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 enlarge | Author: Bob Madgic
Publisher: Burford Books
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy New: $9.90
You Save: $7.05 (42%)
New (20) Used (10) from $9.90
Avg. Customer Rating:  32 reviews
Sales Rank: 205047
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 264
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.8
ISBN: 1580801420
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN: 9781580801423
ASIN: 1580801420
Publication Date: March 25, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Ships immediately! Perfect and New! 2007 Paperback.
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| Customer Reviews:
 this could save your life February 28, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A very good book. This should interest anyone going into the Yosemite backcountry, or anyone interested in outdoor rescue EMT. This book might save a reader from injury or death.
Shattered Air Rocks December 8, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Best book I've read in years I think it would make a great screenplay. Although I won't look at Half Dome the same after reading this book, it was a fascinating informative and wonderful book to read.
A climber's nightmare come true November 4, 2005
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
In 1985 five hikers in California's Yosemite National Park made climbing the famous Half Done their goal even when a storm began to amass. By nightfall a lightening strike would kill two, three would be gravely wounded, and a midnight helicopter rescue would be in the making. Recklessness and tragedy permeate Shattered Air: A True Account Of Catastrophe And Courage On Yosemite's Half Dome. It's a climber's nightmare come true.
TarpMan Learned a Lesson! - Get yours from SHATTERED AIR!!! October 7, 2005
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
My passion is backpacking and photography. At 70 years of age, I continue to frequently hike and backpack into the wilderness areas of Northern California, as has been my custom for over 58 years!
Now that I've read - and re-read - Madgic's remarkable true and chilling account of the tragedy, that ruinous July night on Half Dome, I shudder as I recall the number of times I actually enjoyed experiencing while backpacking the "wonders" of a full-scale lightning storm from the so-called "security" of my tarp shelter. Thanks to Bob, I now know how foolish it was for me to feel I was "safe-just-because" I'd pitched my tarp - I've not used a tent for over 30 years - in heavily forested locations! From now on, and if possible, I'll heed his advice and leave the area altogether!
Who should read SHATTERED AIR? In this regard, there are three categories to consider.
First, the "Must-Reads:" Anyone who's likely to have, directly or indirectly, an encounter with lightning! SHATTERED AIR should become a required text for all those involved with search and rescue training; ditto for leaders of hiking and backpacking programs - AND for those taking these programs. Similarly, it would make a fine gift for all Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I'm sure you can think of others.
Secondly, the "Thrill-Seekers:" Those who simply like a good action-packed book will not be disappointed with SHATTERED AIR. As a documentary, it's truly amazing how Madgic has organized all the essential elements in his thriller!
Thirdly, the "Literary-World:" Writers will view with awe the remarkable scope of SHATTERED AIR. Madgic's skillful blend of history and geography sets a proper stage for the unfolding of the true and myriad details of his story that reads like a mystery novel. Madgic's acknowledgement cites 98 individuals who had key roles as resources for SHATTERED AIR. How impressive and encouraging it is to see what tenacity and perseverance can accomplish once an author resolves to write a book!
Mesmerizing October 6, 2005
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
This is the true story of a handful of hikers who attempted to climb the venerable Half Dome, and faced a battle for their lives when a thunderstorm moved in.
First, the writing: Bob Madgic writes a tale as gripping as The Voyage of the Endurance, or Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. The adventure speeds along with succinct descriptions that don't bog down the pace of the story. He has an easy and straightforward style, encompassing many viewpoints and answering (or attempting to answer) the many questions a reader would have. Very, very well done.
There are two main groups in this book: the injured hikers, and the many people who fight to save them. The heroes in this story are those who risked their own welfare to help total strangers. The main question, however, is what in the world made the hikers do something so incredibly reckless and stupid.
Those honors go to Tom Rice, a charismatic young man who guides a group of hikers (both skilled and total novices) on a trail that leads into hell. Both of the victims in this tragedy were first-timers on the Half Dome, though many others suffered a physical and emotional toll.
I couldn't put this book down, though I was discouraged by the ending (as often happens in real life.) Rice comes off as narcisscistic and contemptible, concerned primarily with a sad need for attention and his addiction to his adrenaline rush. He apparently never took an ounce of responsibility for what happened to the young teen novice who followed him up that rock, at least not publicly -- and from his reported future reckless actions that involved others, he seems to have come away from the whole experience primarily with a determination not to change even the slightest bit.
It takes a lot of guts to look deep into your own soul. Rice didn't have that kind of courage. He could deal with the more macho aspects of his ordeal -- the pain, the operations -- but not the tougher self-examination that should have followed.
It's ironic that of all the people on Half Dome that day, the self-proclaimed worshipper of strength and fearlessness proved to be the weakest of them all.
And by the way... if Shattered Air doesn't instill a healthy respect in you for the power of lightning, nothing will. This is an extraordinary story. Don't miss it.
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