Book recommendation for April 2026: “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakeur
This is a firsthand account of the climbing disaster in which eight people died while trying to reach the summit of Mount Everest during a storm.
What it’s about: In 1996, the journalist Jon Krakeur joined a climbing expedition to write an article for Outside magazine about the commercialisation of climbing Mount Everest. While attempting to reach the summit, a severe storm rolled in. Despite this, several climbers tried to reach the summit and eight died, including Rob Hall, the guide who led Krakeur’s expedition. This is Krakeur’s firsthand account of the tragedy that unfolded on the mountain.
Why I love it: I am sticking with the ‘why I love it’ wording but I am loathe to say I love a book about a real life tragedy. Jon Krakeur is an excellent non-fiction writer and even if you have no interest in mountain climbing, this is a compelling read. It takes you through what is involved in climbing Everest / Sagarmatha, how dangerous and physically demanding it is, the absolutely critical role sherpas play, while exposing the growing commercialisation of Mount Everest. But at its heart it is a real human story of bravery, resilience, skill, sacrifice, dare I say it hubris, and a fascinating look into the mindset of people prepared to risk their lives to stand on top of the world.
Beyond the book: This month marks 15 years since I completed a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. It was an incredible experience, truly once in a lifetime (I do not fancy flying to or from Lukla airport again (Google it and you’ll see why)), and an adventure where I had to really push myself like never before. I could write at length about my adventure but here’s not the place. Suffice to say, just making it to Base Camp was enough for me, so I have a certain admiration and curiosity about the sort of person willing to attempt such a dangerous climb to the summit.
Below is a photograph I took of the memorial to Scott Fischer, one of the leaders of a climbing expedition that died in the disaster. Like many climbers who have died on Everest, his body still remains on the mountain.
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