But Adults Will Enjoy Death Mountain, Too
At least, I sure did. And that was before I even 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 admit, though, I was nervous when I agreed to read and review this novel. As I've admitted in another book review of mine, 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
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Wikimedia, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5
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 Is A Story Of Adventure And Courage
Written by Sherry Shahan
Death Mountain
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Used Price: $0.19
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.
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 a 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?
Photo credit: Image courtesy of Stock.xchng, Creative Commons license
Have You Read "Death Mountain"?
If so, please rate the book.
Learn More About Author Sherry Shahan
- SherryShahan.com
- 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"
Other Books By Sherry Shahan
Vote for your favorites, or add any I missed.
Frozen Stiff by Sherry Shahan
What begins as a two-night camping and kayaking tr more...0 points
Fifth Grade Crush by Sherry Shahan Marty Husted
"Hello, Mr. Arnold? This is Tracy Benedict. Y more...0 points
Dashing Through The Snow by Sherry Shahan
Shahan presents the history and background of the more...0 points
Fiesta! by Sherry Shahan
Sherry Shahan and Paula Barragan, the award-winnin more...0 points
Cool Cats Counting by Sherry Shahan
Donkeys lined up to dance the merengue? Rats in bo more...0 points
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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Hikers: Common Mistakes to Avoid
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In Search & Rescue, while each mission is unique, my teammates and I do see a number of common errors, oversights, and decisions that ultimately get people into jams and pickles. And, regrettably, worse. I hesitate to call all of the following &...
What Are You Reading These Days?
All comments welcome.
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- Ecolicious Ecolicious Sep 21, 2009 @ 12:34 am
- Reading
Not Just A Pretty Face
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Reply
- 24websurf 24websurf Sep 14, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
- Now that does look interesting! And since you say it was good.. I may have to check it out soon!
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