It wasn't until about half way through this book that it started to become really gripping. In the first half there were some historical facts about mountaineering and Everest which I enjoyed. Throughout the book the author had a tendency to go off on tangents and by the time he went back to the actual story, it was hard to remember where he was picking up from. He also did a lot of name dropping. I found it challenging to remember who exactly everyone was. He includes a list of climbers, stating which climbers are part of which expedition at the beginning of the book, but what would've have been even more helpful in following the story is a head shot picture of each climber.
The second half of the booked was really fast-paced and the series of events that unfold are almost unfathomable. It is an action-packed adventure and just when you think it can't possibly get any worse, it does. It was sad but it was also exciting and powerful. I learned that when you're in the Death Zone (above 25, 000ft) it's not about getting to the summit, it's about survival and trying to keep your wits about you so as to maintain proper judgment. I was surprised to learn how quickly the body degenerates at such an altitude. If you're considering high-altitude climbing, give this one a read first ;)