Cursing at Mountains

An Inspirational Novel by Brandon Kowallis

A page-turner that challenges readers to think more creatively about how to solve problems in their own lives. Deep life and leadership lessons served up in a captivating adventure yarn.

— Kirkus Review

The Story

About the Book

What if the only way to break through the chaos in your life was to stop trying to move the mountains in your path – and instead learn to traverse them?

Chris thought he had it all under control: a career with real potential, a family he loved deeply, and dreams of building a better life for them all. But when the weight of his failures pushes him to the brink, he finds himself thrust into a surreal wilderness where nothing is certain—except the lessons that will change everything.

From cattle drives across blistering Nevada deserts to campfires in the Montana backcountry, Chris meets unlikely guides who challenge his assumptions about control, failure, and redemption. Each encounter forces him to confront his deepest regrets, his failing marriage, and the truth he’s been running from: that the mountains in life don’t move just because we want them to.

Blending vivid adventure with profound allegory, Cursing at Mountains takes readers on a journey through shifting landscapes of desert, forest, and canyon—where every road is a choice, every choice has a consequence, and growth comes only through surrender.
Fans of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, or Matt Haig’s reflective storytelling will find the same mix of inspiration, adventure, and timeless wisdom in these pages.

Chris’s struggle is every person’s struggle—the battle to let go, to forgive, and to find the courage to start again. His journey will leave you asking: what mountains am I cursing at in my own life?

PReview some Excerpts From The BOOK

★★★★★

What Amazon readers are saying:

“This book is a MUST READ!!! Great insights and a fun story to keep you engaged. An awesome read for youth and adults that may open your eyes to a more fulfilling life and a different future. Very well written! I highly recommend Cursing at Mountains.”

“Beautiful book with fascinating characters and perspectives. I paused several times to reflect my own journey and choices/outcomes.”

“I loved this book. It captures so many fundamental truths in an engaging story. My hat’s off to the author. The book is very well written, engaging, and thoughtful. I highly recommend it.”

“I didn’t really know what to expect when I started listening to this book. As I listened to the first chapter I thought, this is pretty depressing, I’m not sure I’m going to listen the the entire book. However, I kept listening and realized as it continued, that the author was setting the scene. It had to start from a place of true, raw emotions and life circumstances that bring you to that breaking point in order to learn the lessons that were going to be taught. As the book continued I found myself engrossed in the story, as well as the insights and lessons being taught in profound and real ways. I started finding myself constantly doing self-assessments and thinking of ways to incorporate these lessons into my own life. I’m so grateful I read this inspiring book! It’s helping me to think differently about myself and others and take responsibility for the direction of my life. Thank you Brandon, for writing a book that gave me a new perspective through an engaging story!“

Check out the Podcast

We all face moments where life feels like an uphill climb we didn’t ask for. Whether it’s navigating a high-stakes career, the beautiful chaos of raising a young family, or the deep, silent struggle of supporting loved ones through their own emotional challenges, the “mountains” in our lives are real.

Cursing at Mountains – The Stories Behind the Stories dives into the raw, surreal, and deeply human experiences that inspired the book Cursing at Mountains by Brandon Kowallis — The story of Chris— a leader, a father, a husband at his breaking point. Join Brandon as he dives beneath the surface of the narrative. From the claustrophobic depths of one of the deepest caves in the United States to the complex heights of leadership and fatherhood, Brandon shares the real-life adventures and harrowing encounters that shaped the characters in Cursing at Mountains and the lessons they inspired.

This isn’t just a look at a book; it’s an exploration of resilience, forgiveness, and finding joy when circumstances are anything but ideal. If you’ve ever felt like the world was closing in, tune in to discover the tools to climb your own mountains and the stories that prove we aren’t climbing them alone.

Listen on spotify

Listen on YouTube

Listen on Apple

Episode #1: Prologue – Leveraging Symbolism & Exploring a Famous Mayan Cave

Discover how storytelling, symbolism, and personal experiences intertwine in this episode as the host introduces his book “Cursing at Mountains,” sharing insights into its themes, poetic influences, and behind-the-scenes tales of exploration and growth. Perfect for fans of adventure narratives […]

Episode #2: Chapter 1 – No Human Life is Exempt from Struggles & Wild Crazy Dad Guy Stories

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: Lessons from “Cursing at Mountains”In this episode, Brandon Kowallis shares insights from his book, “Cursing at Mountains,” exploring the raw realities of leadership, mental health, and family struggles. He emphasizes that life’s difficulties are universal and offers […]

Episode #3: Chapter 2 – Opening Your Mind to Truth and Change & Finding Purpose in Life and Death

In this episode, we explore profound lessons on life’s challenges, purpose, and acceptance of mortality, drawn from the insights of a compelling narrative. Discover how embracing change and understanding our true nature can lead to a more fulfilling life. Key […]

Upcoming Companion Book – The Map of David

The Map of David is the book Chris is gifted at the end of the book and contains the wisdom of men and women across time, parables, and practical application to many of the principles Chris learns in Cursing at Mountains and many more he didn’t. Sign up for my newsletter below to get notified when this book becomes available.