Alive
by Piers Paul Read
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Book Reviews of Alive
Book Review: A Gripping Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is an interesting examination of the psychological process by which humans, pressed to the absolute limits of endurance, may reach decisions and conclusions that cannot even be fathomed within the day-to-day lives of most people in modern society.
Like the Donner party and the sailors in Regina v. Dudley, the persons in this book were forced to reach the ultimate survivalist conclusion: that resorting to cannibalism was the only way to remain alive in impossible conditions. This book is an amazing chronicle of the experiences of the survivors, even though it lends itself to a long series of exceedingly tasteless jokes about the menu (Peasant Under Glass; French, Fried; Ladyfingers; Baked Alaskans).
Highly recommended if you have the stomach for it, and can read it without instantly making judgments about the people involved... no one who was not on that mountain top can truly say what s/he would have done differently in the same situation.
Book Review: One of my favorites!
Summary: 5 Stars
For non-fiction readers this is a very interesting choice. Many of us have seen the movie or know something about the story. Well, if u never read the book, you don't know much. Very well written, with extensive detail, this book will transport you to the mountain, to feel anxious, desperate, angry, sad, abandoned, and finally joyfull and blessed after being rescued. At some moments you will laugh and at others cry. Of course it will keep you wandering: what if I was the one there? what would I have done? how would I have felt? would I have been able to resist?. An accident like this one would not probably repeat with same circumstances. But difficult situations that shake the human spirit due happen, and they happen daily. Is only when resilience of human spirit is revealed as it is extensively demonstrated in this great book.Book Review: One of the best books I have ever read
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't go into a synopsis since there are already plenty, but I have to say this is one of the most compelling books I have ever read, and I have read thousands of books of all genres. I read it in one sitting. For years, whenever anyone has asked me about a good book to read, I always recommend this one-even people who don't read can't put this book down. Detailed but readable for anyone. The fact that the survivors collaborated with the author makes it really come to life. The human spirit in this book is amazing. And the group dynamics are fascinating. Any cultural anthropologist major could appreciate this story.Book Review: A Bit Hard to Read
Summary: 3 Stars
Once I finally got into the book, this was a good story of survival. The men and women who crashed in the Andes had to overcome horrible situations -- injuries from the crash, an avalanche, and then the lack of food. What they did to survive was admirable, even if some may judge them harshly over their decision to eat the flesh of their dead friends.
That being said, though, the story moves so slowly, and the author's writing style is so staid, that it took me forever to actually feel like I was reading something worthwhile.
A good story, but it's a journey to plod through it.
Book Review: Great Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I couldn't put this book down. It was very interesting to read about what these people went through just to survive, the mental and physical challenges that these survivors overcame. What makes the book even better is that these are accurate accounts from survivors, family members and people involved in the search and rescue. If it wasn't for these guys and some of the family members never letting go of hope, the survivors would have remained on the mountain. An amazing story!