Just finished a third of my way through the challenge with an awesome book, Facing Up by Bear Grylls

I am one of the people who really admires Bear for all he has been through in his life as well as his determination in teaching people things he learned the hard way. I have already read his awesome biography Mud, Sweat and Tears where he described his early life, his accident, recovery and journey to the top of the world.

This book focuses on the last part of the biography, getting on top of Mt. Everest (or as he describes it:”Crawl up to the top while Everest is allowing it”). It’s really a remarkable journey and achievement of a 24 year young person who had his back broken in a few spots. Bear shows how it takes more then just strength and determination, a little luck will always help you along the way

I have huge respect for everyone who tries for two to three months to get to the top just so that he or she can be there for ten to twenty minutes. The psychological aspect of the climb is also something that left me amazed because the climbers had to climb up and down from the Base Camp to Camps 1-4 in order for their body to be prepared for the harsh conditions which are at the summit. Getting up, exhausted and dehydrated, resting for one or two days and then going back down must be very stressful to the body but also to the mind.

I can’t emphasize how much I enjoyed reading this book and thinking of myself being up there and battling wind, snow and the rest of the elements for a small glimpse from the top.

I give this book a 10+/10 because it really drags you into a hostile world where you have to play by different rules, the rules of Mt. Everest.

Until next week, keep smiling :)