1. Into Thin Air
John Krakauer

2. How does the story begin. Why is this unique
How does the story begin? Why is this unique? What are some things you learned about Mt. Everest through this book? What genre of writing does this book fall into? Who would you say was the protagonist of this story? Why? Who would you say was the antagonist of this story? Why? Which character did you enjoy those most? Which did you hate the most? Why? Which event do you think was the climax of the plot? Why? The book contains many scenarios where ethics can come into play. Which issue within the story do you think was the most unethical? Why? How does the author feel clearly feel at the end of the book? How do we know this?
discussion

3. Why was Krakauer originally sent to write an article on Everest?
Krakauer was originally sent to Everest to write an article for Outside magazine examining the issues of an increasingly crowded and commercial experience on Mount Everest.
Why did Jon Krakauer feel compelled to publish a book over 300 pages long after writing an extensive article about the Everest disaster for Outside magazine?
Krakauer’s guilt was compounded months later when he realized that he had inaccurately reported the death of guide Andy Harris. Confused and scarred by the experience, he decided to document the calamity in Into Thin Air, with the goal of imparting the lessons that he believes need to be learned in the tragedy’s aftermath.
Why it was Written

4. What does Jon Krakauer want his audience to learn from Into Thin Air?
While some view Into Thin Air only as a thrilling tale of adventure and death, Krakauer advocates for awareness of the increasing dangers unique to Mount Everest and as well as investigate the inherent risks of mountain climbing.
He explains that climbing has long held a fascination for some people, and admits, “attempting to climb Everest is an intrinsically irrational act—a triumph of desire of sensibility.” Now it Is done by inexperienced egomaniacs looking for an adrenaline high.
Now, commercial expeditions plague the slopes of Everest with inexperienced climbers causing the events that took place in 1996.
Krakauer concludes, “Everest seems to have poisoned many lives,” and will continue to do so unless there are more regulations on the mountain.
About the Book

5. Characters Jon Krakauer Rob Hall Scott Fischer Doug Hansen
Lopsang Jangbu
Anatoli Boukreev
Andy Harris
Beck Weathers
Yasuko Namba
Sandy Pittman
Neal Beidleman
Characters