Nando Parrado was unconscious for three days before he woke to discover that the plane carrying his rugby team, as well as their family members and supporters, to an exhibition game in Chile had crashed somewhere deep in the Andes. He soon learned that many were dead or dying, among them his own mother and sister. Those who remained were stranded on a lifeless glacier at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, with no supplies and no means of summoning help. They struggled to endure freezing temperatures, deadly avalanches, and then the devastating news that the search for them had been called off.
As time passed and Nando's thoughts turned increasingly to his father, who he knew must be consumed with grief, Nando resolved that he must get home or die trying. He would challenge the Andes, even though he was certain the effort would kill him, telling himself that even if he failed he would die that much closer to his father. It was a desperate decision, but it was also his only chance. So Nando, an ordinary young man with no disposition for leadership or heroism, led an expedition up the treacherous slopes of a snow-capped mountain and across 45 miles of frozen wilderness in an attempt to find help.
Thirty years after the disaster Nando tells his story with remarkable candor and depth of feeling. Miracle in the Andes, a first person account of the crash and its aftermath, is more than a riveting tale of true-life adventure: it is a revealing look at life at the edge of death and a meditation on the limitless redemptive power of love.
©2006 Nando Parrado; (P)2006 Books on Tape
"An amazing story of bravery and courage." (Booklist)
"This is a fresh, gripping page-turner that will satisfy adventure readers, and a complex reflection on camaraderie, family, and love." (Publishers Weekly)
"A Must Listen"
Retold by the survivor most responsible for the group's rescue, this excellent book not only provides a spellbinding rendition of one of the great survival stories of all time, but also provides a unique view into the feelings and thoughts of the people who were there, and a perspective from three decades later on what it means to have survived. This is one audio book you will not want turn off or even pause. The epilogue spoken by the author himself, together with an interview by the publisher, provides added interest. I've listened to maybe 40 different Audible books, and none more enjoyable or thought provoking than this one. Highest recommendation.
"SO SO"
Great story. Poor audio book. The story would be best abridged the writer is long on words and short on story. The writer spent to much time on his relationship with god and self and too little time telling the story. A much better book is titled "Alive". Skip this one if possible unless you like boring.
"Excellent"
I remember reading ALIVE so many years ago and always being fascinated by this story. Nando Parrado was one of the survivors and has written a deeply personal book that tells the story without sensationalism. The author reads the prologue and epilogue and as other reviewers mentioned, his accent is heavy. That was not distracting to me at all. There is also an interview with Nando at the end and that was a real treat. This is an excellent listen and highly recommended.
"stunning story of "the right stuff""
Fabulous blow by blow recap of an unimaginable tragedy, told by one of the survivors. I really couldn't put this book down. Tremendous detail, sometimes uncomfortable to hear, but part of the story. Terrific narration.
"Amazing"
This book was written by one of the survivors. The author gives a foreword and afterword (the author has a heavy South American accent and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to follow easily when I head the foreword but someone else narrates the rest of the book). The narrator has a light South American accent that adds to the story's perspective. The recording is good and the pace is good. First person perspective. I'm blown away by the toughness and determination of Nando and his friends. Well told. I was riveted to this book and would recommend it to anyone.
"Great adventure, awesome spritual tale"
I love survival tales and selected this for that reason. I recently heard Nando interviewed and the experience sounded literally over the top. On that count the book delivers - a well read, well told, narrative. It is a treat that Nando reads the first and last chapters, and Morey is good too. You also get an interview with Nando at the end.
But the true jewel in this book is Nando's spiritual journey. He ruminations about God and life, his relationships with his friends, and his awareness that love is what gave him the power to survive - a love of his father. Nando discovered God in all things; he does not believe that God "saved him" but that God was there.
There is also a substantial "epilogue." We learn of his life after the adventure and the truly uplifting story behind his coming to write his story so many years after the actual event.
This book is on my top 10 list. Highely recommended.
"Inspired"
This story is very interesting and inspiring. To think that it is a true story is incredible and I cannot imagine such an event taking place.
This reminded me of Endurance by Ernest Shackleton. The will to live and press on is an incredible feature.
Movies usually ruin a books story.
A very good listen and something that can impart a good qualities
I like mostly non fiction but not self improving. I like history novels and some times a good fiction novel
"One of the best"
This one is as good as non fiction can get. You will not put it down until you get to the last page. One of the best audio books of my collection
50yrs old / audible member for 5 yrs library. 75% nonfiction, 15% classics and 10% fiction. History/Science/biography/Eng.18th cent fiction
"A STAND OUT STUNNER!"
If you've read " alive" and so think this isn't worth reading, your making a BIG mistake. If you think this book will just be depressing - your making a BIG mistake. If you think this will be a poorly written rehash of the story - again, mistake.
What this is, is one of the greatest story's of survival ever told - and Unlike "Alive" this book has been Written by the leader and savior of the group 30 yrs or so after the incident.
What kept coming up in my mind as I was reading this was how well it was written. This is such a remarkable almost unbelievable story! Finally being told by the leader of those remarkable band of brothers who endured the unendurable. Just incredible stuff. Highest rating!
I do not live in HOng Kong
"fantastic"
this is a wonderful book. a little slow to start but amazing once it gets going. written by a man who knows a lot about life and death