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。