Where the Mountain Casts its Shadow wins Jon Whyte Award for Mountain Literature.

Maria accepting award at 2003 Banff Mountain Book Festival

Where the Mountain Casts its Shadow

The Dark Side of Extreme Adventure.

(published in the USA by St. Martin's Press, in the UK by Random House)

"Mountaineering enthusiasts of all varieties (from hands-on adventurers to armchair climbers) will see another side of their favorite sport in this poignant book. .... It's a deeply moving perspective, and (Coffey) approaches the subject with a grace and delicacy that are entirely appropriate.." David Pitt, Booklist.

" Coffey's interviews brim with rugged honesty...... her book's combination of memoir and psychological overview is unique." Publishers Weekly

"This haunting book is the first of its kind in mountaineering literature. No longer will we be able to ignore the cost of climbing to our familes and loved ones."
- Jim Wickwire, legendary mountaineer and coauthor of Addicted to Danger