I am not the ideal person to have read this book because flying terrifies me. And to be honest, those reviews who contend that the book is somewhat mis-titled are correct. I'll get to that in a minute.

First, I have to thank My Book Box because I doubt I would have read this if it hadn't been a selection for Oct 2016.

Negroni's somewhat mis-titled book isn't about those who investigate the crashes of airplanes, but more about why those crashes occur. Once you realize this, the book is highly enjoyable and readable. And at times a bit scary. But I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. The analysis of various incidents seems spot on and there is a nice variety in terms of reasons for the crashes

At times a little dry, but it is an extremely useful book about symbolism and animals.

Good little book about Loch Ness.

Good short history of National Geographic. Lots of pictures. There are some interesting factoids in here as well.

Re-read June 2016

I have a suspicion that Krakauer might be a bit of a jerk in real life, and I will admit I sometimes wonder why many of his books have a strong me bit. Yet, he is an immensely talented writer. He took some heat for this book. I should note that I read the earlier addition, the paperback version of the book that came out in about year after the events, so the later afterword is not present. In this version at least, Krakauer doesn't seem too harsh about the socialite, noting that despite her attitude her fellow climbers, in particular man who he respects, respected her. Does she look like a saint? No, but I wouldn't call it a hatch job. He isn't particularly nice about describing some of his fellow climbers' skills, yet I think this is a human failing. He is as harsh about himself. And one does get the feeling that he blames himself. At the very least, the book is a good starting point for a discussion involving clients and climbers and whether that should even be an option for mountains like this one.

I got this book intending to give it to my brother, then I started it. I couldn't put it down.

Added 12/19/12 - Engrossing. Krakauer took some heat (too put it mildly) for his article. Also deals with the question of reporter and subject. Krakauer blames himself as much as anyone, so it does feel like a brutally honest book.