Ep 339: Doing Things Alone

In 'Into Thin Air', Jon Krakauer recounts the true story of a 24-hour period on Mt. Everest when members of three separate expeditions were caught in a devastating storm. The book details the catastrophic events that led to the worst single-season death toll in Everest's history. Krakauer, who was on the mountain as a client of guide Rob Hall, provides a meticulously researched and emotionally charged account of the disaster, reflecting on the risks, judgments, and heroism involved in high-altitude climbing. The narrative explores the commercialization of Everest, the psychological and physical challenges faced by climbers, and the author's own struggles with survivor's guilt and mortality.

In 'The Red Room', a young man decides to spend a night in a room that is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the old earl or his young countess. Despite the warnings from the old housekeeper and her companions, he enters the room determined to debunk the myth. However, as the night progresses, he experiences an overwhelming sense of fear that seems to emanate from the room itself, rather than any supernatural presence. The story explores the psychological effects of fear and the power it holds over the human mind.