Nick Bullock

Full of honesty and intimacy. Sometimes more than one asks for. If the major concern when writing this bok was authenticity, Bullock certainly did a good job. The fact that he reads his book himself is, therefore, only logical and adds to the impression, but is a bit disturbing at first. He is not a born reader, but his stout accent complements his stout metaphors and even stouter descriptions. The second part is much brighter - the beginning made me think of a grumpy old man. Eventually, you realize that it is an at times grumpy, but very funny old man with steadfast principles and a lifestyle that is inspiring and intimidating at the same time.… (altro)

Bullock aims high, which is great. (Ironically, many climbing memoirs don't.) But, from my vantage, I don't think he even reached the ridgeline. The climbing descriptions didn't work for me—too technical. I never really identified with, or understood, his personal issues.

> All night in our small cave, while Houseman appears to sleep, I make conversation in my head. "Why did you fail?" We failed because of bad conditions, poor weather, dangerous climbing, sickness; because we went the wrong way, because the gear was stolen. Because we weren’t strong enough, hard enough, good enough; because we are useless dreamers. For once, after a trip, all I want is to answer the question, "Did you summit?" with a simple "Yes".

> Some of the less honest things I have said or done, of which I am less than proud, still haunt me, and I have learnt that my life is more healthy with honesty. I have stripped myself to skin, bone and sinew to make myself light. Ego and the fear of failure could, at one time, weigh me down, but fortunately not that often any more.

> I had lost Mum and I had already crossed the halfway point in my own life and as I lay on the bench looking at the stars, I knew this queue was the same queue that we all stood in. Realising this almost made me weep, but it also made this life time-expanding, and the sacrifice to live it, even more worthwhile

> Mountains once seemed to protect me from such realities. There was always some part of me that wanted to be a hero…… (altro)