Review of Holding Fast

I must admit I began reading this book with low expectations. I am not a mountaineer and I have no interest in the subject of mountaineering. However, my admittedly low expectations were exceeded, and the time invested in reading this book was rewarded.
Holding Fast - The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy details the deaths of three climbers who were trapped on Mount Hood near Portland, Oregon, in December 2006. The book is written by Karen James, the wife of Kelly James, one of the three climbers who died.
The book is divided up into four parts. Part One gives us background information on Kelly James. We learn of his childhood, his faith in God, his marriage to Karen, and his consuming interest in mountaineering. Part Two deals with the Mount Hood tragedy itself. The story is told of the huge rescues operation, the enormous media interest, and the stresses and strains that the situation placed upon the families, particularly Karen James. There is also a heart-breaking account of the final phone call that took place between Kelly James and his family. Part Two ends with death of Kelly James and the recovery of his body. Part Three tells us of Karen James battle with overwhelming grief and her quest to disciver what exactly happened on the mountain. Part Four serves as an epilogue and ends with how the tragedy has strengthened Karen James' Christian faith.
This book does have some weaknesses. The portrait that the author paints of her husband is just a little too perfect. Faults and failings are part of the human condition and by excluding them from her account the author makes her husband just a little less human and accessible to the reader. Also more detail on the nature of her husband's faith (and her own for that matter) would have been welcome and profitable.
However, while the book has its weaknesses, there is much in it that is commendable. The story itself is a tragedy and the reader would have to possess a heart of stone not to be moved by it. The insider account of the rescue operation and the media circus that accompanied it is always fascinating and sometimes disturbing (should the media demand a constant round of interviews with emotinally stressed relatives?). Finally, the central role that Christian faith can play in overcoming grief is very uplifting and should encourage many believers who suffer the pain of bereavement.
In conclusion, this is not a perfect book and I do not share some of the opinions that are expressed in it but it is a worthwhile read and I am happy to commend it.