When I first heard about the story of Aron Ralston, I was very intrigued. I had heard a bit about the story, but I wanted to learn more. What I expected was a very in-depth retelling of Aron's experience about how he got his arm unstuck from between the boulder and the canyon wall. What I actually got was that, and more. He talks about his struggles, his fears, his thoughts, and his triumphs. But for a vast majority in between there, he told a lot of his life stories. Stories of his childhood, and his past hiking experiences. While all of these were great to read and hear about, I feel like they are unnecessary. Without these extra details, this book could have been much shorter. Essentially what this book is, however, is an autobiography. I don't have a problem with that, except for the fact that it wasn't advertised very well on the cover. What many people will go into thinking is a dramatic story of survival and triumph, will be surprised when they read all of the extra stories that are included. That's not to take away from the devastating realization that the only way you are going to live is if you amputate your own arm with a measly pocketknife. That's not to mention the struggle of finding help afterwords, especially as disoriented as one would be in that circumstance. I would recommend to anyone who wants to read a story of one's courage and perseverance to never give up, but don't be fooled, it is an autobiography