain alone with a broken leg). But the way Simpson looks fear in the eye and says "I'm not scared" is sure to be an excellent inspiration the un-inspirable. After reading this book one will never look at adversity in the same way again.

---J. Peña

Excellent Inspiration

The awesomely true adventure story Touching the Void, buy Joe Simpson, is the account of two men's epic battle against time, nature, and ultimately themselves. Joe Simpson and Simon Yates are experienced mountain climbers and good friends. For their next task they attempt to tackle the very dangerous West face of a mountain in the South American Andes. No one has made it down alive from this route, but Joe and Simon will be the first. Or will they?
Be prepared to never put this book down. From beginning to end readers will be at the edge of their seats anticipating what is in store on the next page. Not only is this book amazing in the sense that it is a true story, but it is tremendously inspiring. Many people would simply quit, give up, if they were put in the same situation of the lead character (being trapped on a mountain alone with a broken leg). But the way Simpson looks fear in the eye and says "I'm not scared" is sure to be an excellent inspiration the un-inspirable. After reading this book one will never look at adversity in the same way again.

---J. Peña