[Blum / BREAKING TRAIL bcc] By the author of the bestselling Annapurna: A Womans Place "A magnificent and compelling story . . . [Blums] inspiring story is as much about leadership as it is about living life fully and overcoming obstacles to reach ones goals."Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica Arlene Blum defied the climbing establishment of the 1970s by leading the first all-female teams on successful ascents of Mt. McKinley and Annapurna, and was the first American woman to attempt Mt. Everest. At the same time, her ground-breaking scientific work challenged gender stereotypes in the academic community. With candor and humor, Blum recounts her journey from an overprotected childhood in Chicago to the tops of some of the highest peaks on earth, and to a life lived on her own terms. Breaking Trail is a testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing dreams. "Compelling . . . Blum exudes possibility."Los Angles Times "Personal and disarmingly honest . . . [Blum] simply tells her nourishing and deserving story, quietly reminding us that a womans place is indeed on top."New York Times Book Review Arlene Blum is a leadership and intercultural trainer and author of Annapurna: A Womans Place, named one of the 100 best adventure books of all time by National Geographic and one of Fortunes "75 books that teach you everything you need to know about business." She has a doctorate in biophysical chemistry and has taught at Stanford University, Wellesley College, and the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Berkeley, California.