My first book, The Song of Chomolungma, was published in 2011.
Summary: A Seattle photojournalist takes the journey of a lifetime along the famous Everest Highway. Author Erika Klimecky joins a group of musicians led by world class mountaineer, climbing guide and humanitarian AC Sherpa, to raise awareness about the environmental issues affecting people in the Everest region of Nepal. Her encounters led to unexpected struggles and triumphs, new friendships and a deeper understanding not only about this little-known part of the world, but also her own life.
Ten years later, I published One World Lens, my second book about Nepal. It’s a non-fiction memoir style book, though it’s much more than a memoir. It’s a chronicle of my last 10 years of living, learning and exploring with the Nepali people. It’s a thoughtful look into the culture of Nepal, including my trials along the way, and it answers the question I am most asked: why do you keep going back? It’s about 100,000 words, or 300 pages and includes 110 color photos. It covers a decade of photography, culture, volunteer and travel stories about Nepal.
Here’s a Review:
One World Lens, by Erika Klimecky, gives you the opportunity to travel vicariously in a way you would never get to in real life. Not only are the author’s adventures authentic and decidedly non-touristy, they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences because of her unique relationships with the Nepali and Sherpa people. And yet joining famous musicians on stage, doing charity work with celebrity DJs, and praying with monks by special invitation are all somehow tangible and relatable events because of Klimecky’s delicious descriptions and fabulous photographs. This book takes you on a physical, thought-provoking, and emotional journey that, in the end, results in loving the people and culture of Nepal and being invested in their well-being. – Leslie Wilkins
Please note: Song of Chomolungma is sold out at this time. There are a few copies of One World Lens left. Please order here.
I have published other books, including:
The Poetry of Karen Sykes, a posthumous collection of her best poetry, and some memorial writing by her closest friends. Karen was a long-time writer of the Trail of the Week for the Seattle P-I, and wrote two trail guide books. She was lost on Mt Rainier in 2014. Her longtime partner and I gathered and put it together.
The Photography of James Elias Cribbs, (a family history project), and several photo books that showcase different categories of my photography. Most of them include outdoor adventures, culture, nature and conservation.
Thanks for your interest.
-Erika