Houston (October 20, 2006) - Linda LeBlanc, author of Beyond the Summit, brings the exciting world of Sherpas and Nepal to the Houston Public Library. Through her slide show and book reading presentation, LeBlanc will share with library customers the culture of the Nepalese people. She will also discuss her adventurous experiences through Nepal, Mount Everest, and how she began her work with the trek leaders, otherwise known as Sherpas.
Linda LeBlanc will give her presentation at the following neighborhood libraries:
Wednesday, November 1
Thursday, November 2
Saturday, November 4
Author Linda LeBlanc is an avid adventure traveler who has been to 35 countries on six continents. In 1986, LeBlanc had her first encounter the Nepalese people and soon began working with a group of Sherpas. She founded the first hut-to-hut system in Nepal and also helped establish 18 lodges in the Solo-Khumbu region. Two years later, LeBlanc began organizing and leading treks to the Everest Base Camp. With a BA in literature and a Masters in Library Science, she combined her love of books, other cultures, and research skills to write the first fiction written about Sherpas. High in the Himalayas during the worst storm in memory, she was appalled by world press coverage of the many foreigners who died but no mention of the Sherpas who also perished. She returned home to write their story.
Beyond the Summit takes you on an Everest expedition from a porter's point of view, Buddhist rituals, conflict between generations as tourism challenges traditions, Sherpa culture, Tibetan refugees, and a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide.