High-tech legs on Everest

A finalist in the New Zealand Post Book Awards: Non Fiction category.

By Mark Inglis with Sarah Ell. Published by Random House 2008

Written in diary form, this book is an honest and frank description of Mark Inglis ascent of Everest. It starts with his ascent of Cho Oyu where he tests himself prior to his attempt on Everest, and then goes on to describe in gripping detail the Everest ascent and return, post climb surgery and his recovery to full strength again. Based on his first book, Legs on Everest, this version is written especially for the younger reader, however, visual descriptions and photographs of the damage to his stumps and fingers is graphic, and may be disturbing to some readers, but is a necessary part of this story.
It is very readable, gives biographical detail, and the photographs and information boxes through out provide plenty of background information. This book tells the remarkable story of this incredible man and tells it in such a way as to leave the reader filled with admiration for him, but also inspired by what can be achieved with a ‘can do’ attitude.

Reviewed by Joy