49 pages • 1 hour read
Aron RalstonBetween a Rock and a Hard Place
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Aron Ralston’s memoir, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, recounts his harrowing survival experience when a boulder pinned his arm in Utah's Bluejohn Canyon, trapping him for five days until he amputated his limb to escape. The book explores profound existential themes and garnered critical acclaim, later adapted into the film 127 Hours, starring James Franco and directed by Danny Boyle. The book includes thoughts of death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Aron Ralston's Between a Rock and a Hard Place captivates with its intense true story and inspiring self-reliance. Reviewers praise Ralston's vivid descriptions and emotional depth. Some find the pacing uneven and the technical climbing details overwhelming. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling testament to human perseverance and resilience.
Who Should Read Between a Rock and a Hard Place?
A reader who would enjoy Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston is likely passionate about adventure, outdoor survival, and human endurance. Fans of poignant true survival stories like Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild or Cheryl Strayed's Wild will find Ralston's harrowing tale compelling and inspiring.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1150L