What are you reading?

[Kiefer]

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Didn’t Mortenson make up a lot of his stories? I’m pretty sure he was discredited. Unfortunately a lot of that came from Jon Krakauer, who I feel isn’t always exactly accurate with his reporting/story telling.

You know, I think I heard that same thing a while ago. As to the extent of the fiction, that I don't know.
If there's anyone I don't trust their word on, is Kedrowski.

[justiner]

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https://www.amazon.com/Three-Cups-Decei ... B004XHVOW4

Krakauer's reporting seems exceptionally thourough on all his work. His storytelling is, you know: storytelling.

The BIG problem with Mortenson isn't that he lied about his creation narrative, it's that he used the non-profit's money as his personal ATM. This included money that was donated by grade school students that raised it by collecting pennies. It's not a good look.

Also there's the thing that he didn't build many of the schools he claimed to, and also that: why would you build buildings for a nomadic culture?

[Kiefer]

51n9sMOiORL.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Cups-Decei ... B004XHVOW4

Krakauer's reporting seems exceptionally thourough on all his work. His storytelling is, you know: storytelling.

The BIG problem with Mortenson isn't that he lied about his creation narrative, it's that he used the non-profit's money as his personal ATM. This included money that was donated by grade school students that raised it by collecting pennies. It's not a good look.

DUDE!!! I'm buying THAT like today!! Thanks for this! It should make for a good punctuation mark.
Especially since 'Three Cups' and 'Stones' are still fresh in my head.

[douglas]

51n9sMOiORL.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Three-Cups-Decei ... B004XHVOW4

Krakauer's reporting seems exceptionally thourough on all his work. His storytelling is, you know: storytelling.

The BIG problem with Mortenson isn't that he lied about his creation narrative, it's that he used the non-profit's money as his personal ATM. This included money that was donated by grade school students that raised it by collecting pennies. It's not a good look.

Also there's the thing that he didn't build many of the schools he claimed to, and also that: why would you build buildings for a nomadic culture?

He also lied about being captured by the Taliban as well as his descent down K2.

[SurfNTurf]

Let's keep this thread lively, since reading is one of the best escapes available right now. Though as a publisher who wants to still have a job when this thing is over, I might be biased.

Speaking of Krakauer, I'm almost finished with Classic Krakauer, his new-ish book of collected articles and essays mostly from the 1990s. It's a good read for his devotees, and his writing is simply top-notch. Only a handful of creative writers, and even fewer journalists, have his knack for gasp-worthy prose. But it lacks the focus and punch of his other books, especially his earlier collection of essays, Eiger Dreams. I don't regret reading it. I simply wasn't as enraptured as I was with his other works.

Deep Creek by Pam Houston and Seasons: Desert Sketches by Ellen Meloy are far better essay collections I've finished recently. I honestly give both a 10/10. I've already reread Desert Sketches twice. Each essay is only a page or three, yet so much power is packed into the tiny vignettes. If she'd lived past her early 50s, I firmly believe Meloy would have ascended to become one of America's most beloved nature writers.

For escapism, the entire The Expanse series is the best scifi I've read since Hyperion. Also a great show on Amazon Prime. The Name of the Wind and The Way of Kings are the first books in absolutely stellar (and still ongoing) fantasy franchises. When it's all said and done, The Stormlight Archive (beginning with The Way of Kings) has the potential to surpass A Song of Ice and Fire and The Wheel of Time as the best of the best in contemporary fantasy.

[highpilgrim]

especially his earlier collection of essays, Eiger Dreams.

That was a great read. Vintage stuff. The story of the Devil's Thumb was a favorite.

I've read a lot of Craig Child's work and find it compelling. The current one I'm rereading is The Secret Knowledge of Water, about the American southwestern desert. Good stuff.

His Animal Dialogues is great as well.

[Noob4Life]

Like it or not, the Climax mine is a big part of Colorado's history. Voynick's book provides a lot of interesting insight into this whole operation, from discovery all the way through to the 2012 restart. After reading this book I can't believe that in all my visits to Leadville, I still have not taken the time to visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. I'll make sure that happens next time!

[justiner]

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[Klad24]

Just finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and I consider it one of the best books I've ever read. The amount of willpower required to survive a Japanese POW camp is incomprehensible to me.

[scott goldberg]

Postcards from the Ledge by Greg Child

[12ersRule]

"The Log from the Sea of Cortez" - Steinbeck and Ricketts.

[JChitwood]

“The Push” by Tommy Caldwell. Not sure but it appears I’m not as good at rock climbing as he is.