Touching the Void The True Story of One Mans Miraculous Survival

Touching the Void The True Story of One Mans Miraculous Survival

Concise and yet packed with detail, Touching the Void, Joe Simpson’s harrowing account of near-death in the Peruvian Andes, is a compact tour de force that wrestles with issues of bravery, friendship, physical endurance, the code of the mountains, and the will to live. Simpson dedicates the book to his climbing partner, Simon Yates, and to “those friends who have gone to the mountains and have not returned.” What is it that compels certain individuals to willingly seek out the most inhospitable climate on earth? To risk their lives in an attempt to leave footprints where few or none have gone before? Simpson’s vivid narrative of a dangerous climbing expedition will convince even the most die-hard couch potato that such pursuits fall within the realm of the sane. As the author struggles ever higher, readers learn of the mountain’s awesome power, the beautiful–and sometimes deadly–sheets of blue glacial ice, and the accomplishment of a successful ascent. And then catastrophe: the second half of Touching the Void sees Simpson at his darkest moment. With a smashed, useless leg, he and his partner must struggle down a near-vertical face–and that’s only the beginning of their troubles.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars True Story
Very heart jumping book. Keeps you on the edge of every page. Worth the read.

5 Stars Awesome!
Gripping reality……never have I read anything that is such a true tale of seizing whatever energy and means you have to work with ….and choosing to keep going…no matter what….to survive……..brilliant.

3 Stars Good
Joe has a taut, spare style of writing. Perhaps the only negative one can point to is that he goes a little too much into techno-speak on mountaineering. However, this is forgivable since that was the audience he was writing for. That the book became a general public bestseller was a surprise. In a sense he writes sort of like Mickey Spillane- with spare descriptions, clipped, but not as taut as MS. But, there are some soaring moments of poetry- especially one scene where Joe describes looking out of the crevasse at stars at night in a dreamy poetic way that makes a very familiar scene seem new. He also has taken Simon’s story, told to him since they were separated, and crafted a compelling counter-narrative that acts antiphonally with Joe’s own tale. We get to parallax the whole tale, which lends far more realism than a singular viewpoint would.

The only negative part of the book is the ending, in which little aftermath is given. While this is a good technique to start the book off with- we get little background information on Joe and Simon (later in the memoir we get a few digressions to past expeditions by them and others), and a few tantalizing hints as to the rich life Richard Hawking has led- we are so drawn to these characters that to not be given information feels a cheat. But, that would be acceptable had the actual ending been good, narratively or in its mere construction, or left us in a particular moment as we had been in other parts of the book. Instead we end the book with this dreamy recollection of Joe’s being readied for surgery on his broken leg in a hospital a few days after his rescue, and his desire to not be operated on in Peru:

A strong hand pressed me back. Another gripped my arm and I felt the slight pain of the needle. I tried to lift my head but somehow it doubled in weight. Turning to the side I saw a tray of instruments. Above me bright lights came on, and the room began to swim before my eyes. I had to say something….had to stop them. Darkness slipped over the lights and slowly all sounds muffled down to silence.

That’s it. After this rousing tale the reader is left with this wet noodle of an ending. This frustrates a reader far more than the slight drag a reader feels by reading of the duo’s every single little mountaineering movement and the accompanying emotions they felt. That, at least, lent a compelling authenticity to the narrators’ voices. So did the descriptions of the physicality of the men, mountain, and meteorological conditions. The end, alack….

That said, this book is far better written than most of the `creative writing’ peddled at MFA programs. Had he gone there before writing this I’m sure the book would have been over twice its 184 pages, and larded with banal digressions that eked into every little detail of Joe’s and Simon’s childhoods, endeavoring to find the `real meaning’ behind why Simon cut the rope. Fortunately, Joe’s a better writer than that, and better than Simon, a part of whose book Joe quotes from in an afterword called Ten Years On…. It’s obvious from the selection that Joe wrote Simon’s soliloquy in his own book, and does a really good job of empathizing with the man a lesser man might scorn as someone who abandoned him.

It’s rare that such an archetypal story is so concisely well-written, especially considering this was Joe’s first effort- usually these sorts of Gilgameshian man vs. nature epics are long on the epic tale, and short on the ability to convey it. Almost as rare as the adventure it describes.

3 Stars One of those exceptions where the movie is better than the book
Joe Simpson’s disastrous experiences climbing Siula Grande in 1985 make for one of the greatest true adventure stories of the twentieth century. After Joe’s accident on the mountain, he and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, nearly achieved an unlikely descent. When Simon is unable to continue Joe’s rescue, he does the unthinkable (which Joe does not blame him for), and Joe’s hellish troubles begin.

Sounds like the outline for an exciting and heart-wrenching adventure, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, Joe was not an experienced writer when he penned Touching the Void, his first book, and it clearly shows. The reader is often disoriented by Simpson’s use of mountaineering jargon (e.g., cols, ridges, and gullies). And although the book provides a brief glossary, it’s not easy to picture what he’s writing about if you’ve never seen a couloir before. In short, although the story has universal elements, climbers are likely to feel most at home in the account’s setting.

There are some wonderful observations and images in the book, but these gems rarely glitter against the more plentiful heaps of clich

Womens Strength Training Anatomy

Womens Strength Training Anatomy

With information on strengthening and toning the legs, buttocks, abs, and back, Women’s Strength Training Anatomy provides full-color, detailed anatomical illustrations of exercises for these hard-to-shape areas. What makes this book unique is that readers can see the muscles at work during each exercise, like an X ray of the body in motion.

Are there definite anatomical differences in the way men and women should build their bodies? According to the best-selling author and illustrator of Strength Training Anatomy, the answer is an overwhelming yes! Exercise variations based on a woman’s unique anatomical features are also covered, helping to isolate muscles and make each exercise more effective.

Make your workouts work harder for you! If you work out to strengthen and shape your body or if you help women get stronger and more defined, this is one book you need for understanding the female form and getting the most from your exercises.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars AWESOME AWESOME workout book for women
i love how they have sooo many choices for working various areas of the body. illustrations are sooo great.. would have given 10 stars if i could. so many books give like 1 or 2 movements for a muscle group, this gives soo many options from machines you can encounter at the gym, to stand alone or with ‘resistance’ bands etc. for home work outs. AWESOME

4 Stars Very Detailed
I liked this book, anyone who is interested in training or is a trainer they should have this in their library.

5 Stars Someone actually stole my copy
I purchased this book to help my wife get back in shape, but my daughter (a mother or three, nurse, personal trainer, and professional bodybuilder) stole it, so I had to order my own copy. I found the illustrations to be excellent and the groupings to be amazing. By including this book with the remainder of this series, I think it creates a very good mini library for understanding how different exercises affect muscle groups. Definitely not for the light of heart.

5 Stars Great teaching tool
I love this book! I am a fitness specialist at a hospital, and it is a great reference! Would highly recommend.

5 Stars Informative and Inspiring!
I have owned this book and the original “Strength Training Anatomy” for several years now. Even now, these are still my favorite fitness books. Together, I have been able to design great workouts for several years now. These books beautifully illustrate and explain all the common (and some not-so-common) exercises for every muscle group in the body.

What I like best about these books is how gorgeous the illustrations are. I’ve owned these books for several years now and I still find them inspiring. I don’t agree with those who take offense at the slightly sexualized drawings. I think the pictures are beautiful and tasteful. Also, the pictures of the women are no more sexualized in this book than the pictures of the men are in “Strength Training Anatomy.” Both the masculine physique and feminine physique are presented tastefully, in my opinion.

Since arms and chest are not included in this volume, you really do need to buy both volumes to get a complete compendium of exercises.

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Surgical Speed Shooting How To Achieve High Speed Marksmanship In A Gunfight

Surgical Speed Shooting How To Achieve High Speed Marksmanship In A Gunfight

Learn the secrets of shooting a handgun quickly and accurately under the extreme stress of a gunfight. These cutting-edge techniques for managing recoil in rapid fire, high-speed trigger control and more are used by today’s hostage rescue teams and competitive grandmasters.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Surgical Speed Shooting
Book in great condition as promised. Delivery date was 2 week spread. Book came in middle of 2 week period.

3 Stars Does not live up to its title, but otherwise decent
This book tries to cover most aspects of defensive or tactical shooting. It is NOT about surgical accuracy. In fact, I have not found any book that is about achieving accurate shooting technique, besides the US Army Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide which you can find for free online, and which is better than this book. On the topic of defensive shooting etc, Gabe Suarez’s books are probably the best bet for you.

Pros:

- well illustrated

- concise and to the point

- latest techniques and most current thinking explained; up-to-date

Cons:

- chapter on trigger control is shortest in the book, even though author says this is the biggest accuracy problem for most shooters

- too much space (more than for grip and trigger control) devoted to basics like loading, reloading, malfunctions, drawing, holstering, etc issues unrelated to accuracy in shooting

Overall, not a bad book, but I feel Gabe Suarez and Massad Ayoob are better authors on this topic.

3 Stars Okay Book, was looking more for shooting drills
A little dissappointed that this book lacked examples of good practice drills. Would be a fine book for someone new to defensive handgunning.

4 Stars Realistic system for the street.
A well thought out and written book, with plenty of illustrations to allow the reader to visulize what the author is talking about.The system presented is realistic as to what to expect in true self defense use of the handgun. If you are going to carry with a CCW permit or keep a handgun in the home for protection, the information in this book is essential.

2 Stars Decent read but there are better books and ways
I cruised through this book when I was already a decent shooter. There wasn’t much there for me that I didn’t already know. It’s informative for a novice or marksman level shooter. If you want a book about the principles and mechanics as well as the mental aspect I would suggest Brian Enos’ Practical Shooting. I got more from that book than any other. Even better yet. Find a shooting instructor such as Stanford to learn by doing. Enos will raise your game by getting you to better interpret what you are “seeing” that you may not be conscious of.

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Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson

Definitive Smith & Wesson identification and pricing reference, includes 350+ full-color photos for improved identification

Smith & Wesson is one of the hottest manufacturers of handguns, offering more new models than any other maker - 39 new products in 2005 alone

Comprehensive coverage of Smith & Wesson firearm line including the only handgun in the world in continuous production since 1899

Smith & Wesson outfitted some of the biggest and boldest gunfighters, both actual and fictional - including Wild Bill Hickock, Buffalo Bill and Dirty Harry - whose exploits are still legendary. Today a renewed Smith & Wesson corporation is back in the front of the pack. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition combines full color photos with details collectors need to identify and better appreciate all Smith & Wesson firearms. For fans of Smith & Wesson firearms this book is a must-have, with its: *Expert authors who have unique, exclusive access to Smith & Wesson archival material *Easy-to-locate listings organized by model and year of manufacture help to quickly and accurately identify firearms *Rarely seen production and historical notes useful in determining rarity and value

With more than 775 models of Smith & Wesson guns and variations, including many models not found in other firearm-pricing guides, this is the one book for any Smith & Wesson gun-toting fan.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent book
This is an excellent book on the many Smith & Wesson models. The detail is good and complete.

5 Stars Great historical information.
More than I could have imagined. Great historical information. A must have for any Smith fan.

5 Stars An important book for collectors
If you have an interest in Smith & Wesson firearms or if you are a collector you have to have this book.

5 Stars wonderful reference
This book is the best S&W reference available to the general public.It covers pretty much every S&W product.ever sold.Well written,full color,low price,its a great buy.

5 Stars Must have for the S&W collector
If you have any interest in Smith & Wesson firearms, this is a must have. Tons of information on pistols, rifles, shotguns and other items made by S&W.

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Cartridges of the World 11th Edition

Cartridges of the World 11th Edition

Collectors, shooters and handloaders look to “Cartridges of the World” to further firearm performance and expand their own designs. In its 11th edition, this definitive guide to cartridges delivers the latest in commercial, military, international and wildcat cartridge development. This book includes: expert descriptions of cartridges from collectibles to genius hot-rod modified models; ballistics and load data to aid shooters in modifying and identifying cartridges; and additional full colour articles and more than 500 photos for assessing shot-shell collections.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Cartridges of the World 11th Edition
Cartridges of World 11th Edition follows on previous editions of the same, they have updated the rounds that have came into existance since those editions were published, I was interested in what they had to say about the new WSM’s and the Remington Ultra rounds. I was happy with the book when I reviewed it as I have been with the past issues I have been able to go through.

5 Stars Cartridges of the World
This book is exactly what I was looking for. If you are interested in the shooting sports and have any interest in the various calibers, their history, performance, as well as seeing them.This is the book for you. Very informative book.

5 Stars Unique factbook of old and current cartridges
Unique book with all relevant data about current and obsolete cartidges. Nice history facts combined with loading, factory and behavioural facts and data. A necessary book for all loaders, gunsmen and lawofficers from police and justice and ofcourse all people interested in the deeper facts of ammunition.

5 Stars Best book on cartridges, no contest.
This is still the most complete book on firearms cartridges, and if you want or need one, this is the one to buy.

It’s not quite perfect though, and while the few typing errors don’t really make a difference overall, the missing cartridge dimensions on a few (admittedly rare) cartridges is annoying if only because one expects to find the data.

5 Stars Lots of information
This book is very well researched, full of facts and information. This is a book I would recommend. Great reference resource.

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