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alanburch79's review
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
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
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
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.
marcies_8's review
5.0
This was such a lovely, lovely read. So complex and FULL of layered story, yet it flows beautifully and tells an amazing tale. The characters were so engaging and I think Wolf and the Devines are new favourite characters of mine.
lakishas's review
2.0
The story kept me intrigued even though it had a few instances of oddity. It also contains words that do not exist but it fits within the context of the story. Get's a bit too... opinionated and that's why it's only 3 stars.
megmegmegegg's review
4.0
imperfect, but made me cry throughout. delicate and beautiful character development, lansens also struck a good balance between past and present plot development (the flashbacks, in my opinion, enhanced the story rather than detracting from it, and wove fluidly into the scene playing out on the mountain). some of the reveals came across as contrived, some plot points as implausible, and the implausible nature of different plot points did not always seem necessary to drive forward the plot, but rather as points of incomplete research. nonetheless, i enjoyed this book very much.