The Walk Up Nameless Ridge (Kindle Single)

Having just finished Wool 1-5 plus six and seven, I THOUGHT that Howey was going to be my new favorite author, until I started Nameless here. I am only on page 42 and already, in the space of three paragraphs, someone AT LEAST whose editors should know better, has violated one of the simplest grammatical rules. It is one that probably millions of even educated people make, but it drives me nuts. Example: "They would also be keeping an eye on Hanson and I." Even though this is a common enough error, plenty of other people who publish books manage to get it right or, if they don't, their editors know that the object of a preposition cannot be a nominative case pronoun.

OK, yes, I am a grammar nazi ... have been told so numerous times on Facebook. I am trying very hard to let things pass, in places where it does not matter - such as when someone puts obvious effort into illustrating and posting a heartfelt and poignant message that is absolutely ruined by bad grammar, it's not really any of my business, is it. But when someone publishes anything with blatant grammatical problems, the credibility of that writing is put into jeopardy. That's why I care. The English language is not just going to ****, it is being put to death by millions who just don't give a rat's patootie about it any more.

The title should read " Wasting My time on the Nameless Ridge. The book was so short I could not believe it was over. The authors' previous shorts were much longer. I was very disappointed and will not buy any more shorts from him unless they are more substantial.

Spoilers might be found below.

As a mountaineer, and an admiring follower of Howey's, I wanted to like this book, but in truth I expected to hate it. I wondered how many of the climbing tropes would be found within the story – how much criticism there would be of ego, of the oxygen bottles left on mountains across the world, of the western climber/sherpa relationship. And all of that is present. Howey has done his research, and observed keenly the ills of the modern elite climbing world. I imagine he's seen the photos of the queue to summit Everest which saddened climbers everywhere. But the book, written as it is from the perspective of a nameless man, driven by ego and self-interest, also acknowledges those quiet personalities who summit for different reasons – the actions of Ziba, told through his eyes and the nameless man's change of perspective in the final pages shows why Howey is so successful: he is an astute observer of the spectrum of human behaviour. The relationship between climbing partners is so nicely rendered. He adds the elements which take the story to its future setting – gears on the climbers' suits to assist in climbing way above what would be considered possible here on Earth, androids climbing too, nods to Earth's mountains still having a special place in some traditionalist's hearts. These tiny setting details add a richness to the story with only a few lines. The story is so beautifully crafted and wonderfully written that it's worth two readings so that those moments you missed the first time can be savoured again. Yet Howey might have one thing wrong, in my view – having spent time with elite climbers, I doubt any would leave a man possibly dying on the mountain so that they could summit instead. That part does not ring true for me. I think most elite mountaineers know it might be them next time. I watched Kenton Cool tell the story of how he spent hours trying to save a man, rather than realise a life-long dream on Everest. And watched him break down when he told me how couldn't save him. Perhaps that's Howey's point – that all human-beings are different, with different priorities, and Ziba's actions when placed it stark contrast with our nameless man's, and his later view of her which conflicts with society's view of his achievement, is the true point of the story. And I'm the one who has it wrong.

​I really enjoyed reading Hugh Howey's short story "A Walk Up Nameless Ridge." In the future, climbing Everest is about as difficult as climbing Half Dome. On Planet Eno, stands a Nameless mountain that's 60,000 feet tall. The first climber to summit her will obtain fame, glory, and will have the mountain named after him or her.

Even though this is a short story, Howey touches on several themes and hides little diamonds of realism into the story's framework. A beautiful masterpiece that is both entertaining and revealing of humanity's propensity towards selfishness.

Well done, Hugh. Well Done!

Hugh Howey never disappoints. This was a very thought provoking book and was so well written as is every book I have ever read by him. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because the end, as amazing as it was, was just a bit to vague and had me reading a few pages again before the end really became clear. I am a sucker for books about man against the environment (or establishment) and the most life and death extremes, while agonizing with them every excruciating step of the way. That is exactly what you get with this book.

Like many of Hugh Howey's works, the apparent story you read is not the real story. Sure, it's a nice sci-fi piece about people climbing mountains on distant worlds, evoking suspense and wonder. But the real story is about the motivation and the secret conflicts happening within the characters. Hugh never forgets that a good story is about people and how they deal with their world and their own strengths and weaknesses. What drives someone to do the impossible at great cost to themselves and everything they (should) hold dear? What motivates them to push themselves beyond their limits to achieve a fleeting and maybe Pyrrhic victory? What price glory?

Every time I read another Howey book (or "single" in this case), I gain even more appreciation for his mastery of the craft of writing outstanding fiction. This piece held particular meaning for me, since I'm a bit of a mountaineer & gravitate toward mountaineering stories.

I don't know if Howey climbs, but if he doesn't, he certainly grasps the world of mountaineering extremely well. This allegorical tale will stay with me a long, long time. Highly recommended.

Excellent short story. I've started reading Hugh Howey's books, and they are very interesting, and capture your attention. This story showed the extent a person is willing to go to and do in order to fulfill a passion and a page in history.

Found that some of the writing obfuscated the story, forcing re-reads of some sections to tease out the meaning. Not opposed to that normally, but happened too many times in such a short story--at least in my opinion. I normally find that Howey's work flows better than it does here. But still well worth the price.

I really enjoyed the story. This was very character driven. The story of conquering a summit and going where no man has gone before all told through the struggles of the lead character. Another good showing from a Self Published author, despite what people misusing the term "misogynistic" think.

I imagine this story boils down the desire to climb into such a small and dense nugget that it will resonate with those that do climb. For the rest of us, it is a glimpse into a world that we do not and will not be a part of but maybe will have a bit more understanding. It's a small confection and how you enjoy it is your decision.

Delightfully written, great story with puzzling ending. I had to read Mr. Howey's explanation...now I get it. A re-read put the whole story in context. I love Mr. Howey's stories and eagerly await more!

I heard about Hugh Howey from my random seat mate on a plane and have been devouring his books ever since. This guy is good ! ...and my fellow passenger on that flight from SAT to DFW - I am much abliged! Enjoy.

Short and sweet.... Well not sweet, but a brutally honest look into the human mind at the edge of the world. The story of a climber who is climbing a peak that has never been conquered. This story goes through his mind as he tries to conquer the peak.