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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Honestly everything described in this book sounds like my personal hell - I once broke into panic sweats in Prague Castle's dungeon because I had to wait my turn to ascend the stairs 😂 - but it was a fascinating read. Feels a little dated and I wish there were diagrams interspersed for the spatially challenged, but worth the read.
adventurous
tense
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
This book had just the right amount of technical detail to set the scene correctly without overloading the (non caving)reader with terminology not in their vocabulary. Gripped me from the beginning. Whilst I would never be brave enough to venture into a cave, never mind one so deep, I felt the book was really able to convey just why these people pushed themselves to the limit to make the discoveries they did.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
While I was fascinated by the subject, I was frustrated by the lack of structure to the plot of this. It jumped between expeditions and caves and it was hard to keep up with which expedition was which. Beyond that, Stone was such an unlikable character and his array of girl friends including one half his age made me dislike him alot and made the book hard to get through. However, the author did a good job of presenting the types of driven characters who will spend months in a cold, dark, damp environment and you could see where someone with a personality like Stone's could be the right one for the job.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the camps and day to day expedition details and wished more of the book could be like that. I also wished we could get to know the team members more and learn about their relationships on such a trying expedition.
I guess I was looking for another Into Thin Air, but about caving, and I didn't find it. However, I did enjoy the book enough to finish it in a day, so I guess that says something.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the camps and day to day expedition details and wished more of the book could be like that. I also wished we could get to know the team members more and learn about their relationships on such a trying expedition.
I guess I was looking for another Into Thin Air, but about caving, and I didn't find it. However, I did enjoy the book enough to finish it in a day, so I guess that says something.
Blind Descent lacks the seductive grip of Into Thin Air, but is still a good read about a terrifying sport and obsession. While tales of mountaineers abound, no one talks about those that go below the Earth's surface, searching for the deepest cave. Tabor profiles two of the eminent cavers - Bill Stone and Alexander Klimchouk - and creates a thrilling and chilling tale of exploration and danger.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Caves. Who knew? Sort of an Into Thin Air underground but more fascinating in ways because I had even less of an idea of what elite cave exploration entailed.
I’ve tried several times to finish this as an ebook but never gotten very far. As an audiobook however, something I don’t typically enjoy, it is enthralling beyond measure. Loved it!