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8th out of 162 books
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Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival
by
Joe Simpson
Joe Simpson and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, had just reached the top of a 21,000-foot peak in the Andes when disaster struck. Simpson plunged off the vertical face of an ice ledge, breaking his leg. In the hours that followed, darkness fell and a blizzard raged as Yates tried to lower his friend to safety. Finally, Yates was forced to cut the rope, moments before he
...morePaperback, 224 pages
Published
January 3rd 2004
by Harper Perennial
(first published August 27th 1988)
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By the time I reach the last page I recalled I heard myself screaming
"Man, this dude is really something!"
"Edaaaaaan!"
An unbelievable and gripping story about survival and never say die spirit at its best
POSSIBLY SPOILERS
Joe Simpson dan sahabatnya, Simon Yates melakukan pendakian gunung Siula Grande (6.300m dpl) dipegunungan Andes, Peru. Setelah berhasil mencapai puncak dan dalam perjalanan menuruni gunung Joe terperosok sehingg...more
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Sungguh bersyukur bulan November ini saya kebanjiran buku-buku bermutu.
Salah satunya adalah buku ini. Touching The Void adalah kisah mengenai pendakian di pegunungan Andes, Peru, yang dilakukan oleh Simon Yates dan Joe Simpson. Sesungguhnya pendakian berlangsung sempurna dan mereka sempat mengambil gambar-gambar yang menakjubkan sebelum akhirnya kelelahan.
Hawa dingin dan cuaca yang tak menentu juga ikut menentukan nasib mereka. Simon terserang frostbite yang cukup parah...more
Salah satunya adalah buku ini. Touching The Void adalah kisah mengenai pendakian di pegunungan Andes, Peru, yang dilakukan oleh Simon Yates dan Joe Simpson. Sesungguhnya pendakian berlangsung sempurna dan mereka sempat mengambil gambar-gambar yang menakjubkan sebelum akhirnya kelelahan.
Hawa dingin dan cuaca yang tak menentu juga ikut menentukan nasib mereka. Simon terserang frostbite yang cukup parah...more
This book operates on two speeds: fast and faster. If I hadn't been reading several other books at the same time, it would have been a one or two day read with its scanty 174 pages.
The story takes place on Peru's 21,000 foot Siula Grande, a peak in the Andes Mountain range. Joe Simpson and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, are alone on the mountain when disaster strikes and Joe slips, falls and fractures his leg. Plenty of excitement follows, but I will leave mention of any details...more
The story takes place on Peru's 21,000 foot Siula Grande, a peak in the Andes Mountain range. Joe Simpson and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, are alone on the mountain when disaster strikes and Joe slips, falls and fractures his leg. Plenty of excitement follows, but I will leave mention of any details...more
One of my absolute favorite books, it transcends the genre.
Some readers might be put off by talk of abseils, carabineers and crampons, but this is more than a book about mountaineering, this is a book about being human. It speaks of mortally, determination, suffering, hope, and friendship. Joe Simpson conveys what climbing is to reader whom has never be off asphalt, what suffering is to the reader whom has never been off a cushion, and, what friendship is to the lonely. This book ...more
Some readers might be put off by talk of abseils, carabineers and crampons, but this is more than a book about mountaineering, this is a book about being human. It speaks of mortally, determination, suffering, hope, and friendship. Joe Simpson conveys what climbing is to reader whom has never be off asphalt, what suffering is to the reader whom has never been off a cushion, and, what friendship is to the lonely. This book ...more
This book contains a lot of technical climbing descriptions that were difficult to understand precisely, but its story is heart pounding and I found I oouldn't put it down. It is the account of author Joe Simpson's survival after breaking his leg descending 21,000 foot Siula Grande with his climbing partner, Simon Yates. Yates did not leave Simpson after the accident, but risked his own life lowering him for the next 3,000 feet, until Simpson, unbeknowst to Yates above him, fell into a deep cr...more
This is a classic survival book and it includes examples of all the things I look for in a good classic read. Two young mountain climbers attempt a new ascent of a remote mountain in Peru. To save weight and space they do not take enough tools and food with them, then weather and other unexpected difficulties lead to the ascent taking longer than expected. The two climbers push themselves when they should have rested and take some other unnecessary risks so when the author Joe Simpson falls and ...more
okay. i am still not going to climb any mountains, at least not any that are covered with glaciers and are over 10K feet.
but what really got me about this story, what deeply deeply moved me to a new understanding of human endurance, was not that he climbed the peruvian andes, suffered sub zero temperatures huddled in a dugout snow cave, got frostbitten digits, put his life in his climbing partner's hands, or alternately held his climbing partner's life in his own hands, or that he shatter...more
but what really got me about this story, what deeply deeply moved me to a new understanding of human endurance, was not that he climbed the peruvian andes, suffered sub zero temperatures huddled in a dugout snow cave, got frostbitten digits, put his life in his climbing partner's hands, or alternately held his climbing partner's life in his own hands, or that he shatter...more
20 stars and then some!!!
I think this has got to be one of the best books I have ever read in my life. I must have read it, or portions of it, at least 10-15 times. It is just awe-inducing. The personal struggles of Simon and Joe, the agonizing seconds and minutes and hours of Joe's exhausting drag through the moraines, his inner struggles with life and death, Simon's excruciating conviction that he had not only had to abandon but most certainly killed his friend.... The tension and ...more
I think this has got to be one of the best books I have ever read in my life. I must have read it, or portions of it, at least 10-15 times. It is just awe-inducing. The personal struggles of Simon and Joe, the agonizing seconds and minutes and hours of Joe's exhausting drag through the moraines, his inner struggles with life and death, Simon's excruciating conviction that he had not only had to abandon but most certainly killed his friend.... The tension and ...more
I could not put this book down. I seemed to have a vague memory of seeing (some) of the movie. But for some reason reading something almost always evokes a much stronger emotional reaction in me.[return][return]When I was done I wanted to drop to my knees and thank God that I am not called to climb mountains. I love to read about it but mountain climbing books are never just about climbing. They are usually rich with metaphor.[return][return]There were no dark forces acting against me. A voice i...more
This is a story about indefatigable spirit inside all of us....
It's the kind of book you want to give anyone who has complained about having to endure the pain of sitting in economy class on an aeroplane - (oh no!!)
Two men perform an incredible feat and climb the previously unclimbed Western face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes... this in itself makes for an incredible read.... I'm a sucker for stories about people living large, and doing incredible things in incred...more
It's the kind of book you want to give anyone who has complained about having to endure the pain of sitting in economy class on an aeroplane - (oh no!!)
Two men perform an incredible feat and climb the previously unclimbed Western face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes... this in itself makes for an incredible read.... I'm a sucker for stories about people living large, and doing incredible things in incred...more
This is the second time I have read Joe Simpson's Touching the Void. In younger years, when I had more energy and less sense, I probably would have rated it four stars instead of three. Not now.
As to adventure, it pumps adrenalin through readers' veins as fast as the government these days pumps money through the failing finincial institutions, especially after a major catastrophe and the so-called ethical dilemma toward the middle of the book.
What becomes very obvious ver...more
As to adventure, it pumps adrenalin through readers' veins as fast as the government these days pumps money through the failing finincial institutions, especially after a major catastrophe and the so-called ethical dilemma toward the middle of the book.
What becomes very obvious ver...more
TOUCHING THE VOID an wonderful experience adventure travel to Siula Grande was made famous, Rodolfo reyes worked during the film as assistant of the climbers and Englis start Joe Simpson, Simon Yates and kevin Macdonald (Touching the void-director) realized in july to august 2002 where itinerary started in Cajatambo and finished in Siula Grande Huayhuash- Peru.
if was a excelent work, we was 21 days in Siula Grande base camp and the glacier ,
Siula Grande is techanical moun...more
if was a excelent work, we was 21 days in Siula Grande base camp and the glacier ,
Siula Grande is techanical moun...more
"Touching the Void" is is an excellent read. There is quite a deal of technical jargon that as a non-mountaineer I was confused by. While this was occasionally frustrating it does not get in the way of the story. It all seems to start harmlessly enough as the two mountaineers plan their ascent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. The two men involved are good friends and the level of reliability and trust required is a story in itself. Of course more is required to make this a classi...more
Ocena: 8/10
Książka o sile jaką człowiek może odnaleźć w sobie nawet w najmniej sprzyjających okolicznościach.
J.
----------------------------------
ALTER EGO: Na początku książka jest tak nudna, że aż ściska w żołądku. Gdyby nie było wiadomo z opisu, że później "coś" ma się wydarzyć to najlepiej byłoby ją wrzucić do ogniska i spalić...
Szczyt zdobyty, ok, świetnie i co dalej? A dalej jest już tylko lepiej. Autor/autorzy wspaniale opisuj...more
Książka o sile jaką człowiek może odnaleźć w sobie nawet w najmniej sprzyjających okolicznościach.
J.
----------------------------------
ALTER EGO: Na początku książka jest tak nudna, że aż ściska w żołądku. Gdyby nie było wiadomo z opisu, że później "coś" ma się wydarzyć to najlepiej byłoby ją wrzucić do ogniska i spalić...
Szczyt zdobyty, ok, świetnie i co dalej? A dalej jest już tylko lepiej. Autor/autorzy wspaniale opisuj...more
The story of two men climbing a mountain which goes wrong. What is most interesting in this book is just how badly it goes and the question that dominates it; which is the idea of what is allowed and permitted and what is crossing the line. Not even halfway through the book, Joe Simpson, being lowered down by his climbing partner Simon after Joe had broken his leg in a fall, is cut loose over an overhang after Simon can no longer support him. What follows is a horrific description of agony and s...more
I'm a big fan of survival stories, so this book appealed to me right from the start. Had I not known that Joe survived his ordeal on the mountain, I would have said that it was impossible for him to have lived after all that he had been through. Human capacity for survival against the odds is truly amazing, and this book is an excellent example of the triumph of the will to survive.
After reaching the top of the mountain, Joe is injured and the two climbers try to work out a special sys...more
After reaching the top of the mountain, Joe is injured and the two climbers try to work out a special sys...more
I remember watching a Dateline or 20/20 on this a few years ago. It was a powerful story and I was excited to see that there was a book about it. I really enjoyed the book, though, for the most part, I couldn't really understand the technicals of what was going on. I had read the foreword that mentioned that the book was written for someone who didn't have much of a basis of climbing knowledge, yet the author used terms that I didn't know and then never explained what they were. It wasn't un...more
I loved the sparse, dry style Simpson wrote the book in, I enjoyed the technical descriptions (ok, I am target audience, so I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea), I identified with the "vicious circle" Joe talked about after summit-ing.
I also appreciated not using a ghost writer or a co-writer, the whole experience had a much more visceral feeling to it.
Touching the void is addictive, just like climbing and reaching for goals that might seem unattainable is. I also very...more
I also appreciated not using a ghost writer or a co-writer, the whole experience had a much more visceral feeling to it.
Touching the void is addictive, just like climbing and reaching for goals that might seem unattainable is. I also very...more
A deeply moving story that I read in one go, almost non-stop. About humans in the elements, climbing, planning, friendship, creative problem-solving, suffering, acceptance, focus, small steps, intuition, having a Plan B (and C, D, E...), hanging on and letting go and the grace that comes from that. Incredible story and well-told by Simpson.
• When you're in a tough situation, you can trust that you'll know the right thing to do.
• "When you're going through hell, k...more
• When you're in a tough situation, you can trust that you'll know the right thing to do.
• "When you're going through hell, k...more
Despite never having seen the IFC film that came out a few years ago, I was vaguely aware of this amazing true story of climbing partners faced with a serious accident befalling one of the men high in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
Reading Joe Simpson's firsthand account, my first reaction was, wow, this guy can climb AND write! His narrative is well-paced and gripping. I am still amazed at the clarity with which he is able to recall what must have been an excruciatingly painful injury....more
Reading Joe Simpson's firsthand account, my first reaction was, wow, this guy can climb AND write! His narrative is well-paced and gripping. I am still amazed at the clarity with which he is able to recall what must have been an excruciatingly painful injury....more
Compelling, a lot of suspense, well written and very hard not to read on one day. However, I could not decide about my own emotions: Respect and admiration for the climbers' determination and discipline or plain pity for their childish and selfish behaviour putting themselves (and others) in danger pointlessly). Qui perit morit.
But this is not the whole of the story. Do you think Simon was right to cut the rope. Disuss.
But this is not the whole of the story. Do you think Simon was right to cut the rope. Disuss.
Our daughter gave me this book. I compliment her on her selection! Even though I am not a fan of Chris Bonington - I agree with him, as stated in his forward to this book - "This Is A Remarkable Story". It is well written and captures the full range of Simpsons and Yates' human feelings (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and social) that this tragedy produced. This book clearly communicates the broad spectrum of these human feelings that we all feel and think about - but only ...more
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If I hadn't already seen the film, I would probably have been bowled over by this book. Joe Simpson is an amazing person who cheated near-certain death, crawling for three days down a mountain in Peru with a broken leg, no food, and no water -- an icon of the human spirit for me. Not only that but he writes well too.
The film is dazzling, really drawing you into the experience so you feel you are there. The written word can't help but be more rational. At the end, Simpson himself says...more
The film is dazzling, really drawing you into the experience so you feel you are there. The written word can't help but be more rational. At the end, Simpson himself says...more
Into the Wild was my introduction to the real-life, outdoor adventure story and I truly enjoyed reading its literary and soul journeys in company with the outward journey into the wilderness. Touching the Void, by contrast, definitely seems more focused on mountain climbing itself through the first half, with little other reflection. To me the most thoughtful portions were interestingly the author's writing of his climbing partner's thoughts and experience after 'the disaster' and once they were...more
Touching The Void is by far one of the most miraculous stories that you will ever read! Not only is this a epic story of the survival of two men facing extreme conditions, but it is also a interesting story of friendship and teamwork. The book is based on a true story that has now been made into a film as well. What was supposed to be a simple sight seeing and challenging climb up a mountain in the Andes for Joe Simpson and his dear friend, Simon Yates, turned into a nightmare after a drastic i...more
Julia Boyer
added it
“The upper tiers of the great yellow rock buttress which split the face crowded out our view of the way ahead. As we climbed up parallel with it, we began to see just how big it was- a respectable 1,000 foot high wall which would have been a mountain in itself in the Dolomites.” This is what most of the first half of the book, Touching the Void by Joe Simpson, sounds like. It uses grand descriptions of the rock formations Simpson and his partner, Simon Yates, climbed. However, after a while of r...more
Me and Simon decided to climb this one mountain in Peru. We went to the mountain. We met this other guy along the way. He was weird.
We hooked our doohickeys into the thingiebobbers and climbed over such-and-such thing. It was hard. Then we attached our zippity-do-dahs into the crack of this one big hunk of ice/rock and did this climbing thingie. Then we spent the night.
The next day we blabbidy-blahed over the thingimajig. We thought we might have to garbledy-gook o...more
We hooked our doohickeys into the thingiebobbers and climbed over such-and-such thing. It was hard. Then we attached our zippity-do-dahs into the crack of this one big hunk of ice/rock and did this climbing thingie. Then we spent the night.
The next day we blabbidy-blahed over the thingimajig. We thought we might have to garbledy-gook o...more
Joe Simpson had a remarkable experience - totally of his whole making, but nevertheless the way he survived was pretty amazing. Sadly, readling about it is a far less remarkable experience. To enjoy the book, you may need to really now what a 'col' is, what a 'moraine' is and the dangers and qualities of three types of snow and countless types of ice.
Essentially, it's one hundred pages of very, very detailed descriptions of climbing up a mountain - who belayed when is covered in full detail, as ...more
Essentially, it's one hundred pages of very, very detailed descriptions of climbing up a mountain - who belayed when is covered in full detail, as ...more
Amazing! I love the movie because a)I saw it before reading the book b)it's hard to visualize things in the book for me, maybe since I'm not a climber(?) The book though is just as amazing. I find I have so many questions though. Not in the annoying "this book leaves unanswered questions" kind of way though. It's more of the "if this had happened to people I knew, this is what I'd be curious/tempted to ask or want to talk about." I think it's sad so many people have given Sim...more
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Joe Simpson is the author of the bestselling Touching the Void, as well as four subsequent non-fiction books published by The Mountaineers Books: This Game of Ghosts, Storms of Silence, Dark Shadows Falling, and The Beckoning Silence. The Beckoning Silence won the 2003 National Outdoor Book Award. The other three published by The Mountaineers Books were all shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Awa...more
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“Life can deal you an amazing hand. Do you play it steady, bluff like crazy or go all in?”
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