Annapurna: A Woman's Place. In August 1978, thirteen women left San Francisco for the Nepal Himalaya to make history as the first Americans – and the first women – to scale the treacherous slopes of Annapurna I, the world’s tenth highest peak. Expedition leader Arlene Blum tells a dramatic story of logistical problems, storms, hazardous ice climbing, and the terror of avalanches that threatened to sweep away camps and climbers. Annapurna is for Blum a metaphor for difficult and important goals. Chosen by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the 100 best adventure books of all time. More…

Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life. A legendary trailblazer, Arlene Blum defied the climbing establishment of the 1970s by leading the first all-female teams on successful ascents of Mount McKinley and Annapurna. At the same time, her groundbreaking scientific work challenged gender stereotypes in the academic community and led to legislation banning carcinogens in children’s sleepwear. A moving testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing dreams, Breaking Trail recounts Blum’s journey from an overprotected childhood in Chicago to the tops of some of the highest peaks on earth. As Kindle | More…