Description
In 1979 at the age of 19, Suraj Holzwarth became the youngest woman to summit Denali, North America’s highest peak. In this riveting memoir, Suraj shares a spirited account of the grueling 30 day expedition which began in the Peter’s Hills, leading through some of Alaska’s most remote wilderness before reaching Denali’s Base Camp. Eighty pounds of gear on her back, weighing 130 pounds herself, she and her team bushwhacked through mosquito infested alders, ford raging glacial rivers, navigated quicksand, rocky moraines and crevassed glaciers. The team faced 100 mph winds, subzero temperatures, crevasse falls, altitude sickness and failing equipment.
In this inspiring journey, Suraj shows us how to dream big at a young age, how to engage one’s passion, trust one’s gut, overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and live life to the fullest. Suraj’s strength, heart, and determination as well as her deep love, awe, and wonder for the mountains shines through this remarkable story.
Suraj Holzwarth spent over 25 years climbing and guiding expeditions in the wilds of Alaska and around the world. In 1983 she co-founded the first wilderness program for women in Alaska and led it for 17 years, empowering over 50,000 girls and women. For the last 25 years she has been the Executive Director of The Whirling Rainbow Foundation, an international cultural and healing arts non-profit organization. She is an author, healer, artist, musician, and teacher. At 65, she is still an avid hiker, backpacker, kayaker, global adventurer, and earth lover. She lives in Homer, Alaska with her wife Michaela and black cat Nisha.
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Praise for Heart Like A Mountain
“Three months after summiting Denali, Suraj (herself still a teenager) led a dozen of us punk teens, and our parole officer, on a five-day wilderness trip. We slept under a plastic tarp, cooked over an open fire, navigated by map and compass, and climbed and rappelled down a 50-foot cliff. Her passion for the outdoors, and building teams infected me, transforming me from a foul-mouthed, street-smart kid into an insatiably curious explorer. Two years later I followed in her footsteps, working for that same outdoor program, where I learned to use the outdoors to transform lives. Forty-five years after she taught me to climb, I became the second American to summit the world’s 14 highest 8,000-meter peaks. When you read this book, you will learn how this red-headed teenager from Long Island became not just a mountaineer, but an alchemist. Suraj, the alchemist, transformed my life, and countless others. Her story will deeply move you.” ~ Chris Warner, second American to summit the world’s 14 highest 8,000-meter peaks
“Suraj soars with this literary tour de force. Her writing is brilliant and captivating—though not a climber myself, I was transported alongside her, sharing in the infinite challenges and dangers of her ascent of the majestic Mount Denali at merely 19 years of age. I felt the very heart and soul of North America’s highest peak; I reveled in the breathtaking beauty of this crowning jewel of Mother Earth. The mountain came alive through her words, and I could sense the remarkable strength of Suraj’s youthful body guided by her seemingly ancient mind and character on every page. Do not hesitate to secure this extraordinary book for yourself and loved ones. It is truly a masterpiece of adventure literature.” ~ Chrissie Blaze, Author, Earth Astrology’s Missing Planet: Reconnecting with Her Sacred Power
“Heart like a Mountain’ is a compelling and inspiring story, an enthralling tale of growth, preparation, perseverance, adventure, and accomplishment, and is also a metaphor for any life of adventure well lived. While reading Suraj’s accomplishment of one of the great climbs of the world, I found my emotions being whip-sawed back and forth from exhaustion and despair to joy and delight. This is an intimate read, one you’ll find difficult to put down, be glad that you read it, and be delighted to recommend it to your adventurous friends of all kinds.” ~ Taz Tally, wilderness guide, adventurer and author of 50 Hikes in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula
“Enter the enigmatic world of the climber. Meet rock, snow, ice, avalanche, and the beauty of Denali, as told by consummate adventurer and ever so capable outdoor woman, guide, leader, and wise woman, Suraj Holzwarth. Experience the top of North America in this exciting true tale of one woman’s strength, wisdom, and determination. Be inspired!” ~ Dr. Lynda Griffith, author of Playing Well: Prevention & Biomechanics of Musician Injuries and Playing Your Hand
This is a great story, a New York Best Seller in the making. The story serves as a portal into two worlds. The first is the boots on the ground (snow, ice, rivers) detailing of a classic climb. The other is how to not conquer Denali but rather to be in rhythm with the land. While joining a team with a common dream, we see how caring, not ego, influences outcome. While climbing, Suraj shares a spiritual journey with Mother Earth that inspires each of us to be that “intimate lover, passionate and intense” in everyday life and adventures with the Earth. From the time we both took kids into the wilderness together, to now, Suraj has inspired personal change. This story will continue to do that, even after you are done reading this book.” ~Thom Shafer, Project USE Wilderness Instructor, Adventure Based Therapist, & Fellow Earth Traveler
“I loved ‘Heart like a Mountain’ and was captivated from the very first chapter. Suraj’s writing ability to weave details, feelings, and express the power of her inner force, her motivation, her personal drive, and the innate sense of overcoming fear in the story took me right along with her on the journey. Always listening to her inner voice and following the path of heart led Suraj to many adventures few people ever have the courage to pursue. Although I have no interest in climbing and kept asking why people do it—my question was finally answered in her book. I felt the spiritual, emotional, and magical forces that drive the passion of a climber! ‘Heart like a Mountain’ is an inspiration to others and encourages people to trust their heart, listen to the little voice within, and live out their passions.~ Dawn Kelly, Author, One Woman’s Journey, Life’s Inspiration through the Spirit of the Sword
“Suraj shows us how, ‘one of us’ did it! We all have our hero’s journey. Not all of them will take us to the top of Denali, but the vision, strength, fortitude, commitment, tenacity, and humor that Suraj used will be required of us all, if we are to realize what matters to us and strive to manifest that in our lives. I loved the forward-backward rhythm of focus, that kept the story so intimately relevant to the moment she was living on the mountain. I learned so much about mountain climbing and about Alaska Women of the Wilderness. I loved the book, and can highly recommend it to young people, as well as older adults who are never too old to move into and through their own hero’s journey! I applaud you, Suraj, and all who bravely venture forth! ~ Kate Finn, Traveling Nurse Practitioner
“This is a terrific story and a great book for anyone that wants to be (or thinks they are) a leader.” ~ Ken Reinke, Author, The Road Spoke
“Though I don’t expect to summit Alaska’s spectacular Denali, while reading this inspiring–and sometimes shocking book, I feel as though I now have a sense of the awe and excitement that comes with such an ascent. Suraj details the emotional and spiritual exploration as clearly as the physical strain of the experience, which took me on a climb that was both amazing and outrageous. The journey of this book is truly an impacting adventure, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. ~Mary Lee Hayes, Freelance Writer & Co-Editor of the Alaska Women Speak Journals & Anthology
“Suraj’s book ‘Heart Like A Mountain’ is the best description of Alaska’s majesty and grandeur I have ever read. Spending 49-years hiking in this wonderland of nature from Southeast Alaska to Barrow (Utqiagvik) left me with indescribable moments of oneness with nature. Reading this book perfectly described the feelings of those moments. Thank you Suraj for putting into words how those moments of being one with nature can change a person‘s perspective on life and fill your soul with the wonder and beauty of existence. Waking up at dawn at Wonder Lake Campground in the early spring and receiving the gift of Denali, totally clear rising above me, filled my soul. I still get strength and joy from that moment and I’m grateful for the words and confirmation your fabulous book has given me. ” -Berkeley Davis.
“Once I found dedicated time to open this book I had a hard time putting it down! Wow Suraj! I just loved reading your story and can’t even imagine the personal courage it took to undertake all you have accomplished. I sure love your craziness and you are such an inspiration. I am truly humbled to know you!”- Carol Bushwick Patton, Florida
“You are the most brilliant example of “will” I have ever encountered. I can’t tell you how your book has lifted me up and brought a personal excitement to my days. So in awe of you with every page I read in your book!”- Martha Moller, Nevada
“I am reading your book bit by bit. What you did for the Denali climb is quite phenomenal.” Just cannot believe you climbed Denali multiple times. Astonishing.- Karen Marquardt, Homer, Alaska
“Heart like a Mountain is an all inspiring literary journey. It is a nail biting, sit on the edge of seat reading adventure. Heart like a Mountain will hopefully become a documentary or movie. Suraj has a lot of wisdom and has forged her way up many a physical and emotional summit. Inspirational for young and seasoned mountaineers. Thank you Suraj Holzwarth!” –Denise Gore, South Carolina
“Have you ever wanted to climb Denali? Well now you don’t have to. This book takes you day by day as a 19-year-old girl from the East Coast climbing Denali for the first time. It is absolutely thrilling. A true story of Alaskan survival, tenacity, team work, and just raw connection to the mountain. If this book doesn’t make the New York Times best seller list, I will eat my walking stick.”- Julie Davis, Arizona
