New Book: A Story of Karma

In 2012, Michael Schauch and his wife, Chantal, undertook an expedition deep in the Himalaya of northern Nepal, into a remote valley that had been closed off to outsiders for decades. They led a team of artists (a photographer, a musician, and a painter), with the objective of capturing a moment in time through their unique lenses. As a mountaineering fanatic, Michael had a second (and less conspicuous) goal to climb an unknown mountain he had only identified through a photograph. What unfolded in the mountains forced him to question his values and his own identity, and eventually resulted in meeting a little girl, which was the most profound encounter of his life. Little did either know that from that moment they would completely change the trajectory of each other’s life.

A Story of Karma recounts this journey, and the years that follow as Karma (the little girl), and Michael and Chantal grow their lives together amidst the complex dichotomies and backdrop of Karma’s 17th-century Himalayan village; the impoverished and polluted Kathmandu; and the modern world of Vancouver, Canada.

"Each word ushers you deeper into an external journey to the Himalaya and an internal journey to the heart. Schauch's masterful storytelling transports you to a healing realm where external and internal distinctions dissolve in the beauty of embodied love. Not only is this a tale of transformation for Schauch, the reader, too, is transformed."   

— Paula Arai, Ph.D., author of Painting Enlightenment, Bringing Zen Home, and Women Living Zen

“Michael Schauch’s vividly descriptive writing will transport you to a remote Himalayan village and leave you with the taste of yak butter tea on your tongue and the odour of dung-fuelled fires in your clothing. A Story of Karma is a thoughtful and passionate meditation on privilege and poverty, consumerism and spirituality, fate and chance, individualism and community. Above all else, this story is a testament to the power each and every one of us has to generate meaningful and lasting change in our beleaguered world.”

— Jan Redford, author of End of the Rope: Mountains, Marriage, and Motherhood

“A Story of Karma is an inspiring story about life, love, compassion, and determination. It’s also about sacrifice and humility. Karma depicts beautiful imagery that pulls the reader in, making the scenes come alive. [Schauch’s] work is also ripe with raw emotion and insight. Feelings are more than surface deep; they radiate through the pages.”

— Jennifer Padgett, Seattle Book Review

“[A Story of Karma] feels like part travelogue, part memoir, and part cultural anthropology narrative as Schauch expertly blends stories of his travels with thoughts of his own life and information about Nepal’s history and culture. Readers will savor this engrossing account of Nepal through such understanding and humble eyes, and be moved by the selfless generosity described in helping a young girl achieve her dreams.”

— BlueInk Review (starred review)

“★★★★★”

“The book transcends multiple dimensions of the spiritual, physical, and material world, and gives glimpses of the human spirit, and how they overcome adversities and challenges and change lives. A Story of Karma is spiritually uplifting and is a must-read because it is just not about the conquest of the mountains, but also of the mind and spirit. It gives valuable life lessons in human connection, self-discovery, finding truth, the connection, and the compassion between the author, his wife, Karma, and her family. The author's story will transform the vision and perception of readers, and make them more aware of Buddhism and Buddhist teachings.”

— Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

“★★★★★”

“A Story of Karma is a heartwarming and touching tale about fate and what happens when you let go and follow your heart into the unknown. I'm sure anyone who reads this book will feel as moved as I did. Frankly, this well-written tale of adventure and discovery comes at the perfect time. As most of us are prevented from traveling, this book made me feel like I had been almost to the ends of the Earth. I enjoyed every bit of the journey. “

— Susan Miller, Portland Book Review

“An intriguing tale that entwines exploration and education. Schauch has a lively and involving narrative voice, and he’s adept at conveying the combination of detail and wonder that one looks for in the best travel writing. He draws the reader smoothly into his dual narratives, and he handles both of them with skill. Fans of travel writing and family narratives will appreciate this work.”

— Kirkus Reviews

“A man’s mission to climb a mountain in the Himalaya turns into providing education for children from the most remote region of Nepal. A Story of Karma is a heartfelt and inspiring story about nature and human connection, and the amazing things that happen when you open your heart and mind to the unknown world.” 

— Dorje Dolma, author of Yak Girl: Growing Up in the Remote Dolpo Region of Nepal

“Schauch writes a moving story of personal growth and transformation in his encounter with the indigenous peoples of the remote highlands of Upper Manang, Nepal. The desire to climb a peak drew him there, but what changed him forever was the unexpected and extraordinary creation of family ties in Nar-Phu and the role that Tibetan Buddhism played in helping him transcend differences of culture to nurture that family. Read his story with an open heart and mind—it will touch you deeply.”

— Mark Aldenderfer, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Merced and National Geographic Explorer

“A wonderful and uplifting story. ‘A Story of Karma’ is a heart-warming read that covers personal challenge and growth but focuses mainly on human connection, something that I think people have realised the importance of recently. Recommended to anyone interested in mountaineering but also anyone interested in travel in general, as Michael portrays such respect and insight into the Nepali culture.”

— LoveReading Reviews

“A Story of Karma is an engaging travel book and an interesting tale of people finding each other in the most unexpected of places. It will prompt readers to consider issues such as tradition vs. modernity, preservation vs. change, and fate vs. destiny. The book also includes a selection of photographs, including some impressive mountain vistas, which serve to enhance the reading experience.”

 — Erin Britton, San Francisco Book Review

“Michael Schauch's storytelling feels like the reader is beside him as he tastes unfamiliar food, treks dangerous places and spends time with incredible people. The book jumps with his easy laugh, wit and contagious enthusiasm for helping others in faraway places.”

— Rick Antonson, former CEO of Tourism Vancouver and author of many books

“Martin Buber, the Israeli philosopher and mystic, has said that "All journeys have destinations of which the traveller is unaware." This is nowhere more true than in the riveting new book by Michael Schauch entitled A Story of Karma. Schauch takes us deep into the natural, cultural, and spiritual mysteries of the Himalayas of Northern Nepal, where we are dazzled by his storytelling, his fearlessness, and his wide-open heart. The tale will have you on the edge of your seat with awe. I've already been compelled to read it twice!”

— Stephen Cope, bestselling author of many books, including The Great Work of Your Life, and Soul Friends

“Beyond snowcapped peaks and lost Himalayan temples, Buddhist shrines and deep dives into the dharma, Michael Schauch’s A Story of Karma is a version of that one great story we all end up living, whether we meant to or not--about going off into the wide world in pursuit of whatever we desire only to find whatever we don’t realize we need. In Schauch’s case, the former has to do with grand physical adventure; the latter, with the wholeness of heart earned only through love. The result is at once humble, elegant, and, like all great stories, deeply transporting.”

— Daniel Duane, author of Caught Inside, A Surfer’s Year on the California Coast

“I’ve read a lot of travel books. I’ve read a lot of climbing books. I’ve never read a book quite like “A story of Karma”. Mike and Chantal’s story (and Karma and Pemba’s) is not so much a story of going somewhere, but rather being drawn somewhere. Of attraction. Talk about following your heart, wow! It’s a story of family, of what family can be outside of how we traditionally see it. It’s a story of trust; of trusting others; of trusting yourself. Mostly, it’s about trusting your heart. Do yourself a favour; just read it.”

— Warren Macdonald, keynote speaker, author of Test of Will

“It's absolutely beautifully written. The attention to detail, the turn of phrase, it's absolutely lovely. I was completely entranced. I put down my "for fun" book until this one was done. It's got about half a package of sticky flags sticking out of it because so many things caught my attention. If you want beauty and travel and escapism, this one is so worth it! If you enjoyed Lost Horizon by James Hilton, you will fall into this book. Schauch's ability to turn a phrase makes you feel like you're right there with him. I'm completely torn between sending it to my Mom to read and just waiting to buy her a copy when it comes out because I don't want to let it go but I know she will absolutely love it.”

— Goodreads Reviewer

“A wonderful and heart-warming true story of a decade long journey guided by the gentle nudges of the soul and the magic manifested when those impulses are heard and followed.  If you are drawn to the beauty of nature, mountains and adventure, you will enjoy this engaging and uplifting exploration into the remote Himalayas and the mysteries of life, love and our human connections. It made me laugh, cry and feel good all over! A brilliant read, highly recommended!!”

— Goodreads Reviewer

“What a visceral and heart warming experience this book was! Tales of adventure, self discovery, cultural exchange, life lesson mic drops, and dashes of humour that ease you in and out of deep truth bombs regarding human connection. I've never read a book so fast! Brilliant storytelling that captures the journey of many lifetimes. Well done Mike, Chantal, and everyone linked to this magical saga!”

— Goodreads Reviewer