Death Mountain: A Novel For Young Adults
Ranked #2,626 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #97,855 overall
But Adults Will Enjoy Death Mountain, Too
Photo credit: Wikimedia/ CC 2.5
I sure did. And that was before I saw the words "Young Adult Fiction" on the back cover, which didn't happen until I was three-quarters of the way though the book.I must say, though, I was unsure about reviewing this novel. I don't enjoy saying anything negative about another writer's work ... especially when that author has personally asked me for a review.
But my concerns were put to rest once I began reading Death Mountain
, which is well-written with a pace that held my interest and kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep. And the fact that this story is based in part on the author's personal experience on Mt. Whitney makes it even more realistic.Death Mountain
Published by Peachtree
When lightning strikes and two young girls become separated from their older companion, an afternoon hike in the Sierras turns into a desperate struggle to survive.
Death Mountain: A Story Of Adventure And Courage
A Novel Written by Sherry Shahan
Death Mountain
Amazon Price: $4.67 (as of 02/14/2012)
Used Price: $0.91
I found "Death Mountain" to be a suspenseful, fast-paced and educational story for readers of any age.
In addition to the girls' struggle to survive, the story also deals with young Erin's struggle to understand why her mother left so suddenly and find within herself the strength to forgive.
A Quote from Death Mountain
"Until now, [Erin] hadn't considered how one careless decision could lead to so many others. She looked back on all the stupid things she'd done over the last few days. Losing the bus ticket. Hitchhiking. Now, hiking without being fully prepared."
Things We Can All Learn From Erin
"Death Mountain" is great material for a book club or classroom discussion.
Photo credit: Stock.xchng / CC 2.0
Anyone who enjoys hiking can learn something from this story. Death Mountain isn't a how-to book, but we can all benefit from the young heroine's trials, tribulations and triumphs. Her actions touch upon what to do and not do when lost in the backcountry and when caught in a thunderstorm while outdoors. The story illustrates the importance of carrying a map as well as knowing how to read it even if one is following a well-marked trail, how to build an emergency shelter, start a fire and how to cross swiftly moving water with a strong current.Death Mountain
is an excellent basis for discussion between parents and their kids or teachers and their students about backcountry safety.Topics for discussion might include:
- What did Erin and Mae do wrong before they got lost?
- What did Erin and Mae do wrong after they got lost?
- What did Erin and Mae do right?
- What could the girls have done differently that might have avoided the problems they faced?
- What kinds of things are important to carry with you when you go hiking?
- What should one do if caught in a thunderstorm while outside?
- What kind of information can you learn from a map?
- What should you do if you get lost while hiking?
Have You Read "Death Mountain"?
If so, please rate the book.
Learn More About "Death Mountain" Author Sherry Shahan
- SherryShahan.com
- Visit Sherry Shahan's official website, where you can learn about this adventurous author and the real-life experience that inspired this book, and read the first chapter of "Death Mountain"
More Books By Sherry Shahan
1
Frozen Stiff by Sherry Shahan
What begins as a two-night camping and kayaking trek more...0 points
2
Fifth Grade Crush by Sherry Shahan Marty Husted
"Hello, Mr. Arnold? This is Tracy Benedict. You more...0 points
3
Dashing Through The Snow by Sherry Shahan
Shahan presents the history and background of the more...0 points
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Cool Cats Counting by Sherry Shahan
Donkeys lined up to dance the merengue? Rats in bo more...0 points
6
Spicy Hot Colors: Colores Picantes by Sherry Shahan
Colors explode off the page in this energetic, jaz more...0 points
And On A Related, Non-Fiction Note
An article about hiker safety....
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What Are You Reading These Days?
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susannaduffy
Mar 6, 2010 @ 4:39 am | delete
- Looks good! I read heaps of books classified as 'young adult' so I'll keep an eye out for this one
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kimmanleyort
Jan 8, 2010 @ 12:32 pm | delete
- Well, I think you are the perfect person to review this book. I will put it on my list of SquidLit Reviews. Thanks for visiting my blog. Now I am going to visit yours.
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Ecolicious
Sep 21, 2009 @ 12:34 am | delete
- Reading
Not Just A Pretty Face
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24websurf
Sep 14, 2009 @ 11:42 pm | delete
- Now that does look interesting! And since you say it was good.. I may have to check it out soon!
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