Are you looking to read a book that you will not want to put down? One that will bring you to tears and also make you laugh out loud? Then you should consider reading Alrene Blum’s inspirational memoir, Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life.
A friend of mine loaned me her copy of Arlene’s book, and told me it was a must read. After collecting dust for a couple of months, I picked it up and within just a few days finished reading the entire book because it was so engaging.
Arlene Blum is a phenomenal woman, and this book paints the story of her life to-date in vivid color. You may have heard of Arlene Blum already since she wrote another best selling book, Annapurna: A Woman’ Place. She is one of the pioneers in women’s mountaineering, breaking many gender barriers and leading the first all-woman ascent of Annapurna. She’s also the first American woman to attempt to climb Mt. Everest, and deputy leader of the first all-American woman attempt to climb Denali! In her memoir she eloquently describes her climbs, but more importantly, how she overcame barriers. She shares intimate details of her life to help the reader fully understand her motivations, frustrations, and goals.
In addition to her accomplishments in the mountains, Arlene made important scientific discoveries in her role as a chemist, and her research even contributed to the ban on the carcinogens that were being woven into children’s sleepwear in the 1970s.
Arlene is truly an inspiration, and her story is far more than a book about an accomplished female mountaineer with a passion for the outdoors – hers is a story of a woman’s search for understanding herself, overcoming fears, and making a positive difference in the world.
Breaking Trail is highly recommended.
Hiking Lady’s Recommendation: 5 of 5 stars
Sounds like a great book and a must read for me. Adding it to my list!