Week 12 Prompt: Readers' Advisory Matrix

Readers’ Advisory Matrix for Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose)

Highly fact based (has a few or no narrative moments)

2. What is the subject of the book?

The mysterious Dyatlov Pass Incident

3. What type of book is it?

True Adventure

4. Articulate appeal

What is the pacing of the book? The pace is rather fast and reads quickly.

Describe the characters of the book. This story is character-focused. Donnie Eichar is the primary narrator. The nine hikers who disappear in 1959 are young and full of life. Other characters include the Russians who Eichar befriends. They help him investigate this cold case.

How does the story feel? Mysterious, bizarre, intense, and adventurous

What is the intent of the author? To share this strange mystery with readers and to share his investigation into it.

What is the focus of the story? The author’s investigation into the Dyatlov Pass Incident and the evidence he finds on his trips to Russia. The hikers’ trip in 1959 and the initial investigation in 1959 are also focused on in the story.

Does the language matter? Yes

Is the setting important and well described? Russia is the main setting and plays an important part in the story. The author is American and must communicate with Russians who speak very little English. The Russian setting was well described. The world the hikers’ lived in was also well described.

Are there details and, if so, of what? The story is full of details. Details include the hikers’ trip via diaries and photos, the author’s trips to Russian and the Ural Mountains, the science behind possible causes behind the deaths, and information about the hikers from friends and families.

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear? There are many photos included in the book. There are a few charts and graphics that help explain some of the scientific concepts. They were helpful.

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? I would say the book does all three. Learning about the Dyatlov Incident, understanding the possible causes and how Russia has changed from 1959, experiencing the hike through the hikers and the author.

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

1. Story Line

2. Learning/Experiencing

3. Detail