Book Review: The Vast Unknown: America’s First Ascent of Everest by Broughton Coburn

The Vast Unknown: 

America’s First Ascent of Everest by Broughton Coburn

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay successfully reached the summit of Everest for the first time via the South Col route. In 1956, Swiss climbers followed with their own successful ascent. In 1960, China announced a successful summit from the north route. Unlike today, when hundreds of climbers reach Everest’s summit every year, back then Nepal had just opened its borders to foreign climbing expeditions and only allowed one country’s team to attempt the climb each year. By 1963, only seven people had ever stood on Everest’s summit. It was still an uncharted and untouched place for Americans. At that time, with the young Kennedy as president, the United States was embroiled in the Cold War, the Vietnam conflict, and the space race. The world’s highest peak in Nepal had also become a battleground for East-West dominance.

This book provides a detailed account of the heroic exploits of an expedition team composed of talented, independent-minded young intellectuals and climbers. It vividly portrays these legendary figures—their love of freedom, independent thinking, unique skillsets, and personalities, as well as their deep camaraderie. Three of them, along with a Sherpa (the nephew of Tenzing Norgay), successfully summited via the South Col route, while two others, Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld, reached the summit by the nearly impossible West Ridge. To this day, over ten thousand climbers have stood atop Everest from the South Col or the North Ridge, but fewer than twenty have succeeded via the West Ridge.

Each member of the expedition was profoundly affected by this unique challenge an

their heroic efforts. Many went on to become—or continue to be—successful professors, doctors, scientists, businessmen, mountain guides, and leaders in various fields. They have lived, and some are still living, inspiring and fulfilling lives.

Coburn also contrasts the spirit, style, and conditions of mountaineering in that era with those of today. This not only helps us better understand this remarkable event and its historical context, but also offers deeper insight into the evolution of mountaineering.

A true adrenaline rush for any true—or armchair—mountaineer alike!

浩瀚的未知- 美國首次登頂珠穆朗瑪峰

1953年，埃德蒙·希拉里爵士（Sir Edmund Hillary）和夏爾巴嚮導丹增·諾蓋（Sherpa Tenzing Norgay）首次由南坳（South Col）路線成功登頂珠峰。1956年，瑞士登山家也隨後成功登頂。1960年，中國宣布從北坡登頂成功。和現在每年幾百人成功攀登珠峰的盛況不同，那時尼泊爾剛剛對外國登山隊開放，而且每年只允許一個國家的登山隊去攀登，到1963年僅有7人曾經到過珠峰頂峰，對美國人來說還是未到之地。當時年輕的小肯尼迪當選總統，美國處於冷戰、越戰，以及太空競賽的壓力下，位於尼泊爾的世界最高峰，也成了東西方爭奪主導地位的戰場。

這本書詳細記錄了一群有才華和獨立思想的年輕知識分子登山家組成的探險隊的英雄壯舉。他們不僅四人成功沿襲南坳路線登頂，另外還有兩人在幾乎不可能的情況下，由西脊（West Ridge）成功登頂。迄今為止，已有上萬人由南坳和北坡站上世界之巔，但只有十幾個人由西脊成功登頂。

書中描寫的人物可謂是美國登山界的前輩和傳奇人物，他們熱愛自由，各有所長，既有獨立思想又具團隊精神。該書深刻描繪了這批年輕登山家獨特的人格魅力和彼此之間的深厚情誼，也對那個時代和當今登山界在主旨精神、風格和條件上的極大不同做了對比。不僅幫助我們深入了解這個精彩的事件和當時的世界局勢，也更了解登山運動的發展歷史。

Book Review: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

 

"The Boys in the Boat" is a beautifully written book that goes far beyond the sport of rowing. It delves into the lives of the people involved, the strength of their relationships, and the unique era in which their story takes place. The author masterfully weaves together the personal histories of the rowers, their families, and the coaches, painting a vivid picture of their struggles, hopes, and triumphs during the Great Depression.

What stands out most is how the author brings to life a cast of fascinating individuals and remarkable men, allowing us to truly look into their souls. Through detailed storytelling, we come to understand not only their physical endurance and teamwork, but also their vulnerabilities, dreams, and unwavering determination. The boat maker, coaches, and crew members are portrayed almost like poets and philosophers, each contributing their own wisdom and artistry to the sport.

Rowing, in their hands, becomes something much more than a competition—it’s a test of character, unity, and spirit. The book captures the magic of their journey, making the reader feel the rhythm of the oars, the tension of the races, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes from working together toward a common goal.

 "The Boys in the Boat" is an inspiring and moving tribute to resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

《The Boys in the Boat》（《船上的男孩们》）是一本以赛艇运动为主题的纪实作品。书中真实地描写了队员们的生活、他们之间的友情，以及所处的大萧条时代背景。作者把赛艇队员、他们的家庭和教练的故事交织在一起，展现了他们在经济困境下的努力、挣扎和令人振奮的胜利。


这本书最打动人的是它展现了他们面对生活压力、经济拮据和身体极限时的真实反应。我们看到的不仅是训练和比赛的艰苦，还有他们在困境中互相支持、共同成长的过程。造船师、教练和队员们用自己的方式诠释了坚韌，毅力和团队精神。


在这些普通人的努力下，赛艇不仅仅是一项体育竞技，更成为他们证明自我、改变命运的途径。閱讀中，读者可以深切感受到比赛中的紧张、失败的挫折，以及团队协作带来的成就感。


《船上的男孩们》是一部关于奋斗、友情和成长的纪实作品。它让人看到身处逆境中的普通人靠著团结和努力创造出不平凡的故事。

Book Review: A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedark

A Walk in the Park

The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon

“A Walk in the Park” recounts the incredible adventure of author Kevin Fedarko and his photographer friend Pete McBride as they traverse the Grand Canyon lengthwise. While most visitors experience the canyon from the rim or attempt the classic Rim-to-Rim hike, these two set out on a 750-mile journey stretching from Lee’s Ferry all the way to the Grand Wash Cliffs. With no formal trails to follow, their trek was far more dangerous—requiring them to navigate side canyons, scramble over cliffs, and cross unmarked terrain between the rim and the Colorado River. Their lack of experience and preparation only added to the mishaps and risks along the way.

The book details their many misadventures and challenges, offering vivid glimpses into the primitive world below the rim—the unique geography, diverse flora and fauna, and the rich history and ongoing struggles of Native American tribes connected to the land. While the tone can be a bit dry at times, it remains a thorough and eye-opening exploration of the Grand Canyon, sure to offer new perspectives for anyone planning a future visit.

Fedarko brings this gripping journey to life on the page, while McBride captures it on film in his documentary “Into the Grand Canyon.”

《A Walk in the Park》（《公园漫步》）讲述了作者 Kevin Fedarko 和他的摄影师朋友 Pete McBride 横穿大峡谷的惊人冒险。大多数游客只是在峡谷边缘观景，或者进行一次“崖到崖”的徒步，但他们俩选择了从李氏渡口（Lee’s Ferry）到Grand Wash Cliffs，全程750英里的纵贯大峡谷之旅。由于没有正式的步道，他们的旅途危险得多，需要穿越支峡、攀爬悬崖、在边缘和科罗拉多河之间的无人地带摸索前行。他们的经验不足和准备不充分也让旅途增添了更多意外和危险。

书中详细描述了他们一路上的种种失误与挑战，带领读者深入峡谷边缘之下那片原始世界——独特的地理环境、多样的动植物，以及与这片土地息息相关的美洲原住民部落的历史和持续的挣扎。虽然有时语气略显平淡，但这本书依然是一部全面而深刻的大峡谷探索之作，能为未来的访客带来全新的视角。

Fedarko用文字记录下这段扣人心弦的旅程，而McBride则用纪录片《Into the Grand Canyon》将其呈現於影像。

Book Review: Hidden Mountains by Michael Wejchert

Hidden Mountains 

 Survival and Reckoning after a Climb Gone Wrong

This book was recommended to me by a hiking friend. As is often the case, it took me about 30 to 50 pages to really get into it. The story begins by exploring how the climbing community has evolved—from the days of outdoor rock and ice climbing to the rise of indoor climbing gyms as a sport. It looks at how the attitudes of small, tight-knit groups of climbers have shifted—from seeking pure adventure to embracing climbing as a sport within a broader community. The book also introduces the main characters—four young men and women—and traces their development as climbers and the relationships they forge along the way. The setting of the twisting events is in Alaska's Hidden Mountains, one of the last wild ranges in North America.

Part II focuses on the dramatic rescue operation after the main character, Emmett, fell 30 feet and suffered head and spinal injuries. The narrative details how Emmett’s friends responded and what they went through in the hours after. After one of them contacted Global Rescue via a satellite device, the book describes the chain of actions that followed: how the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center was alerted, how personnel were recruited, and the many challenges they faced—unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the gripping rescue process. It really highlights the rescuers’ composure, courage, and trust in one another, ultimately achieving a successful hoist rescue.

Part III centers on the aftermath of Emmett’s rescue—his long and difficult journey of recovery, and the harsh realities faced by anyone who endures a similar fate. The book explores the profound physical and relational changes, as well as the unspeakable loss of physical ability, identity, lifestyle, and normalcy. It also reflects on how the climbing community and culture perceive and respond to such dangers.


The author also weaves in his own journey as a climber, describing how his perspective on risk evolved from initial obliviousness to a much deeper awareness. He also references other climbers, including international figures, and their close encounters with accidents and the inherent dangers of the sport.


I found this book to be objective, clearly organized, and overall an excellent resource for climbers and their friends to better understand the ever-present risks involved—and what it’s like when someone experiences a serious accident. It also has value for a broader audience, especially those who have suffered, or know someone who has suffered, a spinal cord injury—a tragedy that is, unfortunately, not uncommon.


这本书是徒步朋友推荐给我的。故事开篇讲述了攀岩社区从户外岩石和冰雪攀登，到室内攀岩运动的演变，以及攀登者心态从追求冒险到更注重运动本身的转变。书中介绍了四位年轻主角，描写了他们作为攀登者的成长和彼此间的关系。故事發生在遙遠偏僻的阿拉斯加Hidden Moutains。

第二部分聚焦于主角Emmett从高处坠落、头部和脊柱受伤后的救援过程。朋友们通过卫星设备求助之後，阿拉斯加救援中心迅速启动救援，面对恶劣天气和复杂地形，最终成功实施吊运救援。书中生動描寫了救援者的冷静、勇气和团队合作精神。

第三部分讲述了Emmett获救后的康复之路，以及他和类似遭遇者必须面对的身体和心理挑战。书中也反思了攀岩社区对风险的看法。

作者还穿插了自己攀登经历，对风险的认知逐渐加深，并提及其他攀登者的故事。总体来说，这本书客观、条理清晰，不仅适合攀登者及其家人朋友了解风险，也适合更广泛的读者，尤其是经历或周圍有脊髓损伤的人。