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Edge of the Map: The Mountain Life of Christine Boskoff
Edge of the Map is equal parts inspiring, dramatic, and heartbreaking. One of America's greatest high altitude mountaineers, Christine Boskoff was at the top of her career when she and her partner died in an avalanche in 2006. Charismatic, principled, and humble, Boskoff was also a deeply loved role model to her climbing partners and the Sherpa community.
Edge of the Map traces the sharp twists and turns in Boskoff's life, from her early years as a Lockheed engineer, through her first successes in the climbing world, to her purchase of Seattle-based Mountain Madness after owner and climber Scott Fischer died in the 1996 Everest disaster. Her life was one of constant achievement mixed with personal tragedy. The story follows Boskoff as she perseveres and moves on to even bigger peaks, earning acclaim as a world-class mountaineer, then later as she finds an alpine partnership with legendary Colorado climber Charlie Fowler.
Edge of the Map traces the sharp twists and turns in Boskoff's life, from her early years as a Lockheed engineer, through her first successes in the climbing world, to her purchase of Seattle-based Mountain Madness after owner and climber Scott Fischer died in the 1996 Everest disaster. Her life was one of constant achievement mixed with personal tragedy. The story follows Boskoff as she perseveres and moves on to even bigger peaks, earning acclaim as a world-class mountaineer, then later as she finds an alpine partnership with legendary Colorado climber Charlie Fowler.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
40 people are currently reading
2731 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Garton
3 books51 followersJohanna Garton is a sportswriter, distance runner, mother and cross country coach. Before the publication of her first book, she dabbled in nonprofit consulting, college teaching and had a brief but quickly extinguished career as a lawyer. Johanna has moved her family to China, been charged by an elephant, run 20-plus marathons and is addicted to sweaty, 6:00 AM yoga classes. A product of the first generation to be impacted by the passage of Title IX, she's passionate about mentoring girls and young women through their journeys in sports.
Johanna's third book, All in Stride, is the gripping story of American professional long distance runners Elvin Kibet and Shadrack Kipchirchir and their journey from Kenya to the United States. The book was named runner up for Sports Book of the Year by the American Writing Awards, and was also an American Writing Awards finalist in the category of narrative nonfiction.
Her second book, Edge of the Map, is a dramatic and inspiring work of creative nonfiction based on the life of trail-blazing mountaineer Christine Boskoff. The book was named a finalist for the Colorado Book Award and is currently being considered for production into a film.
Garton's first book, Awakening East, is a memoir tracing the joys and challenges of adopting two children from China. Eventually the reader lands in Asia, joining Johanna and her family on a heart-wrenching year of adventure and discovery.
Johanna loves connecting with readers and you can find her online at johannagarton.com, on Instagram at johannagartonbooks and on Facebook at facebook.com/johannagarton
Johanna's third book, All in Stride, is the gripping story of American professional long distance runners Elvin Kibet and Shadrack Kipchirchir and their journey from Kenya to the United States. The book was named runner up for Sports Book of the Year by the American Writing Awards, and was also an American Writing Awards finalist in the category of narrative nonfiction.
Her second book, Edge of the Map, is a dramatic and inspiring work of creative nonfiction based on the life of trail-blazing mountaineer Christine Boskoff. The book was named a finalist for the Colorado Book Award and is currently being considered for production into a film.
Garton's first book, Awakening East, is a memoir tracing the joys and challenges of adopting two children from China. Eventually the reader lands in Asia, joining Johanna and her family on a heart-wrenching year of adventure and discovery.
Johanna loves connecting with readers and you can find her online at johannagarton.com, on Instagram at johannagartonbooks and on Facebook at facebook.com/johannagarton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 22, 2020
I was blown away by this incredible story about a woman’s journey through the more or less male dominated sport of mountaineering. The author did exceptional research to tell the rich story of Christine Boskoff. She interviewed her mother, her colleagues, her friends, her search party as well as poured over articles. She also visited the area where Christine was last seen, spending time with a Sherpa who knew her well. This story highlights Christine’s indomitable spirit and ends up being a story that celebrates life. Prepare to be taken to remote areas of China and Nepal and deep into the world of mountains, climbing, unexpected romances, and perseverance in the face of all odds.
October 7, 2021
Here's the blurb:
"A dramatic and inspiring adventure story based on the lives of trailblazing mountaineer Christine Boskoff and her partner Charlie Fowler. Edge of the Map traces Christine’s life as a high-altitude climber and mountain guide - from a two-day climbing course while a Lockheed engineer in Atlanta to her remarkable leadership of Seattle’s Mountain Madness guiding company following Scott Fischer’s death on Mount Everest in 1996. She was a rarity at the time - a woman leading otherwise all-male expeditions.
Despite challenges both personal and professional, Christine persevered to find freedom and a balance with nature on the earth’s wildest peaks. And, in legendary Colorado rock climber Fowler, she discovered her perfect partner. "
Well, this armchair traveler couldn't resist that description! This is a very well written, engaging biography. The author really brought Christine to life. While I have zero desire to climb mountains, I was fascinated with Chris's passion for climbing. Thanks to the author's portrayal, I felt I understood why she wanted to engage in this challenging, risky, very dangerous activity.
Earlier this year I read The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest, which described the recent chaotic conditions on Mt Everest. Conditions that were caused by (among other things) the proliferation of expedition mountaineering companies. 'Edge of the Map' showed us Christine (and Mountain Madness) in the early days of this style of group outing, and gave us a good idea of her inner conflict between the responsibilities of being a guide and her desire to do a more personal, minimalist climb.
The author assumed that the reader already knew of Christine Boskoff, as the book opened with Chris and Charlie Fowler missing in China while on a climbing vacation. The story then turned back to Chris's early years to gradual work its way through her life until we were back with the search teams. I was gripped from the first page through the bittersweet end.
Lovely book.
"A dramatic and inspiring adventure story based on the lives of trailblazing mountaineer Christine Boskoff and her partner Charlie Fowler. Edge of the Map traces Christine’s life as a high-altitude climber and mountain guide - from a two-day climbing course while a Lockheed engineer in Atlanta to her remarkable leadership of Seattle’s Mountain Madness guiding company following Scott Fischer’s death on Mount Everest in 1996. She was a rarity at the time - a woman leading otherwise all-male expeditions.
Despite challenges both personal and professional, Christine persevered to find freedom and a balance with nature on the earth’s wildest peaks. And, in legendary Colorado rock climber Fowler, she discovered her perfect partner. "
Well, this armchair traveler couldn't resist that description! This is a very well written, engaging biography. The author really brought Christine to life. While I have zero desire to climb mountains, I was fascinated with Chris's passion for climbing. Thanks to the author's portrayal, I felt I understood why she wanted to engage in this challenging, risky, very dangerous activity.
Earlier this year I read The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest, which described the recent chaotic conditions on Mt Everest. Conditions that were caused by (among other things) the proliferation of expedition mountaineering companies. 'Edge of the Map' showed us Christine (and Mountain Madness) in the early days of this style of group outing, and gave us a good idea of her inner conflict between the responsibilities of being a guide and her desire to do a more personal, minimalist climb.
The author assumed that the reader already knew of Christine Boskoff, as the book opened with Chris and Charlie Fowler missing in China while on a climbing vacation. The story then turned back to Chris's early years to gradual work its way through her life until we were back with the search teams. I was gripped from the first page through the bittersweet end.
Lovely book.
January 16, 2020
*This review is based on an advance reading copy.
I'm a sucker for a good survival story. I couldn't get enough of them as a kid--My Side of the Mountain, Hachet, Isle of the Blue Dolphins--and Jon Krakauer's books as an adult. If you're coming to Edge of the Map for the adventure, you'll get it--the climbs are detailed and riveting. But what I love about this book is how it's a woman's story, both very specific to Christine Boskoff and also universal.
Boskoff almost stumbles into climbing. Here's this thing she was basically made for, that she is going to excel at, and she doesn't discover it until well into adulthood. We follow Boskoff as she begins to realize just how mountaineering will come to define her, we see the joys of pursuing a passion, especially one so "on the edge" as this --and its costs.
Another thing I appreciated about the book is how well researched it is. I loved getting so many pertinent voices, who had different angles into the story--it really helps Boskoff's life to come alive on the page.
I'm a sucker for a good survival story. I couldn't get enough of them as a kid--My Side of the Mountain, Hachet, Isle of the Blue Dolphins--and Jon Krakauer's books as an adult. If you're coming to Edge of the Map for the adventure, you'll get it--the climbs are detailed and riveting. But what I love about this book is how it's a woman's story, both very specific to Christine Boskoff and also universal.
Boskoff almost stumbles into climbing. Here's this thing she was basically made for, that she is going to excel at, and she doesn't discover it until well into adulthood. We follow Boskoff as she begins to realize just how mountaineering will come to define her, we see the joys of pursuing a passion, especially one so "on the edge" as this --and its costs.
Another thing I appreciated about the book is how well researched it is. I loved getting so many pertinent voices, who had different angles into the story--it really helps Boskoff's life to come alive on the page.
May 24, 2020
I love mountain climbing books. This one is particularly good because it focuses on the life of an exceptional woman climber in a male-dominated sport. Girl power!
Edge of the Map by @johannagartonbooks is a new mountain climbing book about the life of Christine Boskoff, one America’s premier female mountain climbers. She summited six of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks (that’s a HUGE achievement), including Everest twice, she and was stronger and smarter in the mountains than many of the men she climbed with. In addition, she was a savvy businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a lovely person.
If you enjoy adventure stories, or girl power stories, or modern biographies, or sporting stories, then put this one on your list!
Edge of the Map by @johannagartonbooks is a new mountain climbing book about the life of Christine Boskoff, one America’s premier female mountain climbers. She summited six of the world’s 8,000 meter peaks (that’s a HUGE achievement), including Everest twice, she and was stronger and smarter in the mountains than many of the men she climbed with. In addition, she was a savvy businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a lovely person.
If you enjoy adventure stories, or girl power stories, or modern biographies, or sporting stories, then put this one on your list!
June 24, 2022
A good book about mountaineering, but especially because it lauds the beauty of Western Sichuan. Every time it mentioned Kangding, I thought of Holly’s yak burger in a Kangding cafe which turned her vegan. :))
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July 1, 2020This amazing book describes the life and tragic death of the esteemed climber Christine Boskoff. While the book is about climbing, it is also about pursuing your passion, building relationships, overcoming hardship, and daring greatly. It's an adventure, a mystery, and a love story that anyone will enjoy, whether your a climber, an outdoor enthusiast, or just enjoy a good story from the comfort of your couch.
September 11, 2021
True story of Christine Boskoff, a Wisconsin native. I couldn’t put it down.
Reminded me some of the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
A fast read, and very informative and interesting. Be sure to read the prologue as it gives a deeper understanding about the author and her connection to Christine.
Definitely recommend!
Reminded me some of the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
A fast read, and very informative and interesting. Be sure to read the prologue as it gives a deeper understanding about the author and her connection to Christine.
Definitely recommend!
May 7, 2020
A great book about a subject not covered enough in books about this sport: a woman excelling in the male-dominated field. Chris was an amazing athlete and a great person. This book is a great profile.
May 29, 2022
Like most (all?) mountaineering books someone dies. Unlike those I’ve read these deaths had no nearby survivors creating a bit of mystery until it was solved.
Garton benefited from emails, love letters, and text messages that were available to piece together much of Christine Boskoff’s life and that of Charlie Fowler. Through this material Garton is able to provide the reader with not just the facts behind Christine’s life but her thoughts, hopes, and joys too.
You get a sense of how small the elite climbing circles are as names from other books pop up in this story. Christine took over ownership of Mountain Madness after Scott Fisher’s death. But of more interest was the reference to Sherpas I read about in Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day that tells of the 2008 K2 tragedy from their perspective. These same climbers worked the teams Christine used in her climbs on the Himalayan peaks.
I can see how Christine and Charlie fell for climbs in the Chinese and Tibetan plateau. Having hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge and been to the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I too found the remoteness and solitude remarkable and the scenery stunning.
The book makes a good additional read on mountaineering. I wouldn’t recommend it as your first mountaineering read unless your enamored of Christine’s life. Start with one on the tragedies of Everest or K2 but it is a good book filling in images of the climbing community, the challenges climbing above 8000m, and the risks.
Garton benefited from emails, love letters, and text messages that were available to piece together much of Christine Boskoff’s life and that of Charlie Fowler. Through this material Garton is able to provide the reader with not just the facts behind Christine’s life but her thoughts, hopes, and joys too.
You get a sense of how small the elite climbing circles are as names from other books pop up in this story. Christine took over ownership of Mountain Madness after Scott Fisher’s death. But of more interest was the reference to Sherpas I read about in Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day that tells of the 2008 K2 tragedy from their perspective. These same climbers worked the teams Christine used in her climbs on the Himalayan peaks.
I can see how Christine and Charlie fell for climbs in the Chinese and Tibetan plateau. Having hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge and been to the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I too found the remoteness and solitude remarkable and the scenery stunning.
The book makes a good additional read on mountaineering. I wouldn’t recommend it as your first mountaineering read unless your enamored of Christine’s life. Start with one on the tragedies of Everest or K2 but it is a good book filling in images of the climbing community, the challenges climbing above 8000m, and the risks.
April 14, 2020
Edge of the Map recounts the life of accomplished climber Christine Boskoff, who summited several 8,000 meter peaks and ran the Mountain Madness guide company after the death of Scott Fischer. She and her partner Charlie Fowler disappeared on the slopes of the Genyen massif in western China in 2006. Christine is a vital personality, leaving an engineering career for a life in the mountains and providing business leadership to enable others to experience the same joy that she felt.
I particularly enjoyed the insight into Boskoff both as a climber and as a person. The creative nonfiction format enables Gerton to convey Boskoff's passion for climbing and humility through natural conversations and examination of her thoughts and feelings, which adds to the resonance and vitality of the story. The first-hand sources--interviews with others, journal entries and emails from Boskoff and Fowler, etc.--corroborate the authenticity of the work.
This book also resonated with me on multiple levels. Boskoff's perspective on several events described in the canon of modern mountaineering literature contributes to the accounts of Ed Viesturs, Andrew Lock, Jon Krakauer, and others that I have read. Gerton's vivid descriptions of Chengdu and the edge of the Tibetan plateau in Sichuan bring back the feelings of wonderment, foreign-ness, and wanderlust that I felt in my 2012 visit there.
This story is one that should be part of the core mountaineering works. Edge of the Map is an important biography that illuminates not only its subject but the world she moved within, and evokes a sense of personal loss at Christine and Charlie's deaths.
I particularly enjoyed the insight into Boskoff both as a climber and as a person. The creative nonfiction format enables Gerton to convey Boskoff's passion for climbing and humility through natural conversations and examination of her thoughts and feelings, which adds to the resonance and vitality of the story. The first-hand sources--interviews with others, journal entries and emails from Boskoff and Fowler, etc.--corroborate the authenticity of the work.
This book also resonated with me on multiple levels. Boskoff's perspective on several events described in the canon of modern mountaineering literature contributes to the accounts of Ed Viesturs, Andrew Lock, Jon Krakauer, and others that I have read. Gerton's vivid descriptions of Chengdu and the edge of the Tibetan plateau in Sichuan bring back the feelings of wonderment, foreign-ness, and wanderlust that I felt in my 2012 visit there.
This story is one that should be part of the core mountaineering works. Edge of the Map is an important biography that illuminates not only its subject but the world she moved within, and evokes a sense of personal loss at Christine and Charlie's deaths.
November 27, 2021
This is the true story of an amazing woman, Christine Feld Boskoff. Hailing from Appleton, Wisconsin, Chris became a legendary climber. She is still the only American woman to have summited six 8000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest, Shishapangma, Gasherbrum II, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Broad Peak. Her love for climbing, her strength, and her leadership are astounding, while she eschewed publicity of any kind. The Edge of the Map is also a love story of Chris and her beloved climbing partners. First we meet her husband Keith Boskoff; and then we witness her profound romance with her Coloradan climbing partner, Charlie Fowler.
Johanna Garton presents Chris’s life eloquently. It turns out her mother, a journalist, completed ten years of research before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and passed on her extensive notes to Johanna to finish the writing. Johanna herself conducted 75 interviews plus travel to important venues.
I thought it bogged down just a bit in the middle, as Chris made so MANY interesting and dangerous climbs, but my dogs had to wait patiently for their walk as I rapidly page-turned the engrossing last 80 pages.
If you are, like I am, enthralled by real outdoor adventure, you will fall In love with Chris Boskoff and Edge of the Map.
Johanna Garton presents Chris’s life eloquently. It turns out her mother, a journalist, completed ten years of research before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and passed on her extensive notes to Johanna to finish the writing. Johanna herself conducted 75 interviews plus travel to important venues.
I thought it bogged down just a bit in the middle, as Chris made so MANY interesting and dangerous climbs, but my dogs had to wait patiently for their walk as I rapidly page-turned the engrossing last 80 pages.
If you are, like I am, enthralled by real outdoor adventure, you will fall In love with Chris Boskoff and Edge of the Map.
November 27, 2020
Johanna Garton has written an exceptionally beautiful story about the life of Christine Boskoff. I loved that she included a map of the areas Chris climbed; referring back to the map many times. After hearing Johanna speak at the Fox Cities Book Festival, I immediately purchased the book. No regrets. There is so much more to this story than just the tragic ending. Many life lessons to be learned from this incredible young woman who followed her passion and dreams. Along the way, so many people were attracted to Chris. In the end, it's not the amount of time spent on this Earth that matters. It's what you do with it. This is what I have learned from this incredible book. Please read the story behind how Johanna Garton came to write this book. It is equally touching.
I felt like I was part of Christine's life and journeying with her, thanks to the writing of Johanna. As a side note, I am from Appleton and this added to my desire to read this book. However, this is a must read for anyone in my book!
I felt like I was part of Christine's life and journeying with her, thanks to the writing of Johanna. As a side note, I am from Appleton and this added to my desire to read this book. However, this is a must read for anyone in my book!
June 22, 2021
I can usually tell if I am going to like a book pretty quickly, and early on it was clear I was going to LOVE this book. To be honest, I was completely caught off guard when the first chapter opened with a missing persons search for Christine Boskoff and her partner Charlie Fowler. It took everything I had to not look up the ending, and I’m not going to give anything away here! But wow, Johanna Garton tells a great story of Christine Boskoff’s mountain adventures.
This book has everything a good climbing memoir has: tragedy, triumph, love, loss, achievements, failures, determination, and engagingly descriptive writing. I highly recommend this book.
This book has everything a good climbing memoir has: tragedy, triumph, love, loss, achievements, failures, determination, and engagingly descriptive writing. I highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2020
A beautiful tribute to a climber and to the sport of climbing! Told with perfect rhythm, we learn about Christine Boskoff as a person and climber, get to know the other players in Christine's story, the story of climbing more generally, and of some famous and lesser-known climbs more specifically. Garton somehow shares all of this with us while always propelling us forward in the dramatic story of Christine's last climb.
October 11, 2020
I love this book! I grew up in Appleton (graduated '07), and just learned about Chris's story. Even if you aren't from Appleton, this is a captivating story that is worth your time. The story takes the reader, not only into Chris's life, but also to some of the world's most remote places. I felt like I was traveling and climbing with Chris and her mountaineering partners during much of this book.
January 6, 2022
I loved this book. I'm partial to biographies and stories about adventure, and this was a quick and interesting read. It's inspiring to read about such passion, as well as the ability to build a life focusing on what you want, while also making it work in a "traditional" life way as well. Almost as touching to me was the author's notes at the end about how life has a funny way of coming together and the connections we all have with each other and the bigger world. I wish the friends and families of Christine, Charlie and Keith well.
November 3, 2020
Narrated by Emily Durante, and borrowed from MidYork Library System's Libby Service.
Fascinating narrative of success in a dangerous sport and in running a guide business. Even when I could walk, fright would have kept me from climbing even a mini-mountain, but I am totally fascinated with the vicarious adventure. This is one of the best done.
Fascinating narrative of success in a dangerous sport and in running a guide business. Even when I could walk, fright would have kept me from climbing even a mini-mountain, but I am totally fascinated with the vicarious adventure. This is one of the best done.
October 15, 2020
Johanna's writing put me on the mountain with Chris Boskoff. Thorough and engaging, this book was hard to put down.
Read
March 11, 2021An absolutely riveting story.
March 12, 2021
Beautifully told and intensely researched. This story makes an excellent follow up to Into Thin Air and The Climb. If you've caught the Everest bug-- Christine Boskoff's adventures in the Himalaya are a natural fit.
August 3, 2021
An excellent book and impossible to set down.
September 28, 2021
Little did I know there would be so much on Buddhism and grief. Always love a woman strong adventure biography, as Chris is a guiding light for young girls and women world wide, climber or not.
June 3, 2022
Loved this book about the life of Christine Boskoff, world-renowned high-altitude climber and trailblazing mountain guide. I cannot wait to meet the author in Colorado in a couple weeks!
January 31, 2025
Such a great recap on the mountaineering legend Chris Boskoff, this book was written in a way you really felt like you knew her by the end!
March 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book about Christine Boskoff, the record holder for the most 8000-peaks climbed by an American women. The book by author Johanna Garton is well written and captivating. Others interested in biographies of adventurous athletes will enjoy this read.
December 9, 2020
Fascinating story about a strong woman who lived life to the fullest. It filled in parts I didn’t know about a Seattle company, Mountain Madness, that we have connections to.
April 2, 2020
Edge of the Map is an incredible story about Christine Boskoff, a female mountaineer who became the first American woman to summit the most 8,000-meter peaks in history. Author Johanna Garton’s well researched events unfold throughout the pages of the book, sometimes back to front, which ignite the reader’s curiosity, especially when something doesn’t go according to plan. This has everything you want in a good book – depth, mood (funny/sad), irony. Reader’s will appreciate how time stands still in many parts of the world and get a kick out of some of the quotes from mountaineers who climbed with Christine over the years.
March 30, 2020
A beautifully written story of one of the strongest women I've ever heard of. Christine Boskoff led groups of men up perilous 8000+ meter peaks, she left an engineering career to own a guiding business and was the only American woman to summit six of the fourteen 8000ers. I know of very few other life stories such as this one.
She was not one to boast about her achievements, a quality that makes me admire her greatly. Her humility and strength resonate through each chapter of the book. This a story that will resonate with many people, outdoor enthusiast or not. It speaks of adventure, courage, determination, and love.
I would compare Edge of the Map to some of my favorite books; Mud sweat and tears, On the move, Endurance. Although these all are tales of men. What a welcome change to have the protagonist be a woman! They are all stories that give me faith in people's kindness, strength and abilities, and make me want to explore the world.
She was not one to boast about her achievements, a quality that makes me admire her greatly. Her humility and strength resonate through each chapter of the book. This a story that will resonate with many people, outdoor enthusiast or not. It speaks of adventure, courage, determination, and love.
I would compare Edge of the Map to some of my favorite books; Mud sweat and tears, On the move, Endurance. Although these all are tales of men. What a welcome change to have the protagonist be a woman! They are all stories that give me faith in people's kindness, strength and abilities, and make me want to explore the world.
November 7, 2020
My husband was the officiant at Christine's funeral service. This is a wonderfully written book! She certainly lived life to its fullest. I'm not very outdoorsy, but I am finding that I can't stop looking up things related to Everest and mountaineering!
July 19, 2021
This is a fascinating read about a female mountaineer who was extremely badass, yet flew way under the radar. The author (Johanna) tells Christine's story well, and frankly, it needed to be shared, as Christine serves an inspiration in the male-dominated field of mountaineering. I am stunned by the amount of persistence and research Johanna had to do to track down the details of the story. What an undertaking!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews