We have discussed John Krakauer before, yet, this is the first book we have read by him and the first few chapters give us some insight on what kind of person Krakauer is. It shows that he was natural born climber, working for NOALS, along with climbing multiple peaks throughout North America. His insight shows a unique portal into the perspective of a mountaineer, rather than some random author. The compelling story of Into Thin Air is founded from a mountaineer’s perspective for personal advancement opposed to advancement of the sport.

The modern stigma about the commercialization around mountaineering is fully encapsulated within Krakauer’s book. It not only shows the perspective of a climber lead up to the “Yellow brick road,” but also captures the childish dreams of every mountaineer, to climb Everest. Krakauer intended to report how commercialization is putting that dream in jeopardy. Although initially, Krakauer described his goal of climbing Mount Everest purely for professional reasoning, however, after reaching his intended goal, the base camp, his desire to reach the pinnacle of the mountain had began to stir. Krakauer wanted to accomplish his childhood dream and climb the tallest mountain in the world.

Commercialization of everest had not only created a the so called “yellow brick road” to the top, but it has also allowed for the climbing of everest to become a tourist attraction and not a feet of skill or determination. Krakauer’s book alludes to the danger of the inexperience of the climbers on the mountain, and how that put everyone attempting to summit in danger. This also creates the hazard of pour guiding firms, or bad inexperienced expedition leaders, such as the South African expedition. In Krakauer’s account, the commercialization of everest is making a once forbidden temptress a crowed and dangerous tourist attraction.

Along with Krakauer’s great depiction of an epic feet, some controversy lingers about the actions of the other high-altitude climbers. For example, Krakauer discusses the actions of a member of Scott Fischer’s team, Boukreev. Although Krakauer discusses how Boukreev saved the lives of two clients, he leads us to believe that there was some irresponsibility in his expertise, such as, not using an oxygen tank or descending before clients.

Not only does Krakauer discuss the how commercialization of climbing Mount Everest affect western society, he also gives a detailed recount of how it affects the Sherpa’s culture. Krakauer points out the businesses that the sherpas start, such as, teahouses and assistance to the guides. This creates a lot of competition because if a Sherpa that aids a guide can make 10x the average Sherpa does. The commercialization is also destroying a rich and ancient culture of the sherpa people.The commercialization and modernization of climbing had disappointed Krakauer but brought about some surprising behavior, such as, Sherpas wearing American baseball caps.

Towards the end of the book, in Chapter 21, Krakauer gives a fierce description about some questions that will never be answered. He starts to question mortality while reminiscing on the Everest disaster. Initially, he describes climbing as a childhood dream that he had given up for years prior to his expedition to Everest. Near the end, his view takes on this realest, adult world which includes the destruction of innocence. He tries to discuss how enormous the loss is, however, lacks the words. Throughout the story, his telling tale shows an evolution of dreams, views, culture, and character, which leaves the reader with an insightful new outlook on mountaineering that is hard to overlook.