Alaska Books

This is a great book about a people who have been overlooked by modern society, CC is an exceptional writer who applies her passion and experience as a world traveller.

St. Paul island, one of the remote Pribilof Islands far off the coast of mainland Alaska, is just 14 miles long and eight miles wide. For over a decade, the author worked, lived on, and came to love this place, its fierce weather, its wildlife, and its people. Her spare, imagistic prose illuminates the darkness and beauty of the subarctic landscape.

Alaska's Pribilof Islands are incredibly beautiful and surreal. Seven Words for the Wind captures a piece of that beauty through a series of essays and field notes. Having lived in the Pribilofs for four years I was most impressed by the thoughtful nature of this book as well as the insights provided by the author. I would highly suggest this book for anyone intending to visit the islands, see the seal or bird rookeries or just interested in learning about a different culture.

The stories follow hunters, and their families, as they live, work and hunt on the North Slope of Alaska. Whales, seals and even the birds play their part in the life of the Tareogmiut, people of the sea, and these stories show how harsh and wonderful life may be. There is no good or evil, just cold that must be dealt with and family who must be protected and cared for.
We follow the hunters as they go out onto the ice to hunt bears and seals. We follow the women as they care for the children and fish. These stories are not for kids. They are full of blood and harsh scenes of survival.

Nelson has written an engaging account of the year round subsistence activities of the Inupiat Eskimos of Alaska. From whaling in skin boats to chasing caribou with a dog sled, Nelson takes readers into the every day life of people who have developed the skills to not only survive, but thrive, in one of the harshest environments on Earth--the Arctic.

Nelson takes you inside the mind of the Inupiat Eskimo like no other author. It as if you are right there hunting on the pack ice, at fish camp, and picking berries.

In this book, there is a girl named Rachel who is very happy because she tried to get a sled dog, and gets a puppy. She names it Silver because it looks silver, and has one eye brown and one eye blue. She trains him so well that he becomes a racing dog. Silver was lost and she went to go look for him, and found wolf tracks that led to a hole where a baby wolf was trapped and dead. Silver was behind the dead wolf and he was safe, but he scared the big wolf that was about to hurt Rachel. The dad said that the big wolf wanted Silver to replace the dead wolf. In the end, her dad wins a race and Silver grows up to be a good, strong racing dog.

My favorite part is when her dad wins the race, because it is the happiest part. It was really scary when Rachel saw the dead wolf. This book might be a little too scary for first graders, but it is really exciting for older kids, especially in the parts when her dad wins and when she gets a puppy. This was a great book and I'm happy I read it. By JG.

This book is about a girl whose dad is in the Iditarod race in Alaska. But he can't race with his lead dog because she is going to have puppies... so he gets the second lead dog. The musher's daughter wants a dog and on her birthday the first lead dog has puppies and because it's her birthday, she gets to keep one of the puppies. She names it Silver.

I think you would like to read this book because it's about a little girl and how she gets a puppy. It is a chapter book. And it has lots of action. The pictures are black and white drawings. When I'm older, I want to go in the Junior Iditarod.

Silver is a book that takes place in Alaska. 10 year old Rachle is the daugher of a musher. All that Rachle wants is a huskey. One of the dogs gave birth to a puppy named Silver. One day she left the gate open. Then she gose looking for him finds him by a tree. Then get caught in a blizzard.
I think it was a good book and really cool. Sit at edge of your seat excitement. However if I were the athor of this book I would change the ending,because didn't match the middle. By:Savannah

Marcia Simpson delivers another satisfying tale, SOUND TRACKS, the second in the series following Liz Romero, bookmoboat librarian/delivery service in Alaska. Her first, CROW IN STOLEN COLORS, was an excellent debut of this new series and I couldn't put it down. Simpson's moody descriptions take you right to the scene of dripping pines, foggy harbors and the "last frontier" atmosphere of the region. Although the crime itself isn't followed in a traditional whodunit style, both books have fascinated me and I can highly recommend them for their in-depth characterizations and skillfully woven plots. CROW was a bit more hit-in-the-gut suspense, with a young boy's life in peril, while TRACKS follows the bay water's endangered whale population. You easily get caught up even in the quirky secondary characters. Simpson is a true storyteller.

As a mystery author with my debut novel in its initial release, I can easily predict that Marcia Simpson will develop into a major talent in our mystery genre. Alaska is a grand land (I was recently there to appear at Anchorage's LEFT COAST CRIME mystery convention) and Ms. Simpson makes the most of her setting. Liza Romero captains a freighter that services the islands south of the state capital. Along this stretch of water, strange events begin to happen. Among these strange events, healthy whales are beaching themselves. The wildlife expert, Henry Sizemore, who investigates the cause of the beached whales apparently drowns in an accident. So launches Liza Romero's second mystery. Liza remains a strong character in this new novel. Newcomer, Scott Beringer also proves interestingly conflicted. The most fascinating elements of SOUND TRACKS, though, are the ecological underpinnings of this story. SOUND TRACKS is a terrific follow-up to Ms. Simpson's stunning debut, CROW IN STOLEN COLORS.

Off the coast of Alaska, whales are acting out of character and crashing into things they normally avoided like rocks and boats. Sea captain Liza Romero knows first hand the problem when a whale crashes into her boat. Even more shocking is the realization that healthy whales are beaching themselves for no apparent reason. The Alaskan State Wildlife Protection Agency whale expert Henry Sizemore investigates the phenomena, thinking sound may be the problem. However, before he can complete his inquiries, Henry drowns in what appears to be an unfortunate accident.

San Diego-based Scott Beringer is sent to replace Henry as the whale expert. He wants to say no because of his custody fight with his spouse over their child, but heads north to Alaska anyway. As Scott begins to learn the truth about what is causing the whales to behave aberrantly, he finds his personal life has followed him to his new job as Liza wonders how safe sailing in any of the waters is with rogue whales running wild.

SOUND TRACKS is an excellent environmental mystery that showcases the raw beauty of Alaska as rarely seen in a novel. The story line never slows down as events keep piling upon each other and that adds up to quite a tale. Liza remains a strong character as she returns after quite an appearance in her debut, CROW IN STOLEN COLORS. Scott is a reluctant hero always striving to do the right thing for the state and for his daughter. Marcia Simpson provides an enjoyable regional mystery that showcases a state, a way of life, and her talent.

Harriet Klausner

This books wonderful photography brings back great memories of a fantastic fly in fishing trip with my son to Alaska. Up close and personal fishing with my son, the bears & Denali.

Alaska is our biggest state, and this book has some truly big pages (mostly 12x16, but occasional 12x36 foldouts). We see terrific photos of rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, including of course, Denali (Mount McKinley), the aurora, volcanoes, wildlife, towns, cities, people, and more. And there are fifteen 12x16 pages of well-written articles: on history, landscapes, resources, and lifestyles. I really like this book, and I recommend it.

The books unusual (12x16), wide-open, landscape format is well-suited to the subject: the largest, most majestic state (and land) I've visited. Spectacular photos carefully edited from 11 photographers.

The cover (and back cover), 12x32, appropriate pays homage to Denali (Mt. McKinley), viewed from Wonder Lake. Plus numerous other views of Denali, and all Alaska's major regions, national parks, cities.

With plenty of thoughtful essays, also of high caliber. And at a great price...

If you like Hammers Slammers, Bolos, Mechs and the occasional Superdreadnought then you will like this book. It looks at what kind of things might go into an Independent Starport. How do you protect it, how do you support it and what kind of things people do to make buck. It covers several different aspects and approaches to what could go on in a future Independent Starport.

Justin's writing style flows easily and quickly pulls you into his world. When combined with characters you can empathize with, you can easily see yourself as a small businessman taking a chance, a soldier piloting a space fighter or even a paramedic blasting into orbit on a rescue mission. Through out all of the stories is spread Justin's sense of humor as well as a down in the trenches look at some of the real world issues that could come up. I particularly like the story Real Money. It shows a little bit about what kind of support a Starport might be desperate for as well as how important the bottom line would be just to keep things going.

Overall I think seven short stories would be a fine end to seven evenings. You don't have to read all night to find a good stopping place or be distracted the next day wondering how story might end. Each story stands on its own. It's all bite sized quality Sci-Fi at its best.

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.

As a writer, Foley has a great voice and puts it to fine use telling tales of his twenty-something to thirtysomething years. Great fun to read for those of use who never had the nerve to actually act on the universal impulse to chuck it all and head off to the frontier.

Finally! A real book by a real teacher who speaks like a real person. After reading about Foley's humorous exploits, I will never complain about my difficult classrooms again. Thanks for putting it all into perspective for me.

As a fellow teacher, I very much enjoyed "Tundra Teacher." John Foley is a great story teller and has the courage to give voice to what every teacher eventually feels confronted by: self-doubt, frustration and heart-breaking reality. What I like about this book is Foley's ability to lace humor and insight into his difficult teaching situations. Thanks much for this book.

This is a picturesque work which contains priceless photos
of the migrating Caribou, Musk Oxen and other rare animals.
There are spellbinding sites; such as, the Hubbard Glacier and
the Melt Water Pond. This work is "a must" for outdoor
enthusiasts and campers.

The Introduction by long-time Fairbanks resident Margaret Murie leaves the reader wishing for more - well written. Then, after reviewing the amazing close-ups (often aerial views), one is also thankful for the wisdom, as Murie says, of William Seward (Secretary of State) and Andrew Jackson who pushed the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

Photos include not only the expected Mt. Whitney, Northern lights, Denali Park, glaciers, grizzlies, moose, caribou, and bald eagles, but also Dall sheep, walrus, humpback whales, etc. - even a killer whale totally out of the water in pursuit of prey.

Many of the photos were taken in remote areas of Alaska, and leave one wondering at the extraordinary effort and creativity involved in obtaining them.

Good News: This book, not currently available through Amazon, is available at Borders for $4.99.

If you are a nature photographer and seeking inspiration this is the book to buy. If you are a traveler looking to visit alaska and need to know where to go this is a great book. Incredible photography that is really jaw dropping.

I would reccomend this book without hesitation.

Very comprehensive guide for those of us who love to haunt used bookstores in CA (et al). Useful information such as inventory sizes, specialities, phone numbers, special services, and more. Organized by state, city, and also several indices.

An invaluable take-along tote for any who consider a used book store visit an essential part of the trip. Choose the revised, expanded Used Book Lover's Guide To The Pacific Coast States if traveling in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska or Hawaii: it includes number of volumes, store specialty, and candid comments if the store was visited.

This newly updated and expanded addition of The Used Book Lover's Guide To The Pacific Coast States continues to insure its preeminence as the most comprehensive and important guide to the used bookstores and dealers in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Featured are 1,500 used book dealers conveniently grouped by location and category; a Specialty Index to help locate dealers specializing in a particular area of interest; easy to follow travel directions for getting where you want to go; twenty-four city, regional and state maps to aid in planning book hunting trips; and practical comments about shops based on the David and Susan Siegal's personal visits. If you are a true bibliophile or antiquarian book dealer traveling the area, don't leave home without your copy of The Used Book Lover's Guide To The Pacific Coast States!

My brother traveled to Alaska 13 times on a motorcycle to research information and numerious times to Washington, DC. (also on a motorcycle ) to gather data for this book. The Freedom of Information Act allowed him to gain access to files necessary to verify the stories he heard from the Alutes. Testimonial: I have been evacuated from, Cambodia, Vietnam,& Saudia Arabia. I can tell you that,It's no fun! All my evacuations are nearly identacial to what happened to the Alutes, only much,more severe!!

My brother traveled to Alaska 13 times on a motorcycle to research information and numerious times to Washington, DC. (also on a motorcycle ) to gather data for this book. The Freedom of Information Act allowed him to gain access to files necessary to verify the stories he heard from the Alutes. Testimonial: I have been evacuated from, Cambodia, Vietnam,& Saudia Arabia. I can tell you that,It's no fun! All my evacuations are nearly identacial to what happened to the Alutes, only much,much severe!!

I would like to thank Dean for a book well written and an eye opener to read. Thanks to him my mom, a teenager in Unalaska at the time of the Aleut evacuation, was more able to understand what was happening to her and her family and why. I shared this book with my mom who couldn't put it down and read it over a two day period. She said its contents caused much anger, emotion and awareness. Mr. Fred Geeslin was a friend of mom and dads in Sitka while I was growing up. He has always been there for the natives. This book could not have been written by anyone close to the events in history. Great historical read.