Arlene Blum has a heck of a story to tell. The chemist who played a role in banning the use of three cancer-causing agents is a pioneer in the world of women’s achievement, particularly on the world’s tallest mountains. She led the first all-female ascent up Annapurna, the first women’s team up Mount McKinley and was the first woman to attempt Mount Everest. Her recent memoir, “Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life,” details her groundbreaking work as a mountaineer, scientist, mother and woman. Her mountaineering exploits shattered primitive notions that elevated men as overlords of the world’s tallest peaks. Blum, who holds a doctorate in biophysical chemistry, weaves emotional tales from her life as child, student, climber, mother and pioneer into a classic read that parallels the history and plight of the American woman.
Get it — Check out www.arleneblum.com to order the book and view an amazing and emotional photographic history of her climbing career.
