Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

I just finished this true story about several teams of climbers who ascended Mount Everest led by guides. I really enjoyed it but I also have a certain fascination with why people would want to climb Mount Everest.

The man who wrote the book was part of the expedition and gave a very detailed account including dates, times, locations, and even the elevation.

It was very well written and while it was sad that so many people died, it was interesting enough to keep me captivated for a good portion of it.

But I still don't understand why anyone would want to climb that death trap of a mountain.

I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and ended up with 10 books in my arms (no joke!). I finally had to narrow it down......and bought 3!!

THE KITE RUNNER

OK....So now right up there with the rest of my favorite books is "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. I really loved this book. When I take stock of all my favorite books, the highest percentage of them involve characters from the Mid-East. It's about a young boy growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan right before the fall of the monarchy when the Russians take over. After living in America he returns to Afghanistan during the Taliban take over. He has some major regrets in his life and is always seeking redemption. My favorite quote from the book is

"...I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."

Isn't that great....I love it!