It's an inspirational, frightening tale that's become world famous.

 On Sunday April 27, 2003, 27-year old Aron Ralston set off for a day's hiking in the Utah canyons. 40 miles from the nearest paved road, he found himself on top of an 800-pound boulder. As he slid off the boulder it shifted, trapping his right hand against the canyon wall, effectively imprisoning Aron in the canyon. He had told no-one where he was, he had very little water, he was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, and the boulder was impossible to move.

 He remained trapped for five days in the canyon, his arm stuck between the boulder and the wall. He was hypothermic at night, de-hydrated and hallucinating by day. Finally, he faced the most terrible decision of his life, and amputated his right hand and wrist, using the tool in his pocket. The ordeal, however, was only beginning - he still faced a 60-foot rappell to freedom, and a walk of several hours back to his car.

Since that day, Aron has had a remarkable recovery. He is back out on the mountains, with an artificial limb; he speaks to select groups on his ordeal and rescue; and amazingly, he is upbeat, positive, and an inspiration to all who meet him.

This book is the account of those five days, of the years that led up to them, the media's reaction to the event, and where Aron goes from here. It is narrative non-fiction at its most compelling, an essential book whether you've seen the film or not.