In the Works

Adventures in Nepaw

Book I — Disaster in the Gorge
Book II — The Terrible Avalanche
Book III — Stranded on the Summit

... is an upper middle-grade trilogy, an epic adventure, about a perilous first ascent and climbing battle to the top of the highest mountain in an animal-fantasy world. While the book's setting is a romanticized, animal-centric place, it cleverly mirrors real locations that readers and trekkers will recognize: the city of Katmousedu (Kathmandu), the trading town of Namcheese Bazaar (Namche Bazaar), the Monastery at Fangboche (Tengboche)—all wonderful destinations found in the far-off mountain country called Nepaw (Nepal).

Part heroes' journey, part historical fiction, this trio of books is based on early (1920s-30s) climbs when Western mountaineers first attempted sojourns in the Himalayas. It tells of their interactions, good and bad, helpful and hurtful, with the locals (Sherpa, Gurkha and other clans) upon which all summit attempts depend—the teahouse owners, the monks, the farmers, the trail merchants, and—most of all, the high-altitude guides and porters who risk their lives to support foreign climbers.

Author, Denise Doyen, has hiked the Everest Trail herself, met and interviewed innkeepers and farmers, cooks and porters, guides and summiteers. Her manuscript has been read and endorsed by an impressive array of accomplished Sherpa people (eminent climbers, guides and anthropologists), pleased to have a climbing adventure include not only the Westerners' side of the story but also scenes of mountain-family lives, and a narrative focused on the many strengths and struggles of the native guides and porters themselves.

Plus, the story is a moving and exciting adventure!

Mountaineering raccoons, Sherpmouse sardars, conniving aristorats and a mountain that soars into the death-zone. Think: "Wind in the Willows climbs Mount Everest" and perhaps you will conjure an idea of this most unusual saga.

(L) Denise at Namche Bazaar viewpoint: Mt. Everest and Tenzing Norgay's statue.

(R) Sherpa village of Thame, with parents of Kami Rita Sherpa, most Everest summits record holder.