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Annapurna

By: Arlene Blum, Maurice Herzog - foreword
Narrated by: Eileen Stevens
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Summary

In August 1978, 13 women left San Francisco for the Nepal Himalayas to make history as the first Americans - and the first women - to scale the treacherous slopes of Annapurna I, the world's 10th highest peak. Expedition leader Arlene Blum here tells their dramatic story: the logistical problems, storms, and hazardous ice climbing; the conflicts and reconciliations within the team; the terror of avalanches that threatened to sweep away camps and climbers.

On October 15, two women and two Sherpas at last stood on the summit - but the celebration was cut short, for two days later, the two women of the second summit team fell to their deaths.

Never before has such an account of mountaineering triumph and tragedy been told from a woman's point of view. By proving that women had the skill, strength, and courage necessary to make this difficult and dangerous climb, the 1978 Women's Himalayan Expedition's accomplishment had a positive impact around the world, changing perceptions about women's abilities in sports and other arenas. And Annapurna: A Woman's Place has become an acknowledged classic in the annals of women's achievements - a story of challenge and commitment told with passion, humor, and unflinching honesty.

©1980, 1998, 2018 Arlene Blum (P)2018 Blackstone Publishing

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What listeners say about Annapurna

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Brilliant

Amazing 2 have the perspective of a team of women on a 8000 mountain. Whole book is very interesting from dealing with team conflicts to dealing with a dangerous mount . Very empowering and good listen

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Another fascinating read about the mountains

this was a great listen. an insight to the first woman assent of Annapurna with the highs and lows the climbers faced captured by the team leader of the exhibition.
it was fascinating 👏

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Engaging

Thoughtful and enjoyable to listen to. Great to finally hear a female perspective of this aspect of adventuring!

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I love this audiobook!

This is the third time I've listened to it! What a great story of courage, determination and adventure! Eileen Stevens does a great job of reading it too, and manages to get into character for each of the women. I felt like I was on this adventure with them!
Highly highly recommended!

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Exceptional!

I loved every aspect of this book: adventure, lidership and gender inequality. Very well written, good structure and suspense. I think it should be interesting for both: people who climb and not. Inspirational!

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realistic and immersive

This story is amazing: the relatable perspective of these women and their dynamics and bonds; the other aspects of a mountain climb and dynamics with the Sherpas is interesting too. this felt so real and amazing I can't recommend enough

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Great Account

Epic adventure re counting the highs and lows of this history making mountain ascent. Highly recommended.

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One of the best I've listened to

I've listened to plenty of endurance/adventure stories. This was one of the best. Great balance of details and suspense, and interesting view of things from an all-female climbing team, without ever falling into an us vs them narrative. Wonderful narration too

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A truly excellent book

A truly excellent book focusing not only on detailed climbing, but also on the complex intergroup and interpersonal issues that arose.

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Girl power

Fantastic insight into the world of mountaineering.
The stories of struggles, resilience, elation and gut wrenching sadness.
Brilliant!
Thank you girls for showing what women can do!

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