Alaska Books

Thursday, June 26, 2008
"Stories from Berkeley" chronicles 1960's and 1970's counter culture

According to my Social Studies-teacher-daughter, very little about the counter-culture of the 1960's and 1970's is taught in secondary schools in Texas. Nathan Spooner's new release, Stories from Berkeley: Adventures in the Slow Lane, preserves a part of our history which, unfortunately, is becoming lost.

Spooner chronicles his life as a philosophy student at Berkeley and a street performer in the Bay area including his relationships with Joadie Guthrie, son of Woody Guthrie; renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz; various house-mates in the communal house in which he lived; and fellow musicians. Although Spooner does not emphasize the turbulent political tenor of the times, he does put the anti-Viet Nam war effort in perspective.

After Berkeley, Spooner moved to Alaska for ten years where he and his wife raised their children. Upon returning to Berkeley the Spooners no longer felt at home there and moved to the Central Coast of California. Nathan Spooner is now a special education teacher with grown children and grandchildren.

Spooner successfully captures an era of American life that should be preserved. Stories from Berkeley has a nice rhythm to it and is an interesting read. This book is appropriate for high school students and would make a wonderful adjunct to Social Studies programs in both secondary schools and in college curriculums.

Stories from Berkeley (ISBN 978-0-9701698-1-5, US $16.95) can be ordered from Barnes and Noble online and is also available from the author at http://www.nbspublish.com/pages/ordering.html.
Posted by Nita at 10:45 AM
Labels: 1960's, 1970's, Alaska, American history, Annie Leibovitz, Berkeley, California Bay area, counter culture, hippies, music, Nathan Spooner, Stories from Berkeley

The era of the 60s and 70s and a different perspective - "Stories from Berkeley" is the story of Nathan Spooner and his life in those decades, doing little odd jobs and encountering all sorts of people as he wandered up and down the west coast from Southern California to Alaska. Part memoir, part social history of the western coast of the nation, "Stories from Berkeley" is recommended to all who want insight into what the 60s were really like and for community library memoir collections.

In 1985, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a grueling 1,100+ mile test of stamina and spirit. When an unusually severe snowstorm stopped all the other mushers in their tracks, Riddles pushed on. It was only her second time running the Iditarod, but her courage and determination brought her into Nome, Alaska ahead of the pack. In this book she recalls her experiences, briefly recounting her childhood and early life, and then describing the famous race. The writing is simple and fast-paced, but still captures the feeling of her adventure. You can feel the cutting sharpness of the wind-driven snow or see the northern lights dancing overhead. The book is also beautifully illustrated with simple but vibrant colored pencil drawings by Shannon Cartwright. This is an excellent Iditarod story for any young reader and I'd definitely recommend it.

Once I started reading Libby's STORM RUN, I could't put it down! Even though I've lived in Alaska for 33 years, Libby's dog mushing background and Iditerod experience kept me spellbound until the end.

I can't wait to read it to my second graders. It will be a terrific geography lesson as well as learning about dog mushing.

Libby definitely has 'true grit'.

My grandchildren and my ESL students are collecting state quarters, and the next one to be issued honors Alaska. The final selection was of a grizzly bear catching a salmon at Denali Park. However, among the finalists was a drawing of a musher, mushing along his dog-sled team. My foreign students had never seen this part of Alaskan culture, so I looked for a book on the subject, preferably with pictures, for my hour-long classes fly by quickly. Storm Run" proved to be the perfect vehicle for my purpose, since I was able to match new vocabulary with beautiful pictures.

Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile race, is also a wonderful role model for young girls. The pictures are inviting. "Storm Run" should be included in everyone's birthday or Christmas lists.

Libby Riddles' Storm Run is a picturebook of the exciting true story of the first woman to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Storm Run is the story of fulfilling one's dream, daring freezing treasures and bonding with loyal sled dogs. Wonderfully illustrated by Shannon Cartwright with soft, full-color artwork, Storm Run is an especially recommended giftbook for young girls nurturing their own dreams.

I am so happy Loretta Outwater Cox has begun the journey of documenting a part of our lifestyle. Being Inupiaq and from Ipnatchiaq (Deering), I remember how my grandparents Jack and Ina Tiepelman, would pass on stories and preservation skills, both verbally and through actual participation. Loretta's books both this one and "The Winter Walk" depicts much of how I learned everything I know about my culture and lifestyle. Even into the 1950's, life as these books depicted was very similar, times were hard, we had very little western cultural influence, sure we now had books and knew the english alphabet so we could document information but basically we still lived in a harsh environment with only basic necessities and even though times were hard, it brings back fond memories. I thoroughly recommend these books.

This is an excellent follow-up to "The Winter Walk," an old survival tale from the Arctic. Here Loretta Outwater Cox sets the scene so perfectly.
In the 1920s in Northwest Alaska, six middle-aged women meet in a sod house to tell stories and draw pictures about characters, animals, camp sites, the land, rivers, lakes, oceans and much more.
Each woman is handed a cup of tea when she arrrives and each has her special place to sit on the floor of the cozy sod home.
The stories have many themes --family, tradition, basic survival and hope. Sometimes, just celebrating life.
Cox also weaves in stories about the six women and their lives, including a grandmother raising her grandson, and worrying about so many changes in the community, and whether he will remain grounded in the culture.
Cox says she learned the stories from her parents, grandparents and relatives, and that she has such admiration for both the stories and those who told and retold them.
Find a cozy, warm place some winter evening, brew a pot of tea, and enjoy the book.

Straying Afar provides the reader with an exciting look at Human Nature around the world. While Maxey's 1st book "Overnight Stay" looks at the colorful spectrum of Human Nature, based on observations of the people who pass by the Maxey's Verona Beach, NY business at Oneida Lake - The DwarfLine Motel & Cottages - "Straying Afar.." continues this look at Human Nature as kind of a pseudo-sequel, not by looking at Humanity as it comes to the Maxey's, but rather it observes Humanity as the Maxey's travel out to the people at the far reaches of Planet Earth. From stormy voyages across raging, windswept seas to Antarctica; to the wild and beautiful coastline of Alaska; and on to the unique Asian cultures of far off Siberia, Japan, and Korea. While these places are far removed from Central NY, they still provide both a personal "one-on-one" setting, as well as a "grand view" of Humanity for the "Straying Afar" story. Over 110 photographs and maps assist the reader on this exciting, 316 page journey!

The book is divided into two sections; each defined by a voyage in the opposite direction from the other. The 1st trip is to the far south to Antarctica and its theme is man and his struggle and embrace with Nature. The 2nd trip is to the far north, then west and its theme is man and his struggle and embrace with HIMSELF.
"Straying Afar..." is a must read for anyone who seeks adventure and inspiration while satisfying a thirst for exploring the world around us. By sitting back in a comfortable chair with a copy of "Straying Afar...", one can go to the frozen remoteness of Antarctica after crossing a sea so stormy that just reading about it will put butterflies in the stomach. And as you join John Maxey on his adventures, you'll not just live the present day experiences, but you'll cross the barriers of time to the adventures and struggles of the ones who went before. But that is only half the excitement - after a short break, come back and follow John up to Alaska and then across an endless ocean to Siberia and the Orient. Experience the range of Humanity that exists around the Earth that is emerging into a new world of optimism, from the interpersonal encounters along the coastal way in Alaska to the Grand Awakenings of whole societies as they step over the fallen political barriers of another time in Siberia. All the while these dramas are played out against a backdrop of natural scenery so grand and beautiful it defies description.

I recommend this book to all!

Author W John Maxey has a new offering in the literary world. Straying Afar is not only a travel adventure story but can be classified as historical as the author while travelling through the areas where part of World WarII was fought recalls the days of the bitter conflict that took place, the struggles of the American Military might and the strong resolve displayed to defeat the enemy.

The author with his immediatre family aboard an ice cutter ship
braves the danger in Antarctica aboard the ship and views the beauty of the icebergs jutting to the diamond like peaks and walks among the penguins,birds and other inhabitants of this barren region of the world. Author Maxey is very family orientated and enjoys having his wife and children share in the adventures of travel and the mixing and viewing of the different cultures they witness on the cruise as well as airflights to different regions.

I have personally had the honor of conversing with this world traveler. He graciously shares the adventures and stories of their visits to these foreign places as well as visitng Alaska.

When I started reading this book I spent sometime looking at the unique cover, which I can only say is sensational. You couldn't put the book down as the author captures you from beginning to the end with content that isn't only adventuresome, but educational, historical, and a book that moves your mind into a craving for more of Author Maxey's travels. You feel that you were onboard the ice cutter rolling with the frigid waters and passing through the south Pacific you could almost hear and feel the impact of military combat. I recommend this book very highly. We need to hear more from you Mr. Maxey. Congratulations!!!

Tales from the Kodiak Starport is a collection of short stories set on Kodiak Island, Alaska. I enjoyed this even more than his previous work, Politics & Patriotism: The Fisk Conspiracy. The characters seemed realistic, while the subjects he chose to highlight were eclectic.

As an Alaskan, I appreciate seeing works that highlight how important the industries of this state are to the future of the economic and political scene, on a local, national, and even global level. Alaska's economy needs to diversify if the residents of our state are to maintain the standard of living they currently enjoy.

While I enjoyed all the stories in this collection, my favorite is "Combat Fishing." Its theme of ecological recovery combines elements of suspense with the humor which I've come to enjoy from Mr. Oldham.

Tales from the Kodiak Starport offers a wide range of tales that address various facets of life surrounding the fictional Starport. Most of the stories have an Alaskan flavor. I really enjoyed reading it. The brevity of the stories make this book great for bedtime reading.

Tales from the Kodiak Starport is a well-written collection of short stories set in Alaska. My favorite tale was "There Are None So Blind", the only thing I've seen from Oldham in first person. There was an intimacy and empathy with the narrator that made the story and character compelling. I was intrigued by his experiences and insights into the world of the formerly-blind. At the end of the story, I wanted to know about these other beings and how the whole first contact thing worked out. Hmmmm, sounds like there's room for a sequel.

"Coming Home" flowed in much the same way. Jarod, even though a bigger-than-life hero who easily dispatches pirates while only getting a wee bit chilled, is likable and believable because he also invites and allows emotional empathy.

By the end of the book, I'd gotten a good picture of the potential for the Kodiak Starport and had even spent some time reading about the actually existing facility on the web. Any book that sends me to Google for additional research is a winner! I like the challenge. As in Oldham's Politics and Patriotism: The Fisk Conspiracy, the political and economic bits were timely and made sense. I especially liked the way the author obliquely tied the controversies as to why we are in Iraq to the kind of unpopular war with China that we'd most likely see.

"Combat Fishing" brings Oldham's droll sense of humor out in the daylight. Being a fan of good pun-ishment, it left me with a chuckle. For the non-Alaskan audience, combat fishing is what happens on the major Alaskan rivers every summer when the salmon run. Oldham's characters have a slightly different experience. There were other places in the tales where humor slid in sideways, and that added a lot to the enjoyment.

Read the stories. Alaska is the perfect launching point for space flights, and Justin Oldham proves it in his tales.

This first hand account of Mr. Freeman's experiences in a Navy PBY squadron during WWII is riveting. His descriptions of the months of training and a few mishaps are told with a large dose of self-deprecating wit, the quiet accounts of the darker times are told without any maudlin overtones. The reader is invited to share well-told memories that flow like much anticipated letters home from a friend; a friend who obviously loved those old PBY flying boats. Well worth the read.

Not your typical dry (just the facts) type of account. Reading this book gives you an terrific incite into what it must have been like to fly in a PBY squadron with the greatest guys in the world. Elmer A. Freeman was there AND can write one hell of a good book.

This book captivated me from the begining to the end. I can't wait till his next book comes out. I'll be waiting in line.

Title: Threads of Deception
Author: James Fletcher
Genre: Crime fiction
Length: 252 pages

"Threads of Deception" written by James Fletcher is a must read. The webs of deception wove through this novel draws the reader into each of the characters' individual act of betrayal. I know this is the first of many successful books that will be written by Mr. Fletcher and I for one look forward to reading the next.

I rate this book ***** stars.

Reviewed by: Darcy J. Busch
Date: May 4, 2008

Colin Chisholm's Through Yup'ik Eyes is a truly remarkable and ground-breaking work.

The subject of Mr. Chisholm's book is his mother, and his love and respect for her shine through on every single page of this hauntingly written book. The fact that he devoted several years to his quest to learn about his mother's past is itself a remarkable undertaking. What he produced as a result of his travels and studies is a compelling look at a woman who wanted desperately to go "home," but was unable to do so. What makes Through Yup'ik Eyes so truly inspiring is that Mr. Chisholm did in fact find a way to take his mother home. Through his efforts, she was posthumously reunited with her relatives after so many painful years of being away.

We live in a changing world, and not the least of the changes are the new ways we are finding to define our identities. Mr. Chisholm succeeded in returning his mother to her beloved Alaska, but he also made a big stride in offering a definition of family. Rather than painting an entire group of people with one brush, what Mr. Chisholm offers is a deeply moving picture of one woman and her relationship to her son.

A humbling, chilling, sensitive, compassionate portrayal of a love toward a mother, and the search for the identity of a silent history, is truly extracted by the author about his experience as a child of a mother whom he wants strongly to understand.

To create a story about a culture one only has glimpses of as one is growing up because of some silence or resistence that brought the parent to carry is, in and of itself, a very difficult task to bear. Colin Chisholm in blending reality and fiction into a heart-felt document, unfolds the silent stories of many children who, like his mother, were taken away during the tuberculosis and influenza epidemic that killed so many of the Yup'ik Eskimo people at the turn of the 2oth century. In one sense Colin's mother was fortunate to be able to live; whereas so many people such as my grandparents, were not -- who knew and possibly saw Mrs. Chisholm being taken away at such a tender age, never to be seen again. A sensitive topic written with respect about a culture the author only knows a little of is truly an honorable effort. I commend Mr. Chisholm in telling part of my Yup'ik history in a way that brings out the love, the struggles, and the determination to survive that Yup'ik people faced, and continue to face.

How brave and honorable it is to learn that Colin is able to track down the side of his family he doesn't know, and in a culture that is seldom recognized or heard of. The yearning for meaning about family and the love for a mother whom Colin Chisholm pursued ends up in a stronger family relationship. Colin's mother would be so proud of a son that bravely conquered family ties.

I can't believe this book is still in print, almost 20 years after I first owned it! I had this book when I lived in Alaska as a child (my parents were USAF and stationed in Anchorage), and I loved it then. It's interesting and engaging, and the illustrations are vivid and wonderful. I was just thinking about this book the other day and how great it was, and I'm very happy to be able to share it with my husband, who is also a dinosaur fan and "young at heart." "Thunderfeet" is a great book for anyone interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric Alaska!

This is a great book about early Alaska. It tells you that once it had a warmer climate, but it moved over time and got colder. Dinosaurs were really strange in Alaska, in this book, it explains dinosaurs all (almost) went to the same place to die in the Ice Age! You will learn more intresting facts if you read this cool book!