Linda LeBlanc
Beyond the Summit
Adventure and Romance
on Nepal's Mount Everest
An American/Sherpa love story
and climbing Mount Everest.
In 1968, introducing tourists from the modern world to a culture still living in the dark ages creates economic upheaval and challenges decades of traditions. Beth, an American journalist accompanied by her fiancé, comes to study Sherpas. Their guide’s charisma and peaceful Buddhist ways capture her heart. She stays in Nepal when her fiancé returns to the US. Already pledged in an arranged marriage, Dorje falls in love with a woman from an unknown land. Their romance grows as he leads her to the Mount Everest base camp. To fulfill his dream of climbing Mount Everest, Dorje hires on as a porter.The reader experiences reaching the Mount Everest summit through his eyes.
Nepal has 8 of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters
Mount Everest is the world's tallest at 29,032 feet.
Everest porters can carry more
than their body weight
Lukla airport at 9,300 feet is rated one of the most dangerous in the world
Namche Bazaar, home of the Sherpas at 11,300 feet
Midwest Book Review A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious collection.
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USA Book News A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic storytelling from one who has been there.
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Everest News A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living it the shadows of Everest.
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Boulder Daily Camera LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains.
A reader review This book is a gripping tale that takes you to of the most exotic places in the world. It is well written with detailed descriptions that will make you feel like you are actually there.
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A reader review. I have read several mountaineering autobiographies and biographies. What each of those had was veracity, but none of them had the dramatic appeal of Linda LeBlanc's writing.
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A reader review Linda LeBlanc has captured the spirit of this remote Himalayan state and its Sherpa people in "Beyond the Summit" with compassion, accuracy and fine prose.
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A reader review Within writing that is so dynamic and graphic it is like watching a movie, we are seamlessly introduced to the lifestyle and customs of the hardy Nepalese.
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A reader review I learned of a culture of people, how they live, survive and of their beliefs. I learned how the quest to climb Mt Everest has influenced and changed the world of the native people. Some good and some sad. A must read!