I am a bit old-school on the new practice of "tell-all" climbing books. Is it a story that "has to be told"? I think most serious climbers already know the risks, contention and for-profit motives in guiding in big mountain expeditions. I agree, the Krakour does a good job at being humble and even handed. Is it a bit hypocritical take this already sensational event and then make huge profits off it? I really do not know.

A friend gave me the newest Ed Viestures book, K2. I have not really been able to pin-point the reason, but that book left a bad taste for me. Much of it I did like - particularly the historical accounts of the earlier attempts. I liked his book "No Shortcuts to the Top" a lot better. Parts of both books, however, left me with a sense of whining too much.

I for one prefer not to dig into the "bad karma" of airing of dirty laundry on big climbs. But then, I prefer Disney movies. I will just go stick my head in the sand and read the old Gaston Rebuffat "On Snow and Rock".