TOGETHER ON TOP OF THE WORLD

�In 1996, twelve climbers died on Everest in one of the worst disasters in the mountain�s history� We were at the same altitude, in the same location; they had been in when they died. We had the same experience levels they had, the same concerns for safety, the same professional and personal ambitions. We had the same amount of time and the same amount of oxygen. But we also had one thing they didn�t have. They had clear weather going up, and only abstract worries that a storm might develop. We already had the storm.

�I read the book in just two sittings and I can't count how many times I cried. As a mountaineer, I was especially impressed with Phil's overcoming his numerous life-threatening health issues, and Sue's perseverance to push herself beyond her established boundaries. But more than their first-ever athletic accomplishment, what I admire most about the Ershlers is the strength of their relationship that gave them the foundation to transform every setback into another goal that they reached together. I was inspired by their loving marriage and mutually supporting partnership and hope that all of us readers might find that depth of happiness in our lives."

-- Aron Ralston, author of Between a Rock and Hard Place

"An amazing story of the triumph of love and determination."

-- Nando Parrado, author of Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days On the Mountain and My Long Trek Home

�Phil Ershler is a world class climber and guide. Sue Ershler is a first class businesswoman. But their story is not just about climbing and business. It is about two people in love who switch leads in life�s hard climb. A great read�inside or outside a tent!�

-- Jim Whittaker, author of A Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond and former CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

�Phil and Susan�s astounding accomplishment of being the first couple to scale the Seven Summits is beautifully articulated and poignantly told in Together on Top of the World. Yet the even greater story of attaining their individual and collective inner figurative summits should be a marriage counselor�s primer of how two highly motivated, very independent people dedicated their love and support to one another throughout their respective major illness and career challenges, and achieved the ultimate fulfillment of becoming true soulmates!"

-- Dick Bass, first person to climb the Seven Summits

"An uplifting account of survival and achievement in the face of great adversity. A captivating story of love and adventure set amongst the world's most challenging mountains."

-- David Breashears, Expedition Leader, Everest IMAX Film

"Takes the reader to the mountain tops and into the depths of the human heart. It's a powerful, inspiring, exciting, and beautiful story. A must read."

-- Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson

On May 16, 2002, Susan and Phil Ershler achieved what no other couple ever had: they reached the top of Mount Everest and became the first couple in history to scale the fabled Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent.

What makes their accomplishment more remarkable, however, is the fact that Susan, a high-powered Fortune 500 business executive, had never hiked, climbed or even traveled abroad until she met Phil at age 36. And Phil, a professional mountain guide who climbed his whole life while hiding his battle with Crohn�s Disease, a chronic, debilitating autoimmune illness, completed the climb after a struggle with colon cancer that threatened to end his climbing career.

Now, to coincide with the five-year anniversary of their triumph on Mount Everest, Phil and Susan tell the whole, inspiring story of their partnership�in life, love and on the mountains�in TOGETHER ON TOP OF THE WORLD: The Remarkable Story of the First Couple to Climb the Fabled Seven Summits (Warner Books, April 2, 2007; $24.99 hardcover), written with Robin Simons.

The book opens with the couple�s first, unsuccessful attempt at Everest in 2001 when, after two months on the mountain, Phil�s eyes begin to freeze in the thin, frigid air at 27,600 feet and they are forced to turn back. In subsequent chapters told in alternating, first-person narratives, readers are taken inside Phil and Susan�s intimate lives and witness the events that led to this significant defeat and ultimate conquest.

A love story, an adventure story, and a story about overcoming tremendous odds, TOGETHER ON TOP OF THE WORLD is a moving, beautifully written account that is sure to inspire others to prevail over life�s obstacles and achieve their dreams.

PHIL ERSHLER is the world-renowned partner/owner of International Mountain Guides. Phil, his partners, and their guides lead climbs on every continent.

SUSAN ERSHLER is a speaker and former executive at Fortune 500 companies. One of the few women ever to complete the Seven Summits, she speaks professionally about pushing past perceived boundaries to pursue your greatest dreams.

ROBIN SIMONS has authored and co-authored eight books, including Filthy Rich and Other Nonprofit Fantasies with Richard Steckel and After the Tears.