New Book Comforts Those Dealing with Grief, Loss and Hardship

(Nashville, TN) - The December 2006 Mount Hood tragedy claimed the lives of three experienced mountain climbers shortly before Christmas. The extensive search and rescue efforts captured the attention of millions of people across the world who hoped for a successful rescue and a Christmas miracle.

Karen James, the widow of Kelly James whose body was found in a snow cave on Mount Hood, tells her story of love, loss and friendship in her new book Holding Fast: The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy (Thomas Nelson, November 2008).

The new book reveals never-before-released information and evidence as to what really happened on the mountain including:
•    Details from Sheriff Joe Wampler who led the search and rescue efforts and Rescue Leader Steve Rollins of Portland Mountain Rescue
•    Insight from Air Force Sergeant Josh Johnston of the 304th Squadron who found Kelly’s body in the snow cave

The book features more than 80 photos including a 16-page color insert with:
•    Never-before-published photos from Kelly’s camera retrieved off the mountain
•    Photos of the search and rescue efforts
•    Maps of the climbers’ routes on Mount Hood

In Holding Fast James also shares her journey after the tragedy and how she coped with her husband’s death.  “I hope Holding Fast will bring comfort to others who are facing loss or personal hardships and encourage them to never give up,” said Karen James, author of Holding Fast.

Karen worked closely with those involved with the search and rescue effort to determine what happened on the mountain. Her story has been endorsed by the search and rescuers as the most precise account of the tragedy.

“Karen’s description of what happened on Mount Hood is the most accurate I have heard to date. With what our investigation revealed and her insight into her husband, she has done an amazing job of putting the pieces together,” said Sheriff Joe Wampler, Hood River County, Oregon.

The book has received endorsements from Troy Aikman, Pro Football Hall of Fame member (2006), Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Drive Life, Sheriff Joe Wampler, Hood River County, Oregon, Denise Jackson, wife of country singer Alan Jackson and author of It’s All About Him, Roger Staubach, Pro Football Hall of Fame member (1985) and Executive Chairman, The Staubach Company, Ron Hall and Denver Moore, authors of Same Kind of Different as Me, Gary Brandenburg, Senior Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Dallas, Dave Waag, Hood River Crag Rats and Steve Rollins, Rescue Leader, Portland Mountain Rescue.

About the Author
Karen James is a former award-winning journalist who has reported at ABC, NBC and CBS TV news affiliates across the country. In addition to working in communications at AARP for a number of years, she is an accomplished painter and is co-owner of the public relations consulting firm James Nuñez Group. Karen was married to Kelly James, one of the climbers who tragically died atop Mount Hood in 2006. Today she shares her life with her four stepchildren and greatly enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

For more information, visit www.holdingfastforpurpose.com.

KAREN JAMES IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

Holding Fast: The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy
by Karen James
Available: November 12, 2008
ISBN: 978-159-555-175-7
Thomas Nelson
Jacketed Hardcover

Contact:    Curt Harding
Senior Publicist
(615) 902-2246
charding@thomasnelson.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 am and is filed under Business and Culture, Press Release. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.