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Krakauer is the author of INTO THE WILD, a book I read this summer that I loved. He was given an assignment from OUTSIDE magazine to investigate the commercial guide companies that were leading climbers up Mount Everest. He went up the mountain with one of these groups as a member, but also as an observer. When tragedy struck, he was right in the midst of things.
This was a gripping story. The background details, combined with Krakauer's personal experience make for a compelling read.