51 pages 1 hour read

Joe Simpson

Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1988

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson recounts his and Simon Yates's near-fatal attempt to ascend the West Face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, detailing the harrowing ordeal that followed Simpson’s broken leg and fall into a crevasse, his miraculous survival, and the complex dynamics of trust and moral decisions in extreme situations. This book includes graphic descriptions of injury and intense psychological distress.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joe Simpson's Touching the Void captivates readers with its gripping, true account of survival against all odds. Praised for its detailed narrative and intense emotional depth, the book immerses audiences in the perilous world of mountaineering. However, some critique the dense technical jargon and occasional pacing issues. Despite this, it stands out as a powerful and harrowing tale.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Touching the Void?

An adventurer at heart, captivated by survival tales and human resilience, will devour Joe Simpson's Touching the Void. Fans of Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air and Cheryl Strayed's Wild will find this gripping mountaineering story equally enthralling, appreciating its intense portrayal of nature's challenges and triumphs of the human spirit.

Recommended

Reading Age

14+years

Lexile Level

600L

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Travel Literature

Biography

Topics

Sports

Science / Nature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Life/Time: Mortality & Death