"A truly astounding account of suffering and fortitude."
--"The Times" (London)
--"The Times" (London)
Joe Simpson and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, had just re... read full description
reviews
Oct 19, 2008
HappyHippo
rated it: 
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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Dec 02, 2008
Palsay
rated it:
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...
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Jan 27, 2012
Judy
rated it:
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...
21 comments
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(4 people liked it)
May 22, 2008
Graham
rated it: 
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...
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May 29, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
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
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Mar 26, 2008
Diane
rated it: 
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
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Dec 22, 2007
ValerieLyn
rated it:
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...
Jan 19, 2010
Sandy
rated it:
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...
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May 13, 2011
Nancy
rated it:
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
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Mar 29, 2009
Tod
rated it:
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...
Mar 17, 2009
Walt
rated it:
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...
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Nov 04, 2011
Peruvian
rated it:
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...
Oct 29, 2011
Peter
rated it:
"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
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Jan 18, 2011
South Alaskan
rated it:
Ocena: 8/10
Książka o sile jaką człowiek może odnaleźć w sobie nawet w najmniej sprzyjających okolicznościach.
J.
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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...
Jul 29, 2010
Jason
rated it:
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
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Jan 22, 2010
Alyce (At Home With Books)
rated it:
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...
Dec 02, 2011
Sandra
rated it:
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
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Jan 25, 2011
Alexandra
rated it:
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...
Mar 30, 2010
Moira
rated it:
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...
Sep 11, 2009
Heather
rated it:
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...
Jun 18, 2009
Georg
rated it:
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.
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Feb 24, 2009
Forrest
rated it:
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
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Sep 01, 2011
Larry
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 10, 2012
Paul
rated it:
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
A gripping survival story that captures and conveys, it seems to me, the incredible dangers of alpine climbing on unexplored, ice- and snow-covered peaks. Joe Simpson includes a lot of technical language, but you quickly grasp what he's talking about (and can refer to a glossary at the back of the book if you don't, so no excuses). He does have a gift for making things understandable.
Joe's fall, subsequent falls, abandonment, near death experien More...
A gripping survival story that captures and conveys, it seems to me, the incredible dangers of alpine climbing on unexplored, ice- and snow-covered peaks. Joe Simpson includes a lot of technical language, but you quickly grasp what he's talking about (and can refer to a glossary at the back of the book if you don't, so no excuses). He does have a gift for making things understandable.
Joe's fall, subsequent falls, abandonment, near death experien More...
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Dec 11, 2010
Veronica
rated it:
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...
Nov 01, 2011
Trice
rated it:
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
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Dec 12, 2010
Matthew
rated it:
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
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Nov 10, 2010
“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
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Nov 25, 2011
Andrea
rated it: 
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...
Aug 11, 2011
Mike
rated it:
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...
