Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge
Mackinac Bridge, taken from the ferry on the way to Mackinac Island.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Book: Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon


OK, here is a really scary book. Over the Edge is a very thorough documentation of every documented death that has occurred at the Grand Canyon. Written by people very closely associated with the Canyon, it seems that everything is covered. The book is categorized by types of deaths.

This is a big book, with MANY odd stories about tragedy at the Grand Canyon. One fact pointed out by the authors is that many deaths occur from horsing around. Loved ones have been lost when someone acted like they were jumping near a drop off, only to slip and actually go over.

Also, many hikers are not as prepared as they should be. Some remember hiking parts of the Canyon in comfortable Fall temperatures, and go back to hike during the summer, assuming it will be as easy as it was before.

I personally have a friend (I am talking to you Andy!) who became very sick while hiking the Canyon, and he had to be transported by helicopter out. I gave this book to him recently as a gift- and a warning!

2 comments:

Rach said...

would you suggest me reading it then?

jimerado said...

Well, if you are in need of a fun, happy type of book, then no. If you are interested in the very strange, then sure.
This is an odd one. Its not one I would buy for my young cousin. I would suggest it to someone interested in natural disasters, true crime, or the Grand Canyon in general.