Arlene Blum’s dramatic memoir explores how her difficult childhood in the flats of the Midwest gave her the courage and skills to lead historic mountaineering expeditions and carry out ground-breaking scientific research.
Writing with candor and introspection, Blum recounts her triumphs and tragedies, and provides a probing look at what drove her to risk her life — attempting high, remote summits around the world. Blum also relates the story of her scientific career, which, like her mountaineering, was filled with visionary accomplishments, including reducing the use of toxic flame retardants and other harmful chemicals worldwide.
For twelve photo-adventure albums, a series of dramatic color slide shows to accompany Breaking Trail, click here.
“Arlene Blum’s gripping and intensely personal narrative of her life is a profoundly encouraging story for all of us who battle to climb our own inner mountains.”
–Royal Robbins, pioneering climber, businessman, and writer
“Arlene Blum’s book is required reading for anyone who aspires to lead others to greatness.”
—Jim Kouzes, co-author of The Leadership Challenge
