From the back of the book:
At the age of twenty-three, Bear Grylls became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mount Everest. At extreme altitude youth holds no advantage over experience, and it is generally acknowledged that younger climbers have more difficulty coping with the adverse effects of mountaineering. Nevertheless, only two years after breaking his back in a freefall parachuting accident, Bear Grylls overcame severe weather conditions, fatigue, dehydration and a last-minute illness to stand on top of the world's highest mountain. Facing Up is the story of his adventure, his courage and humour, his friendship and faith.

Left at the book exchange.

Release #11 for the 2017 E-less Challenge.

Got this from Pyrmont Community Centre, it's been sitting on my shelf for a few years so am releasing it back to Pyrmont via the Street Library on Jones St now that I've found the ebook on Anna's Archive.

I trekked to Everest Base Camp many years ago so I enjoyed this account of the experience - we were all a bit sick of dhal bhat after a while. I remember the same experience of how debilitating the altitude was - someone in our group who is quite fit had very severe altitude sickness and could not continue to base camp, having made it to the last lodge just before it. At that height the simplest things, just taking a few steps, become substantially more difficult and you felt like you were tired all the time.

Despite all the difficulties - the altitude, the cold, the lack of washing facilities, the limited and rather expensive food options - it was the most incredible experience. The scenery was stunningly beautiful - the colours of the sky, water, ice and myriad prayer flags so vibrant and life affirming. We too visited the monastery at Tengboche, watched the monks meditating and praying in the ornate temple.

Reading about the summit climb was fascinating, having only a vague idea how much more difficult the higher altitude would have been. There were so many mishaps, it felt like he was in fact extremely lucky to have not only made it but survived at all - but I suppose that’s life isn’t it? We can’t at all take for granted the fact that we are alive and well, and so privileged to be able to witness such great wonders in our lives.