Book Review: Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson

Blind Descent

By Brian Dickinson

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Published: May 1, 2014

ASIN: B00GWT8E10

Amazon Synopsis:

Alone and blind at 29,000 feet!

Former Navy rescue swimmer Brian Dickinson was roughly 1,000 feet from the summit of Mount Everest—also known as “the death zone”—when his Sherpa became ill and had to turn back, leaving Brian with a difficult decision: should he continue to push for the summit, or head back down the mountain? After carefully weighing the options, Brian decided to continue toward the summit—alone. Four hours later, Brian solo summited the highest peak in the world. But the 

celebration was short-lived. After taking a few pictures, Brian radioed his team to let them know he had summited safely, and got ready to begin his descent. Suddenly, his vision became blurry, his eyes started to burn, and within seconds, he was rendered almost completely blind. All alone at 29,035 feet, low on oxygen, and stricken with snow blindness, Brian was forced to inch his way back down the mountain relying only on his Navy survival training, his gut instinct, and his faith. In Blind Descent, Brian recounts—in fantastic detail—his extraordinary experience on Everest, demonstrating that no matter how dire our circumstances, there is no challenge too big for God.

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My Thoughts:

Blind Descent was an amazing true life adventure on the tallest mountain in the world. 29,000 feet high in altitude, all alone and suddenly blind, Brian Dickinson couldn’t use his radio to contact his team to let them know he was in trouble. The only thing he could do was rely on God and his sense of touch, and the skills he had to get himself off the mountain.

It was fascinating to discover all the climbing that goes on in order for a climber to acclimatize to the elevation change when attempting to climb Mount Everest. Brian Dickinson does an excellent job of helping the reader understand all that is involved in an individual’s preparation for climbing the world’s tallest mountain.

It was wonderful to see Brian’s reliance on God and his devotion to his family. His story was very inspirational. The way he tells his adventure makes the reader feel like they are with him every step of the way.

If you enjoy survival stories, I think you will enjoy this one. I gave Blind Descent 4 stars out of 5.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author:

Brian Dickinson served for six years as a US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to get his MBA and pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He has climbed in expeditions on the highest peaks of the seven continents, including Mount Everest, with the majority of climbs in the Cascade Mountains, near his home. He uses his climbs to help raise money for charity and as an opportunity to share his faith with others around the world. Brian, his wife, JoAnna, and their children, Jordan and Emily, live in Snoqualmie, Washington.

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