Book excerpt: For women intrigued by the sport of climbing but intimidated by its male dominance and stereotype as “extreme,” Girl on the Rocks is a monumental resource, providing instructions on technique, strength, and mental agility from a woman’s perspective. Through the sage advice of one of the world’s foremost female climbers and the lens of an internationally acclaimed photographer, women learn that climbing is more fun than dangerous, that overcoming fear can boost self-esteem, and that the fitness benefits for women are tremendous. Most women learn climbing from men, but the sport is different fora woman, both physically and psychologically—and it is empowering for women to learn about climbing from “girls” who’ve been on the rocks themselves. The numerous photos in this full-color guide do wonders to clearly explain the various techniques, equipment, and styles of climbing for women. Further bringing the sport to life, author Katie Brown presents her interviews with numerous female climbers—from a young girl to a sixty-something professional climber—to learn what the sport has done for them.