Beyond Fear: A Harrowing Journey Across New Guinea Through Rivers, Swamps, Jungle, and the Most Remote Mountains in the World

by Joel P. Kramer

Release Date: 01 September, 2001

Edition: Hardcover

Price:

More Info

Above and Beyond

A story of two companions crossing 1700 miles of untamed territory? The premise alone intrigued me, sounding similar to some of the wild ideas that pass between my brother and me. Man versus nature. Man versus himself. Man versus God.

This book appeared unexpectedly on my doorstep, a gift from--who else?--my brother. Where he found it: I have no clue. Why he read it: an even bigger mystery. My brother rarely reads, and if he says a book grips him, my ears perk up.

"Beyond Fear" was beyond my expectations. I'm a fan of true-life adventures, such as "The Perfect Storm," "Into Thin Air," and "In the Heart of the Sea." This book may not live up to the sheer narrative power of those classics, but the writing sparkles, and the sheer staggering feat of the journey is unforgettable. I laughed out loud in parts, shuddered in others, and felt inspired overall. Not only is this a testament to human endurance, it's a great example of God's faithfulness in mankind's physical, spiritual, and emotional struggles.

For a book full of taut narrative, honest dialogue and interaction, and hair-raising accounts, "Beyond Fear" is beyond most of the books available.

Takes you into the jungle yourself

I have the privlege of being married to one of the men in this book, but even that aside, I beleive this to be a book for everyone to read. We are used to living our lives in our "comfort zones" and it is amazing to read of people who go outside of that, whatever the risk, and how they are changed through it. I read this book before I married and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the jungle, meeting the people, eating the food and getting the illnesses. If you have ever wanted to leave your "cushey" life, but can't quite do it- this is the book for you!
The critics who say that Joel and Aaron are "outdated". I wonder if they have ever thrown themselves into such an uncomfortable place and lived to tell about it? Not a day goes by that Joel and Aaron do not think of this expedition and how much they are changed by it. They also know that whatever the circumstances, God will protect them if it is His will.