Close Calls (Falcon Guides Mountain Climbing) [Paperback]

John Long (Author)

Book Description

Series: Falcon Guides Mountain Climbing | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Collection of near-death climbing experiences. Illustrated by Tami Knight.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In his new book that is entertaining and instructional, world famous rock climber and accomplished writer John Long has collected stories about people who almost died climbing and lived to tell about it, haved learn from it, and in the end even managed to laugh about it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 1st edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560447621
• ISBN-13: 978-1560447627
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #758,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh Through Your Own Personal Apocalypse, December 19, 2002

By 

sweetmolly (RICHMOND, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Close Calls (Falcon Guides Mountain Climbing) (Paperback)

John Long is really telling us cautionary tales. But if anyone can make you laugh, snort, and giggle at the thought of some poor sod hanging by a fingernail to a crumbling mountain ledge, John Long is that man. Also cartoonist Tami Knight has an equally irreverent sense of humor.

However, if you are not laughing too hard, you will notice Long's Commentary and Prevention notes on each tale are precise, well written and helpful. The big moral throughout is you can never ever be too careful when rock climbing. Also, never assume anything.

I think this is a particularly good book for young people who have an interest in rock climbing. A solemn, dry book would never do the trick. It is difficult to grab this group's attention, particularly since the hormones are raging, and they are certain of their immortality. But they adore gallows humor, and just perhaps a few of these safety measures will stick in their minds and hearts.

John Long has a knack of coming on like your new best friend. Similar to Stephen King, you feel like he is telling his stories just for you and no one else. So settle in and enjoy the read!
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An adrenaline rush with every story., July 20, 1999

By 

Diana (So. California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Close Calls (Falcon Guides Mountain Climbing) (Paperback)

An excellent book for every rock climber. Whether your an expert climber or just a beginner, this book explains how a simple mistake could mean your life. Learn lessons the easy way by reading Close Calls by John Long.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious...and useful, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Close Calls (Falcon Guides Mountain Climbing) (Paperback)

John Long's narrative style shines in this light-hearted survey of desperate climbing situations. Many climbing writers take themselves so seriously that their writing becomes too pedantic to relate to actual climbing practice. Close Calls uses humor to bridge the gap between diligence and epic, and gets meaningful lessons across in the midst of the goofiness. Tami Knight's distinctive caricatures add a hysterically funny dimension, with such narrative accuracy that most of the illustrations make it hard to concentrate on the writing. This collection would be a welcome adition to any climber's library.