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clarelynnmac's review against another edition
4.0
This it the story of a young man, Wolf, who goes out on a mountain hike intending it to be his last, due to his troubled past. However, he encounters three women along the way and they end up lost on the dangerous mountain, struggling to stay alive. This story was exciting, shocking, and captivating. I could’ve read it all in one sitting if I hadn’t waited until a work night to start it. I cried, I gasped, I audibly yelled, “What the %*$#&?!”. You don’t go into this book thinking it will stick with you, but it really makes you think “What would I do?”. If you like survival stories, this is definitely one to read. And if you hate survival stories- I’d still recommend this one, as it spends enough time in Flashbacks, that it gives you moments to recover from the monotony that comes with being stranded on a mountain for five days, with a backstory that is equally captivating.
Reading the description, you’ll know going in that someone doesn’t survive and so it adds an element of a mystery throughout the mountain portion where you keep guessing who it may be and what will be the cause.
Characters- The characters in this story are so richly described and wonderful. You have a lot of stereotypical characters in the mix (the deadbeat dad, the cool best friend, the girl crush, the wise old woman…) but none of them felt too far one-sided. They were all complex and human enough that the people who would usually fall on the “antagonist” side of the spectrum had redeeming moments, and equally the “good guys” did some pretty terrible things. Part of this is due to the fact that the entire story is from Wolf’s point of view, so we are seeing the various people in his life as HE sees them, not necessarily as they truly are.
Location- The location takes place mostly in the mountain park where they end up stranded, including Angel’s Peak and the secret lake that plays a pivotal role in Wolf’s life. It is a character in this story as much as any of the people. It is beautiful and it is dangerous. I could feel the heat, the rain, the fog, the awe, and the panic. All in all, it was very well described.
Action- There are two stories intermingling throughout the book, which eventually converge for the climax. The present story is the “Mountain Story” which solely revolves around Wolf and the Devine ladies (a grandmother, mother, and daughter) all struggling to survive on a dangerous California mountainside, with Wolf’s past is interspersed throughout the days on the mountain. This format helped to keep the plot moving as the days drag on on the mountain. Lansens also does an excellent job of giving juuuust enough information during Wolf’s backstory to draw you in but not revealing all of the cards up her sleeve. You KNOW bad things are going to happen- you just don’t know when, or to whom, so you are perpetually on the edge of your seat.
Readability- Incredibly readable. The story is told from Wolf’s perspective as a letter to his son, and so the language is very “every day casual”. No frills, nothing fancy- which means no distractions. I wouldn’t qualify this as Hemingway-level of terseness, as there are some descriptions to aid with the mental imagery, but make no mistake, it is the plot that drives this book.
Extras!- *SPOILERS*
Reading the description, you’ll know going in that someone doesn’t survive and so it adds an element of a mystery throughout the mountain portion where you keep guessing who it may be and what will be the cause.
Characters- The characters in this story are so richly described and wonderful. You have a lot of stereotypical characters in the mix (the deadbeat dad, the cool best friend, the girl crush, the wise old woman…) but none of them felt too far one-sided. They were all complex and human enough that the people who would usually fall on the “antagonist” side of the spectrum had redeeming moments, and equally the “good guys” did some pretty terrible things. Part of this is due to the fact that the entire story is from Wolf’s point of view, so we are seeing the various people in his life as HE sees them, not necessarily as they truly are.
Location- The location takes place mostly in the mountain park where they end up stranded, including Angel’s Peak and the secret lake that plays a pivotal role in Wolf’s life. It is a character in this story as much as any of the people. It is beautiful and it is dangerous. I could feel the heat, the rain, the fog, the awe, and the panic. All in all, it was very well described.
Action- There are two stories intermingling throughout the book, which eventually converge for the climax. The present story is the “Mountain Story” which solely revolves around Wolf and the Devine ladies (a grandmother, mother, and daughter) all struggling to survive on a dangerous California mountainside, with Wolf’s past is interspersed throughout the days on the mountain. This format helped to keep the plot moving as the days drag on on the mountain. Lansens also does an excellent job of giving juuuust enough information during Wolf’s backstory to draw you in but not revealing all of the cards up her sleeve. You KNOW bad things are going to happen- you just don’t know when, or to whom, so you are perpetually on the edge of your seat.
Readability- Incredibly readable. The story is told from Wolf’s perspective as a letter to his son, and so the language is very “every day casual”. No frills, nothing fancy- which means no distractions. I wouldn’t qualify this as Hemingway-level of terseness, as there are some descriptions to aid with the mental imagery, but make no mistake, it is the plot that drives this book.
Extras!- *SPOILERS*
Spoiler
Okay. This book packs a one-two (and actually a third) punch. You have the mystery surrounding Byrd’s “death”, and then the inevitable loss of someone in the group (which I think is one of the most haunting moments I’ve ever read), and then the final hit when we learn who is the father of Vonn’s child (it’s NOT who you think). I am still on the fence as to whether the final plot twist was necessary or simply added for shock value. Would Wolf had stayed with Vonn if the child wasn’t his dad’s? I think so. It just to me made things seem a little TOO coincidental, but I know that people do love a good plot twist, so I can’t really fault her for it.rockabillyyarn's review against another edition
5.0
“The climb speaks to our character, but the view, I think, to our souls”
― Lori Lansens, The Mountain Story
― Lori Lansens, The Mountain Story
acaciajuju's review against another edition
5.0
I don't give 5s easily. A must read. And her first book The Girls - Outstanding too.
alanburch79's review against another edition
4.0
The Mountain Story is about a motley group of hikers who become stranded on the mountain in Palm Springs. It is a survival story, and it is clear from the beginning that at least three survive and at least one does not.
Though there are plenty of fast-paced adrenaline moments, and some graphic/gory injuries, overall this is not a fast-paced adventure story. It is far more reflective than that. The primary character has come to the mountain in a desperate depressive state, and much of the book is his recollections of a very screwed-up childhood, remembrance of a very close friend, and mourning a recent loss. The other characters are dealing with their own issues, which are slowly revealed. This is a very tightly written book, with lots of layers and themes, and great character development.
Though there are plenty of fast-paced adrenaline moments, and some graphic/gory injuries, overall this is not a fast-paced adventure story. It is far more reflective than that. The primary character has come to the mountain in a desperate depressive state, and much of the book is his recollections of a very screwed-up childhood, remembrance of a very close friend, and mourning a recent loss. The other characters are dealing with their own issues, which are slowly revealed. This is a very tightly written book, with lots of layers and themes, and great character development.
ewybren's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 3.75/5
I feel like it’s important to start by saying that Lori Lansens is a talented author. This particular flavour of “lost in the woods” novel is not usually my favourite, but she kept me entertained the whole way. Furthermore, she allows you to experience Wolf’s feelings first-hand as he wanders through the mountains or visits old memories.
The predictability of some of the book is the only bit that put me off. For instance, the pregnant girl trope could be spotted a mile away, as well as the identity of Wolf’s wife.
On the other hand, Lansens also takes a few switchback turns. For instance, allowing Bird to make an appearance at the end of the novel was a lovely full-circle moment. Additionally, Bridget’s final act was a heartbreaking turn that supported the overall theme of selfish people performing incredibly selfless acts.
If tales of survival with “beach read” vibes is your thing, this book is for you.
I feel like it’s important to start by saying that Lori Lansens is a talented author. This particular flavour of “lost in the woods” novel is not usually my favourite, but she kept me entertained the whole way. Furthermore, she allows you to experience Wolf’s feelings first-hand as he wanders through the mountains or visits old memories.
The predictability of some of the book is the only bit that put me off. For instance, the pregnant girl trope could be spotted a mile away, as well as the identity of Wolf’s wife.
On the other hand, Lansens also takes a few switchback turns. For instance, allowing Bird to make an appearance at the end of the novel was a lovely full-circle moment. Additionally, Bridget’s final act was a heartbreaking turn that supported the overall theme of selfish people performing incredibly selfless acts.
If tales of survival with “beach read” vibes is your thing, this book is for you.
youreadtoomuch's review against another edition
4.0
Wolf has recently lost his best friend and is prepared to take his own life at the mountain where his fondest memories of them together live. It is fate that brings him to the Devine women and leaves them stranded in a dangerous canyon for four days. While not everyone makes it out alive, those that do value those moments more than anything now that Wolf is finally able to share with his own son what actually happened in the mountain those 4 days.
Written as a letter to his son, the first half of this book felt so pretentious and very pick-me regarding Wolf's own childhood. The trauma felt excessive and not very believable but it gives the book a very subtle understanding to Wolf's intentions. The book doesn't really start to pick up until at least their third day of being lost and things just don't get better.
If any of you know me, I love reading the first page last but even this wasn't enough to prepare me for the heartbreak that this book would be. The book is a true testament of love and belief and, overall, courage.
I cried and it hurt so good. Still not a 5 star book but definitely recommend giving it a read.
Written as a letter to his son, the first half of this book felt so pretentious and very pick-me regarding Wolf's own childhood. The trauma felt excessive and not very believable but it gives the book a very subtle understanding to Wolf's intentions. The book doesn't really start to pick up until at least their third day of being lost and things just don't get better.
If any of you know me, I love reading the first page last but even this wasn't enough to prepare me for the heartbreak that this book would be. The book is a true testament of love and belief and, overall, courage.
I cried and it hurt so good. Still not a 5 star book but definitely recommend giving it a read.
saram618's review against another edition
3.0
Dear Goodreads, it is books like this that deserve a half star feature. For me this was a solid 3.5 stars. However without that option I can't justify 4, so I must go down to 3.
The story was interesting and both parts (the mountain adventure and Wolf's backstory) held my attention. It lost stars for being predictable, wrapping things up too quickly, and for a lack of true character development.
The story was interesting and both parts (the mountain adventure and Wolf's backstory) held my attention. It lost stars for being predictable, wrapping things up too quickly, and for a lack of true character development.
bookishlifeofbrie's review against another edition
5.0
In a nutshell, this is the story of Wolf and how when he was 18, he decided to end his life by jumping off a cliff in the mountains - the same mountain that he frequented with his best friend, Byrd. All we know at the beginning is that one year prior, something happened to Byrd, and Wolf feels as if life cannot go on. But in a crazy turn of events, the day Wolf heads to the mountain, he encounters three related women (The Devines) who will ultimately alter the fate of his life.
The book is told as a story to Wolf’s son, written by Wolf, explaining what really happened on the mountain all those years ago. It alternates between the mountain story, and Wolf’s rough childhood. Meeting the Devines sets off a turn of events that not only derails Wolf’s original mission, but finds the foursome lost on the mountain for 5 days. It’s an amazing story, terrifying at times, full of what only feels like despair at the best of times, and while you know from the first page that only 3 of the 4 make it off the mountain alive, you hope as hell that they all survive in the end.
Lansens is such a brilliant story teller. I was immediately immersed in the story of the early years of Wolf’s life just as much as I was of the parts on the mountain. The imagery of their survival is so vivid, the cold and pain and suffering so palpable, that I felt like I was right there with them. And that ending. I wasn’t sure how the story would ultimately wrap up, but it brought me to tears for more than one reason.
If you haven’t read this yet - fix that ASAP!
The book is told as a story to Wolf’s son, written by Wolf, explaining what really happened on the mountain all those years ago. It alternates between the mountain story, and Wolf’s rough childhood. Meeting the Devines sets off a turn of events that not only derails Wolf’s original mission, but finds the foursome lost on the mountain for 5 days. It’s an amazing story, terrifying at times, full of what only feels like despair at the best of times, and while you know from the first page that only 3 of the 4 make it off the mountain alive, you hope as hell that they all survive in the end.
Lansens is such a brilliant story teller. I was immediately immersed in the story of the early years of Wolf’s life just as much as I was of the parts on the mountain. The imagery of their survival is so vivid, the cold and pain and suffering so palpable, that I felt like I was right there with them. And that ending. I wasn’t sure how the story would ultimately wrap up, but it brought me to tears for more than one reason.
If you haven’t read this yet - fix that ASAP!
queencleo's review against another edition
4.0
I got this book as part of my Bookabuy subscription and I want to sincerely apologise for procrastinating on reading it for so long. I should have had more trust.
The first 100 pages were slow but the rest was gritty and intriguing.
A scenic story of love & survival, by the end it was all over too soon.
The first 100 pages were slow but the rest was gritty and intriguing.
A scenic story of love & survival, by the end it was all over too soon.