The Kid Who Climbed Everest: The Incredible Story of a 23-Year-Old's… (2000)

I have read several personal accounts of Everest climbs and Bear Grylls' (yes, the one from Man Vs. Wild) is one of the most thought provoking and personal. The story begins with Bear having a near fatal parachuting accident while in the British Army and being literally on bed-rest for several months. Surviving this incident stirs something in his being and the quest for the summit of Everest begins. After figuring out the logistics and funding for this endeavor, Bear and a friend from the Army embark for The Himalayas. Bear starts this story as a young 23-year old with ambitions taller than his age and an ego to match, but he is quickly humbled by the deadly majesty of Everest. It becomes clear to him very fast that he will summit Everest only if Everest will allow it. ( )

A very exciting story about Bear Gyllis's trek up the intimidating Mt. Everest to become the youngest Briton ever to reach its summit. The fast paced narrative kept me turning pages like crazy, and even though I knew that he ultimately reached the summit (it's in the title!), I still felt compelled to keep reading because the journey was so exciting. I'm amazed by people with the will and fortitude to endure what seems to be three months of pure torture to achieve this goal. I agree with reviewer Tselja that the religious references became intrusive at times although they did not overwhelm or detract from the story. Clearly Gryllis's faith is important to him. Great way for armchair adventurers to make it to the top of the world. ( )

Fewer than 3,000 people have stood on the summit of Mt. Everest, and Bear Grylls is a member of that elite club. In this book, he give the reader an inspiring and unapologetic look at what it takes to stand on top of the world. ( )

An engaging book, told with style and humility. I found the religious references a trifle intrusive at times, but that's just my opinion and doesn't detract from his remarkable achievement. ( )

This is a no-hold barred retelling of just how hard it is to get to the summit of Everest. The waiting for a break in the weather, the exhaustion and breathing problems caused by high altitude, the insanitary conditions, the dead bodies from previous season frozen to the mountain, reminding everyone that death is just one slip away. An interesting and informative read. ( )