Customer Reviews

Rock Jocks, Wall Rats, and Hang Dogs: Rock Climbing on the Edge of Reality

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book had just enough technical information mixed in with stories and philosophy to make it a great read. I am not a rock climber but I am always interested in the extreme lives of others for they give up so much to get so much. The counter culture John Long describes is hilarious without being condescending like you might find in say snowboarding. They seemed to have welcomed anyone willing to try. For the price of a movie, this is a better buy.

can't imagine a better evening than being in an appropriately rowdy spot listening to John Long tell tall stories, improbable stories, and hilarious off-the-wall stories about the great days at Camp 4 in Yosemite. He has a knack of not taking himself seriously, but shining through is his tremendous joy in living to the hilt and exuberant satisfaction of being among the best at what he does.

"What he does" is extreme rock climbing, and these essays peppered with dollops of very good advice tell what it was like in the glory days of the `70s on the big walls. A large part of John's enjoyment was his fellow fanatics, the beauty of the surroundings and, most of all, the burning desire to achieve the status of the coolest guy on the wall.

He starts with his childhood rambles (he had to be a prototype hyperactive child) and some sort of record, never once refers to a deprived misunderstood childhood. He freely admits most of his parents' gray hairs are attributable to him. He and his friends did not know the meaning of "impossible." They decide to learn the techniques of climbing (but nothing of equipment. "Equipment!" Who can afford equipment? and the next year they will somehow get to Mt. Everest and give it a go.

This delightful read is just as likely to be of interest to the general reader as the incipient or experienced rock climber. If the author could bottle and sell his self-confidence and joie de vivre, he would make millions. Spend an afternoon with John Long. You won't regret it.

Occasionally sentimental, even purple in its prose, this is still a must-read. Primarily an account of the author's experiences climbing in Yosemite in the 70's and 80's, it's one of the only books I know of that covers this period.Useful little sidebars give practical climbing information,and many of the stories are just plain fall-out-of-your-Portaledge funny.

As I laughed and howled my way through this book, it dawned on me that one day I will have read all of Long's books, a moment I'm not looking forward to. This is climbing storytelling at its best, and as such, who cares if the stories are true or not!

A good book to read when rained out. John Long is a hilarious writer. It reads just like all the climbing stories we tell (lie?) to each other after a hard day's climbing. It goes into basics for the non-climber but not extensively. Just enough for a non-climber to enjoy the book. For this reason, I gave to book to my parents to read so they can try to understand what I'm so obsessed about. Some of the stories are repeats of introductions he gives in his "How to Rock Climb Series, " but there is plenty of new stuff.

John Long has been there and done that! He has been climbing for many years and as he writes he is able to take us with him on his many climbs. His story telling style is both witty and often humorous with a good deal of wit thrown in for good measure. He is able to convey how and why people climb to the average person and the experienced climber. His storys capture your imagination and take you up the rock with him. This book is good reading for climber or the arm chair adventurer

John Long has a lot of entertaining stories to tell about climbing, and this book contains a number of interesting anecdotes. Unfortunately, it needed a capable editor (Long obviously has one for his "How to Rock Climb" book series published by Chockstone Press), as there are many misspellings and numerous examples of annoyingly obtuse syntax. Nonethless, the subject matter transcends these technical shortcomings. Anyone expecting a sort of sequel to Roper's _Camp 4_ will be disappointed, but, taken on its own merits, this book is worthwhile reading.

My purchase was very easy and quick with prompt delivery.
My purchase was very easy and quick with prompt delivery.

I read this book from the library and then bought a copy and sent it to my wife's grandmother. It was fun to read for me, as a climber, but my grandmother-in-law loved it. It helped her make sense of what my wife and I were doing when we climbed and the characters and situations kept her entertained. Not every author appeals to young climbers and 80-something grandmothers.

A more entertaining writer you would be hard pressed to find. A climber with a sense of humor and the ability to write stories that will keep you wanting more. I just wish I could find more books by John Long.