Clear Waters rising is one of the best books I've ever read. Being an armchair keen walker myself, and a lover of beautifully written prose, this book really took me to that other world of crystal clear mountain vistas one day, terrifying storms the next, and simple, happy peasant communities that still exist a universe away from most of us. From my cosy warm London bed, this was the perfect prelude to peaceful sleep, reminding me that the daily troubles and frustrations of life are all consequences of this artificial modern lifestyle we lead, and Man is truly himself when at one with nature. It took me several months to read because I wanted to savour short passages rather than read it quickly and prematurely end the lovely experience.
What 'made' this book for me was the exquisite writing - the author himself said that he had set out to make every sentence special, and this really shines through in the prose. I highly recommend it to lift the spirit in every way.