From the snow-capped summit of McKinley to the towering peaks of Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro to the ultimate challenge, Mount Everest, this is a story about daring to dream in the face of impossible odds. It is about finding the courage to reach for that ultimate summit, and transforming your life into something truly miraculous.

Touch the Top of the World, published in ten countries and six languages, was one of fifty books selected for the 2002 National Book Festival in Washington D.C. hosted by the First Lady and the Library of Congress. Erik is also the Author of the Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles Into Everyday Greatness, released in January, 2007. He has published articles in Time, Forbes, Reader's Digest, Outside, and Climbing magazine.

Touch the Top of the World is often used in secondary schools and colleges, including Boston College's American Adventure Literature and Colorado University's Business in Profile courses. Erik and his book are also heading the autobiography section of Prentice Hall's 2006 literature anthology. In conjunction with an excerpt from Touch the Top of the World, Erik provides guidance on his personal writing style and discipline.

In April, 2004, Erik was part of a Philadelphia schools program, which is unique in the nation. Students from 49 institutions of learning - public, independent, charter, parochial, and schools for the blind read Touch the Top of the World; teachers built its content into their courses using a Curriculum Guide; an Everest teammate of Erik's, also a professional speaker, and a star of the book, visited many schools; then Erik presented his powerful message at the Academy of Music to 2500 students, teachers, and parents, followed by a luncheon of 300+ Philadelphia business and education leaders. A strength of the program was the series of reinforcing messages which impacted students, families, and their community. this program was recently repeated in Boston.

Along with Touch the Top of the World, we can provide an electronic curriculum guide and a DVD of Erik's award-winning Mt. Everest documentary, Farther Than the Eye Can See, winner of 21 international film festivals and ranked by Men's Journal as one of the top twenty adventure DVDs of all time. To request an educational package, e-mail Gavin Attwood at gavin@touchthetop.com.

From Publisher's Weekly: In this moving and adventure-packed memoir, Weihenmayer begins with his gradual loss of sight as a very young child. By the time he became fully blind in high school, he had already developed the traits that would carry him to the summits of some of the world's highest mountains as well as onto the frequently hazardous slopes of daily life: charm, resilience, a sense of humor, a love of danger and a concern for others. His eloquent memoir exhibits all these traits. Weihenmayer - a thrill seeker who skydives, climbs mountains and skis - devotes the first half of the book to his adolescence, punctuated by his loss of sight, his mother's sudden death and his diligent efforts not only to pick up girls, but first to figure out which ones were attractive. With its many tales of pranks, adventures and the talents of his guide dog, this half alone is worth the price of admission. He goes on to chronicle his young adulthood, including his teaching career and his passion for climbing, seeded during a month-long skills camp for blind adolescents and blossoming on his harrowing ascent of Mount McKinley. He describes fearsome ascents of Kilimanjaro - with his fiancée, so they can be married near the crater summit - El Capitan and Aconcagua's Polish Glacier. Weihenmayer tells his extraordinary story with humor, honesty and vivid detail, and his fortitude and enthusiasm are deeply inspiring. With the insightful intimacy of Tom Sullivan's classic If You Could See What I Hear and the intensity of the best adventure narratives, Weihenmayer's story will appeal to a broad audience.

To order Erik's book online, click here.

For information on bulk discounts on Erik's book, e-mail Ben Witherell at ben@touchthetop.com. Or call 303.903-8824.

Book Testimonials:

"I was so impressed with Erik's gift of story telling that I had to write. He is one funny dude. I laughed out loud at his adventures and dialog with his climbing partners. It brought back fond memories of previous climbing trips and the fun times I shared with my climbing buddies. I will probably never climb any of the Seven Summits but was able to enjoy experiencing these climbs through his words.

"I am an Occupational Therapist. I meet people every day in my work who exhibit self-limiting behavior that prevents them from living full, enriched, healthy lives. I am going to recommend Erik's book to encourage others to REACH! Thanks for a great book! What a refreshing way to look at life..."
...Carey

"Wow Erik, what a fantastic book. I can picture, in great detail, every part of your journey. Mostly, I found myself laughing hysterically (usually out in public....I am sure people thought I was crazy). Parts of your story touched me too, and I would find myself welling up with tears or becoming frustrated right along with you. I love your message! Keep inspiring others to go for their dreams!"
...Tammy MacDonald - Doran

"I just finished reading the most wonderful book I have ever read. It's personal, it's a journey, it's an inspiration. I was absorbed with this book from beginning to end. The book is Touch the Top of the World by Erik Weihenmayer. I think it's the book of the year, a must-read, an inspiring journey. Regardless of who you are as a person, you'll want to read this.
...L. W.

"I am reading your book this week. It is better than any top-selling novel! I can't put it down. I am amazed at how well you weave humor, frustration and determination all into the same story of your life. Thanks again for sharing it."
...Julie

"Thank you so much for writing your amazing book. It was un-put-downable. It resonated within me. I have lived a life in the darkness of fear (all totally needless and groundless) but God in his wisdom gave me your book when I needed it. Even though writing this note fills me with fear it is important for me to let you know it came into my life at an important time and has changed me. Please let me encourage you and your family to continue the good work you are doing."
...Lisa Cornish - Nuriootpa, South Australia