Facing Up [Paperback]

Bear Grylls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 2001

At the age of twenty-three, Bear Grylls became one of the youngest Britons 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. "No one could fail to be gripped by his heartfelt excitement and emotion over what was the adventure of a lifetime". ("Independent"). "Bear's tale is by turns hilarious and horrific". ("Daily Telegraph"). "Written with refreshing humility, this is a briskly told account, not of conquering Everest, but of realizing its power". ("Daily Mail"). "A remarkable tale". ("Daily Express").

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'Bear's tale is by turns, hilarious and horrific.' Daily Telegraph 'Written with refreshing humility, this is a briskly told account not of conquering Everest, but of realising its power.' Daily Mail 'He writes convincingly of fear and doubt. This is an honest and compelling story.' Ranulph Fiennes"

About the Author

Bear Grylls was brought up on the Isle of Wight where he learnt to climb with his father. He spent three years in the British Army and then went on to study Spanish at Birkbeck College, London University. He is a martial arts expert and now writes and lectures all over the world on his experiences. His latest adventure was to complete a round Britain jet ski challenge for charity (August 2000), the launch of which was shown on the Big Breakfast. He lives with his wife Shara on a boat on the Thames.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan (March 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330392263
• ISBN-13: 978-0330392266
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #757,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > History > Asia > Nepal

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!, July 14, 2007

By 

Michelle (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing Up (Paperback)

This honest, gripping account of Bear Grylls trek to the summit of Everest is a must read. He eloquently takes you thorough the excitment and the grave dissapointments that surround such a climb. He is both vulnerable and strong, lucky and prepared, and takes you along for the ride. You will feel like you are right there with him; and, you will put it down with a new respect for climbing and a new respect for nature.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Facing Up is a remarkable read., April 1, 2009

By 

David J. Beisler (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Facing Up (Hardcover)

This is one of the best, if not the best, books I have ever read on climbing Mt. Everest... right up there with "Into Thin Air". Bear Grylls tells it like it is. You can almlost feel every struggling breath for oxygen and the pain in every muscle as these climbers acclimate themselves to the horrendous conditions above base camp. A must read for Everest enthusiasts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This guy is good at everything!, December 27, 2007

By 

L. Lamb - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Facing Up (Paperback)

I bought this book for my husband, and he was cracking up as he read it. He shared several passages, and I agree this is a great read!