Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Aron Ralston's Between a Rock and a Hard Place is a true account of his time trapped in Blue John Canyon. The book is filled with great climbing and hiking stories.

In April of 2002 Ralston, an experienced climber, skier and all-other-outdoor adventurer, became trapped in Utah's Canyon Lands. On a Saturday at 2:45, a boulder shifted as he climbed over it, falling and trapping his right hand against the side of the slot canyon. He spent the next five days trapped - trying to free himself as he ran out of food and water. It is a harrowing tale that once again proves that you should never give up.

The book eases the tension of the situation by flashing back to his previous hiking and climbing experiences. Some of the time I was not sure if the previous experiences were to show how much he had learned along the way - as it to emphasize that anyone can have a freak accident and become trapped. Or if they were to show what crazy risks he has already taken and somehow lived through!

Overall, this is a great read that inspires the reader to spend more time outdoors (once s/he has left a detailed note of when and where).

Ralston, Aron. (2004). Between a rock and a hard place. New York: Atria Books.