Joe Simpson Forum

Joe Simpson

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I have just finished Touching the Void, and am half-way through the sequel, Ghosts...this will be the seventh climbing book I have read in the last 4 weeks...and so far, only Simpson's writing has permeated and interrupted my sleep pattern. I awoke at 5 am in a cold sweat unable to shake the Void. Until now, I was ready to don some crampons and climb, but, eh, well, is it really worth it? Perhaps if I were unmarried and childless (neither of which I am) could I contemplate such a sport. Simpson has touched my unconscious in a way no other writer ever has. Eternally grateful, thanks, Joe.

>>By ellen (Wednesday, 30 Apr 2003 22:38)

I read Touching the Void in one sitting, and have just finished The Beckoning Silence. Both have touched my inner core, and have helped me make the decision to leave an abusive relationship, pack up my house and move to pastures new for a new start with my son. Frightening stuff, but not as scary as staying put. I will be forever grateful. Thanks Joe.

>>By Anon (Monday, 12 May 2003 21:31)

Gosh I thought this writer would have deserved more comment. This guy is alive, his writing is alive. I am with him all the way. How he introduces us to his family, his friends and the mountains he loves with deep understanding is truly amazing and one of life's miracles. I tell you what I wish I could have been a fly on the wall wherever he was, whether it was in a crevasse or in a Nepalese Bar or just in his local. His books make you feel part of the adventures he has had. I would have started climbing but I've been there already when I was 13 and fell off. My book is Scaredly Cat, ha ha!!!! Seriously Joe you are one of the best.

>>By hiflydi (Thursday, 19 Feb 2004 14:55)

I'm seeing his doco-film soon "Touching the Void". Read the book years ago and was hooked by his writing. Ellen go for it, whether married or not. Yes I know I don't but I still go out into the hills. My thirteen likes rock climbing. He has read some of Joe's books and thoroughly enjoyed them.

>>By hiflydi (Monday, 23 Feb 2004 11:54)

Just found this board. I've read Touching the Void, This Game of Ghosts and The Beckoning SIlence. This guy is just such an amazing writer...so compelling...it's an effort to refrain from reading the whole book in one sitting. The description of the storm on Les Drus (in Beckoning Silence) is just incredible...I cite that to everyone who thinks they've found an amazing author. I've never read anything that comes close. Has anyone read any of his others...I'm not sure which one to read next.

I've not seen TTV on film yet. I think it was only briefly at the cinemas down here over Christmas. I was away in Switzerland and it was no longer being shown when I returned. I hope there will be a DVD version.

Joe was on Hardtalk on BBC News 24 the other day...did any one see that? Seems that Simon Yates is having a hard time of late and he's not on friendly terms with Joe anymore...

>>By bikergirl (Wednesday, 25 Feb 2004 13:14)

Regarding the film, this is still being shown at various cinemas. And because of its popularity, release of the DVD has been put back to April.

Joe has written a novel The Water People, I think it's out of print until later this year. I've not read it though , still hooked on the nitty gritty of pure non-fiction. Have you tried Dark Shadows Falling?

Some of my family members have met the man and my mum managed to buy him a pint. His talks are marvellous also they tell me. Unfortunately I don't think he comes to my neck of the woods, so I 'll remain content, so long he remains a writer.

>>By hiflydi (Wednesday, 25 Feb 2004 14:08)

Say...who's the new face of Rohan?
http://www.rohan.co.uk/

I see the TTV DVD is due for release on 5 April now...I'll be putting in my pre-order, coz I don't think it's gonna come back to the independant cinemas down here. Perhaps Dark Shadows Falling will turn up in the parcel too!!

I'm sure it's amazing to hear him talk...he was very good on the BBC... Responding to the interviewers question as to whether there was any true wilderness left, he said anywhere's a wilderness if you leave the sat phone and GPS behind...

I've heard Bear Grylls talk...he was excellent too. Have you read his Facing Up book?

>>By bikergirl (Wednesday, 3 Mar 2004 12:50)

Yes I have "Facing Up" in my library. Bear Grylls seems to face the mountain's differently to Joe, ( even when hearing of Joe's exploits when he was in his twenties.) maybe he's more religious.

I only need to walk out of my door for five minutes and I'm in complete wilderness. god I'm so lucky. He's right though, you just have to look at the equiptment that's taken to Everest Base Camp or anywhere else. I have a friend in the Mountain Rescue and she had to go out the other day.... The fools she "rescued" only wanted to try out their phones!!!!!!!!

I think Joe is going to try and finish a novel... is he not giving up mountaineering? Or is the Eigerwand still beckoning? Now there is a terrific book, "White Spider" by Heinrich Harrer.

>>By hiflydi (Wednesday, 3 Mar 2004 16:02)

Like the book "Touching the Void", the film is equally raw. I saw the film today and wow.

I'll check out Rohan soon.

Are we the only two brave enough to read Joe Simpson's Books. Have you read Simon Yate's also? I put crampon's on in my dreams these days ha ha!!

>>By hiflydi (Wednesday, 10 Mar 2004 22:03)

Oh yes!! White Spider is an amazing book. I don't know if the Eigerwand does still beckon for Joe...I thought he was more into rock climbing (as opposed to ice) these days. Hmmm...jealous now coz you've seen the film!! <sigh>

I've not read anything by Simon Yates...that's easily remedied...amazon must love me!! I'd not have the courage to put on crampons...I'll stick to rocks/bouldering (and a few indoor walls LOL).

In case anyones else comes along here before April 4th...who also happens to be from down this way...(unlikely...)
Doug Scott 'Moments of Being' an illustrated lecture (climbs/explorations in Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, Nepal)
Canford School, Wimborne.

>>By bikergirl (Saturday, 13 Mar 2004 17:04)

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