There are all kinds of truths in this world, but Mark finds this out the hard way. He has had cancer for much of his young life, and while he has periods of remission and health, when it is diagnosed again, he has had enough. Anger takes hold, as well as the desire to do something on his own, to make his own decisions. And so he leaves to climb a mountain -Mount Rainier in Washington State, to be exact - with his trusty dog Beau. Sick and unhappy, he makes an elaborate plan to get him the 263 miles he has to go to be able to start his climb and very probably meet his death. And it works. Along the way he and Beau meet all kinds of people, most of whom try to help even though they don't understand who he is or what he wants to do. Back home, his parents are bereft and frightened, as is his best friend, Jessie, who has a good idea of where he has gone and why. Can she keep his secret, and should she keep his secret. The chapters are arranged interestingly. Each main chapter is told by Mark himself as we hear about all his and Beau's adventures, many of them very dangerous and frightening; and there is then a half chapter on what is happening at home written by Jessie. Sensitive and gritty, the stories that go on in Mark's head during his adventure are mind-boggling and very honest. Will he make it? We don't know. At the end of the book he is back in hospital recovering, but the doctor will give no promises. He has had an experience on his mountain that has made him want to live, and that is the most important thing. He is able to tell Jessie all about what has happened to him, and she provides the understanding and love he needs. The two children (about 12 or 13) have been fast friends for years and this is a real love story even though love in the usual teenage sense doesn't come into it. Mark's and Beau's love story is also important, and the little dog who worships Mark, is willing to follow him through danger and storm through to safety, and in the end, saves Mark's life. If one has to suspend disbelief at a few points, the story is none the worse for that, and it is a super and inspiring read. The emotions are true and beautifully expressed, and we can only hope with Jessie and Mark's parents that this brave and inventive lad will make it through.