Touching the Void

Too often, books written based on a true story include too much hyperbole in turning the main character into a hero that did nothing wrong. This story is raw, and honest, and believable, and really well told.

The best part about this story is that it's true. No really, it's true. As you join Simpson in this tale, you'll find yourself saying "no way," but wow, it really happened.

The end of this story wrapped it up so well for me. I won't spoil anything in case you don't already know what happens, but I'll say, that any questions I had were answered by the end.

Whether you are a skier, a hiker, a mountaineer, or just love a great story about human strength and endurance, you'll love this story.

I saw the movie and have never been able to get the story out of my mind. Touching the Void is a true story, a miracle of sorts--a mountaineer left for dead by his climbing partner and his incredible struggle to live. I have always wondered how this could have happened and more particularly, how Joe and Simon felt about what happened. Specifically, how did Joe Simpson feel about his climbing partner after the ordeal? How did Simon Yates react when he learned Joe was still alive when he abandoned him. You can't rely on a movie to tell the real story but you can rely on this book's narrative. It includes segments also by Joe's climbing partner, Simon Yates.

This is an incredible story, beautifully written and very moving. The narration was excellent and I highly recommend this book.

Given to me by a climber friend. Awesome insight into that extreme sport.

Captivating story told in alternating first person. I want to see the documentary next.

For the non climbers, unfamiliar Mountaineering terminology can leave comprehension gaps in the audio version ( whereas easy to look up if reading ) but still a great story

Very good first person account of the harrowing True story of one man story of survival in the Swiss Alps.

The book did not hesitate to jump right in to the life changing , harrowing event , and did not waste anytime on the typical and sometimes boring backgrounds of the climbers or the family , which has its pro and cons.

It does maintain its pace throughout even for those who are not familiar with the sport of climbing. I sucked right in and felt the bitter -20° windchill with them as it was recounted detail by mind chilling detail.

It's a quick and interesting read and I promise you will have mixed feelings in the end about what you consider "right" thing vs "moral" thing and I still wonder what I would have done. So I think the book has left a mark , as long as I have a question then I am sure this book will stick with me for quite some time to come.

We only have one life... Amazingly most of us just cruise through it... Complaining about the mundane. Nearly losing everything enables true perspective!

One of the greatest true adventure stories! This is the best mountaineering book that I've heard on audible.

Felt like I was there. Highly recommend to anyone interested in survival stories. I looked forward to listening every day until it was finished.

This really is one incredible story of ones mans will to survive. It will leave you speechless as to what this guy did just to live. Very inspirational as I would have given up at the first hurdle, he inch by inch, set back after set back kept on. An amazing story.

I have a pretty big fear of falling off of things. So why I thought a book about mountain climbing would be a good idea is beyond me. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. I felt all the anxiety, fear, sadness, and all the other emotions that Joe and Simon felt. I can't wait to go watch the movie and see how close the visuals in my head were to what was happening. I would recommend this to anyone!