We've all heard about the movie "127 Hours", right? This guy,
Aron, is out alone adventuring when he gets his arm stuck
between a boulder and a wall. He's stuck there, by himself, for 127
hours.
This true story, written by Aron Ralston, describes everything that
happened before, during, and after this incident. (Spoiler alert: He
survives - after all, he was able to write the book!)
I started reading the book, and then, a few chapters in, decided
that I wanted to watch the movie. I thought the movie was very well
done, but I also felt like I wanted to know more. I felt like I was
missing information about the whole story. (And I was really hoping
that the book would answer those questions.)
This book exceeded my expectations and answered all of the
questions that I felt were unanswered after watching the movie. As far
as the book itself is concerned, it included so many details during
those 127 hours - how he decided to drink his water to maximize his
resources, his thought processes for how he was going to try to get out
of his situation, what he recorded on his video camera and photographed
for his loved ones back home (when he was thinking that he was going to
die), and everything that he saw and felt while he was stuck. As well,
he includes so many details in what his friends and family members were
doing back home in their search for Aron and details about his rescue
and recovery (both of which were not included in the movie).
Throughout the beginning of the book, he also goes back and forth
from his present situation (him being stuck) to past adventures he has
had with his friends or family. Now, let this be stated - I think Aron
is extremely brave for having done what he did and survived this
situation (and for not letting this accident affect his active
lifestyle). However, I just need to point out that many of the
past situations described by Aron in the book could have ended
similarly, with him stuck in a (different) bad situation. (He even
talks, at one point in the book, about a friend who is no longer on
speaking terms with him because Aron was the encourager that got them
into a dangerous and life-threatening situation involving an
avalanche.) He's a risk-taker (something which I don't know very much
about!), and while this was definitely a chance situation in 127 hours, I
hope that he has learned to tone down some of the risks that he takes
on while out adventuring.
It was a bit tough to get into during the first couple chapters,
but it was worth it. This is not my typical type
of read, but I was impressed with his writing, his memory of details,
and his story.
For those who liked the movie, for those who enjoy outside
adventure, and for those who enjoy reading true stories, I would highly
recommend this one.
