Simon Jakeman's "Groundrush"

[obi]

Who has read the book "Groundrush" by S.Jakeman and can give a little review? In one review at Amazon.com it was said that it is pseudo-philosophical Zen-bullshit and not a lot about Base, in another that it would give "great insight into the mindset of a Base-jumper" - yeah, whatever...
I would just like to know if it is worth reading it being a Base-jumper. I mean, I don't expect any information or something like that, I just like to read good books about things that I like.
They also said that it is out of print and so it would be a hazzle to get it; that's why I'm asking.

Cheers, Obi

[guest]

I read it (hey, where's my copy? ok, who was the last person to borrow it? ) .

I found it reasonably interesting. It gave a good look into Jakey's mindset at that time in his life. I'm not sure that it would apply to all of us, but what does?

I also found some of the "early days" history quite fascinating. As a book, I'd say it's not terribly well written, but it is engaging and accessible. I'd say give it a read and see what you think.


--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu

[guest]

>They also said that it is out of print
>and so it would be a hazzle to get it;
>that's why I'm asking.

I got my copy at www.alibris.com. It took them about two days to dig one up (where Amazon said it'd take them a month).



--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@ucdavis.edu

[guest]

Hello Obi,

I first read Jake's book when it was only a manuscript back in the early 90's.

Below is small review I did on it for The FIXED OBJECT JOURNAL:

"FROM JAKEMAN COMES GROUNDRUSH"

"I'm sure that some people must have thrown themselves to their deaths simply because they looked too long and an instant madness took them."

Such is the insight that Simon Jakeman brings to his new book GROUNDRUSH.

"Perhaps night vision is the prize for people who prefer the dark," is another in this stream of consciousness that begs to be pondered over a beer.

And my favorite . . .

"To climb down was unthinkable, to stay impossible. The spring was wound and the potential energy of fate strained against the safety catch of our courage."

Jake has penned, not just another jump story, to be sure, but an intimate look into his soul. If you look close you will find people you know, places you've been and maybe a peek at where you are going.

END

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As for what Amazon.com says, well, I can say the book is really a good mix of BASE jumping and what Jakes thinks, feels, and does about it all. The book begins in England, where Jake, who's already a skydiver, is working as a roofer and well you can guess the rest . . .

I highly recommend this book, if you can find a copy. And while I've always wondered why BASE jumping doesn't produce more splendid writing then it does, this book is pretty much the "classic" of our sport.

BTW, Jake's a good friend of mine; but if the book sucked, I'd say so :-)

Nick D.
BASE 194
Basic Research

[guest]

Brilliant book, all the Brits like jumping the objects in the book for some sort of historical value, even though sometimes we bounce off them before landing! :-)

Craig

[guest]

I found it an easy read and interesting. No excessive modern day ego involved.

It was one of the early inspirations in my BASE "career".

As for those sites, Tough Luck ("Stiff Cheddar" I know-bad joke)on those Wall Bangers Craig. I got to do lots of the pommy sites in early 1999 and most were inspired by the book. I like a bit of history too.

p.s. whats the latest in the Cricket???? ;)

p.s.s. Another interesting book is by Martin Lyster from "The Dangerous Sports Club" at Oxford University. Some parts were very funny.

[guest]

tach obi,wenn du nicht fuendig wirst.
ich kanns dir mal zum lesen geben.
take it low
hannes