84 pages • 2 hours read
Jon KrakauerInto Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1997A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Into Thin Air, Jon Krakauer recounts his attempt to climb Mount Everest, initially assigned by Outside magazine to cover the commercial development at the mountain's base. Krakauer joins Adventure Consultants led by Rob Hall, splitting the climb into five camps. Despite favorable conditions, the group faces severe altitude challenges and critical errors, culminating in a deadly storm that claims several lives, including guides and climbers, while Krakauer survives, deeply affected by the tragedy.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a gripping and intense account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. Praised for its vivid storytelling and thorough research, it effectively transports readers to the perilous mountain peaks. However, some critics find Krakauer's perspective subjective and argue that it overshadows other participants' narratives. Overall, it is a compelling but contentious read.
Who Should Read Into Thin Air?
A reader who would enjoy Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is likely an adventurer at heart, fascinated by real-life tales of survival and high-stakes expeditions. Fans of Touching the Void by Joe Simpson or Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing will find the same blend of thrilling narrative and meticulous detail captivating.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1320L