tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690309833620548834.post6055914261135994057..comments2009-12-24T12:46:06.882ZAngelnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690309833620548834.post-69843937252320511722009-12-24T05:47:03.951Z2009-12-24T05:47:03.951ZWonderful pictures! Some of the best I&#39;ve seen and I&#39;ve been to Nepal many times. I used to lead treks to the Everest Base Camp.<br />To learn more about the Sherpas of the Mt. Everest region, read Beyond the Summit by Linda LeBlanc. Sherpas are the true heroes of Everest. Without their assistance, very few would reach the summit. Details of Sherpa culture and religion are interwoven in a tale of romance and high adventure. The story has something for everyone: a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide, conflict between generations as the modern world challenges centuries of tradition, an expedition from the porter’s point of view.<br /><br />Below are selections from reviews. To read the complete ones and excerpts go to www.beyondthesummit-novel.com<br /><br />Beyond the Summit, is the rare gem that shows us the triumphs and challenges of a major climb from the porter’s point of view. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers through harshly beautiful and highly dangerous territory to the roof of the world. Malcolm Campbell, book reviewer<br /><br />Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph. LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters. I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.<br />Richard Blake for Readers Views.<br /><br />A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living in the shadows of Everest. EverestNews.com<br /><br />A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Midwest Book Review<br /><br />LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains. Boulder Daily Camera<br /><br />LeBlanc’s vivid description of the Himalayas and the climbing culture makes this a powerful read. Rocky Mt News Pick of the Week<br /><br />A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there. USABookNews.com<br /><br />This is the book to read before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended.”<br />– John (college professor)<br /><br />Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialog. Literary Cafe Host, Healdsburg, CA<br /><br />This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The love story will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. Wick Downing, author of nine novels<br /><br />Such vividly depicted images of the Everest region and the Sherpa people are the perfect scenario for the romance and adventure feats narrated. It’s a page-turner, so engrossing you end up wanting to visit Nepal! Not just novel, but perfect for those seeking to get acquainted with the culture of this country.<br />By Claudia Fournier (América, Bs. As., Argentina)Linda LeBlnchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06256471946220494912noreply@blogger.com