Although this book was supposed to be about climbing it contained no more about climbing than what a climbing magazine would put in it's main article. Mostly Wickwire rambles on about his narrow escapes and doles out judgement from his high loft about other's abilities and affairs. When he himself falls through the same pitfalls of human emotions he tries to justify it through his diary. I was sadly dissapointed with his attitude towards his family and climbing.Dear Mr. Wickwire: If you so craved challenge and the thrills of life you need not scale peaks to do so. You would just have to turn your attention to your loving wife and your 5 children who so deperately wanted your love and attention. I understand the call of climbing but I believe you wanted more than a challenge, you wanted freedom. At least in the end you figured what is truly important.