This book had some truly gripping moments that made me feel the danger and urgency of mountain rescues. I appreciated Van Tilburg’s firsthand experience, but at times the writing felt a little dry and technical. I found myself wishing for a deeper emotional connection to the people behind the rescues.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars for a detailed, eye-opening look at the real risks behind outdoor adventures.

Crisis on Mount Hood is a mix of memoir and the 100 year history of the Crag Rats, the rescue team for the Mount Hood area. Van Tilburg is at his best when he is writing memoir, especially when he is writing about his fellow Crag Rats on rescues or calling his daughters to tell them about a recent rescue. It is obvious in this book how much Van Tilburg loves the outdoors and his dedication to these rescue missions. His connection between climate change and it’s impact on the frequency of rescues is important, and I don’t think he should shy away from these realities in his writing. He does speak very highly of the Crag Rats and while they sound superhuman I did appreciate that he touched on their limitations. I would have loved to hear the author narrate this book, but the energy of the rescues made this a fast listen. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for offering me an early opportunity to listen to this ARC!

I was first drawn to this book because I live in Oregon, about 45 minutes from Mt. Hood. I’ve heard about the Hood River Crag Rats many times in the past as they are often mentioned on the news after participating in rescues. Prior to listening to this book, I was not familiar with who Dr. Van Tilburg was. Now after listening to this book, I have discovered that we know many of the same people from working in Emergency medicine in the area.

This is a really interesting book- part memoir, part historical nonfiction. I am so thankful that there are people who are willing to volunteer to help rescue people. In several of the stories Van Tilburg discusses the errors that people made that lead to them needing rescue. It’s really thought provoking. He also talks about how increased numbers of people climbing Mt. Hood has affected it. He also touches on climate change as well.

I did find it interesting that the author wrote a book about Mt. Hood and the Hood River Crag Rats and decided to start the book with an experience he had during a trip to Italy. It felt out of place in my opinion.

If you’re interested in Mt. Hood, mountain climbing, and learning more about Christopher Van Tilburg’s life, then I recommend giving this book a listen.

This book was great! I listened to an ARC via NetGalley and loved the audiobook narration by Chris Sorensen. I was drawn to this book because I’m an emergency physician in Portland, so the setting felt right on home turf. Dr. Van Tilburg leads an adventurous, interesting and fulfilling life in Hood River filled with doctoring and various adrenaline junkie pursuits like kite surfing. In this memoir he focuses on his involvement as a volunteer mountain rescuer with the Crag Rats, saving lives and retrieving bodies on Mount Hood. I found this fascinating and very articulately written. He also is coming to terms with his age (60) and reflecting on the history of Mount Hood and various rescue efforts over the decades. He also touches on the impacts of climate change, technological advancements and the peril of the ill-prepared climber. My biggest criticism is the editing of the book- at times many anecdotes were repetitive. I also had conflicting feeling about references to his previous books (which I have not read) in that I felt like I was missing out on past stories. Still, this is worth a read for anyone interested in Mount Hood, mountain rescue, emergency medicine or any other adventure!

By: Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg
Narrated by Chris Sorenson

Narration was okay, just felt his voice was a bit bland. Although the subject matter didn’t encourage multiple voices or excitement.

The author goes back to the beginning of rescue missions on Mount Hood. With old documents hard to find, sometimes it’s only a small article written for a local paper.

These stories go to present day, to show the scope of the Hood River Crag Rats. He tells stories which engage and teach his readers, with obvious fondness from time working with his team.

I’m sadden by how much climate change is destroying our treasured natural forests, mountains, waters etc. This really came to point in the stories he tells.

All of the Crag Rats are volunteers only. Each mission can put them into danger as well. Dr. Van Tilburg tells of safety protocols, how equipment is checked and the different situations needed to keep everyone safe. He also discusses how important comunication is.
Showing how well these rescuers are in tune with each other. He describes his friends and colleagues as The Best of the Best. And Rarely gives himself credit.

The biggest impression was how badly these type of people are needed in every single National Park.

The rescue situations are spoken with barely any emotion, but is understandable when u realize how many years they’ve put in and also the type of people who Can Do rescues where the only outcome can be bringing a loved ones body back to family for burial.

These amazing people do rescues in dangerous situations and any kind of bad weather the mountains throw at them. They’re all Heroes!!

I’m grateful for this free audiobook.
All comments are my own.
#CrisisonMountHood
#NetGalley