An excellent story with plenty of meat. Hannah Breece is a woman both of her time and ahead of her time. This book, although covering the early 1900's, really tells of a time when the balance and control of Alaska was switching from Russian influenced culture to American influenced culture. It is interesting to see that what was "correct" then is now "incorrect" and reminds the reader that values and judgements are culturally bound.

The action of the book takes place over most of the major regions of the state including the gulf coast, the interior and the southeast.

Jane Jacobs the editor did an excellent job of organizing and illuminating Hannah Breece's story. Without her careful introductions the story would have not had quite the same postive impact.

This book is largely alone in covering the topic of teaching in the early 1900's. For those of you interested in the early history of teaching in English in Alaska then this is your book.

In 1904, Hannah Breece (1859-1940), was recruited by the Department of the Interior to teach in Alaska. Alaska at that time was quite different than today. Preferring to work in poorer, more backward areas, she saw a side of Alaska that does not normally appear in the history books. This is Hannah stories, as told by her, and edited by Jane Jacobs.

This is a really great story. I found its depiction of life in 1904+ Alaska to be quite enthralling; Hannah certainly found her way into many fascinating adventures. The book shows life in 1904+ Alaska, as lived by the common people, including dealing with wild animals, sled dogs, fish famines, earthquakes, racism at many levels, and so much more.

All I can say is that Hannah Breece must have been a formidable woman. I have never said this before of a book, but I actually felt honored to be able to look in at Hannah's life. I highly recommend this book!

A factual memoir that relays much interesting Alaskan history through description of a school teacher's experience in small,remote villages at the turn of the last century(1904). Hannah Breece's motivation is inspirational;the day to day survival and travel challenges are thrillingly refreshing (try to imagine complaining about the hardships of your suburban day after the tales of adversities thanks to very humbling terrain, wildlife and US bureaucracy);the maps, photos, and profiles of the different types of Alaskan people are historic and truly educational.This book was great ...don't miss the forward, the puzzles, and the epilogue!

Given its coverage of over 300 rivers, this book is rich in information, economically written, and an ambitious undertaking by the author. In a subject area where many authors deal with the most common (and combative) fishing opportunities in Alaska only, Limeres and Pederson go far beyond that, including many remote and lesser-known areas as well. The format was not only efficient, but useful, making it easy to identify the fish timing and transportation information for each system. If there were areas of improvement, it would be in updating the flight and lodging information (there are many more such areas than indicated in this guide), providing additional outfitting contacts (i.e., for rafts/motors etc.), rating rough-camp opportunity of the systems (his category "no developed facilities" isn't as constructive as it could be), and re-checking the fish timing (silver salmon runs are generally longer than Limeres would indicate). Other than that, the authors are only slightly guilty of over-doing warnings about bears and weather, and recommending more fly patterns than one would ever bring to a given situation. Overall, this book is so comprehensive and well-written that I recommend you buy this book, and only this book -- other books offer much less information (and much more mis-information). I will definitely buy the next edition. What a bargain.

Twelve years personal experience tells me the book is quite possibly the best single source of information for fishing Alaska. However, the USDA cabin rental information is incomplete and out of date. One has to go beyond this book to get really useful information for making a successful trip. The authors have missed numerous established 'fishing holes' - maybe intentionally !

A thorough book with a good appendix which allows the reader to find info about streams which are mentioned in other text such as the Milepost. This is not as much of a how to fish but rather where to fish book. Gives good info about fishing conditions, types of fish available and camping etc in the vacinity. Very good resource.

This book really made me think back to earlier days in my life, the good and the bad times came rushing back. . It was very well written and easy to read.

If you liked this book you will also love Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a manuscript more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful."

"Stolen Moments " which is reminiscent of "Love Story" is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. Like"Love Story" it is about a dying woman who has found true love. It is the love story of the nineties."

An enjoyable tale about woman's friendships old and new and the intricate ways in which friendships evolve and change through the years. The mystery twist added an exciting dimension to the story. The Alaska setting added to the flavor of the novel.

I picked up "forgiving Rose" for my plan ride home from Alaska. It is a totally enjoyable light read. I found myself chuckling, commiserating and thoroughly entertained. So much so, I was shocked when they announced the plan would soon be landing. Try it, you'll like it. Try it, you'll like

The setting takes place between Yukatat and juneau Alaska at least in the late 1980's. A girl named Cody travels with her cousin Derek to Juneau, Alaska from Yukatat, Alaska. To find their mothers who are shopping for supplies traveling by kayak. Trying to beat the rising current Cody loses her kayak in the current that had all their supplies that was needed. Cody gets a fever in which she almost dies but thanks to Derek she was calmed down. Cody goes blind from the glare of the sun off the salt water. They almost get to the city but, were caught in a storm. Imagery was used in this story because it creates pictures in the mind of the reader. I think that this is a very good and interesting book. When I started to read it I couldn't blink my eyes. I like the character Derek because it was cool how he took care of her cousin.

15 year old Cody and her 12 year old cousin think that they are sneaking off for a carefree 2-day camping and Kayak trip in glacier/fjord wilderness in Southwest Alaska, while their mothers are in Juneau bueing supplies. The trip soon turns into a terrifing week when the Hubbard Glacier "serges" blocking the Fjord, the water leval rises and washes Codyes kayak away and a lot of their supplies. Soon they are soaking wet, starving , and tired. The fun two night trip becomes a fight for servivle, the're fighting huge glaciers, waves, and the worst par is they think they are being followed!

Frozen Stiff

by Sherry Shahan

Cody's mother and her cousin Derek's mother are away in Juneau, Alaska. Cody and Derek plan to go kayaking and camp out on an island in Alaska. The two cousins lose their kayaks and are stranded on the island. They camp out on the island, but then they think someone is spying on them. What they thought was going to be a simple two night trip turned out to be a longer and harder journey. This is a really exiting book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read interesting, funny mystery books.

Being as I'm from Alaska I really wanted to read this book. I found the descriptions of Alaska to be memorizing. I had never heard of my state described in such a way as to make me long for home. Scully is an amazing writer. This book not only has depth but heart. A wonderful story!

As a single mother raising two kids alone, I really appreciated Ms. Scully's story. The separations and reunions, the small, isolated family unit that survived despite the odds, and an ending that gives you hope that success is possible no mattter what your background.

This was such a good book. I loved it. I think that it shows such soul and courage from this little girls "journey". It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down!!! Julia Scully is such a brilliant author and just wait,. . . she'll be in the big business !! It was interesting to read about Alaska that I hadn't known before. It was so well written.!!!!I'm telling all my friends!!

A woman of Native Alaskan blood is drawn back to the place of her only son's murder, where her marriage, as well as her belief system are challenged. Garth Stein weaves Tlingit legend with mystery thriller to create a story that is gripping and, at times disturbing. He is not afraid to make his characters unsympathetic, which adds to the realism of his story. Being one half Tlingit drew my interest to this mystery, but Garth Stein's ability as a novelist kept it until it's climactic finish.

Not since I read The Shining have I had the shivers running up and down my spine like I did with this book! An excellent thrill ride from beginning to end. Mr. Stein is a master craftsman when developing his characters, and I was amazed at his ability to shift from both the male and female perspective.

Garth Stein has captured the culture, mystique and emotional beauty of Alaska in his novel, HOW RAVEN STOLE THE MOON. It is the story of a woman, a mom, a lover, a wife and what she must go through to aid her son's soul in passing over to the Land of the Dead Souls. Does the story contain cliches? Yes, but the theme goes beyond the everyday writing. Characters are well-developed and their stories are rich. Jenna is a woman not afraid to show her vulnerability in situations, she remains strong by doing so. She is right to take the time to analyze her current relationship with her husband, my only disappointment is that Alaska remains in the past by the time the final page is turned.The beauty of Tlingit legends comes alive. Some of these legends are well explained through various characters in the story. The reader is given the opportunity to explore, appreciate and value the spiritual world that is presented. The author does a wonderful job in explaining the idea that kushtakas, like people, contain within their spirits both good and evil.My only disappointment is that Mr. Stein lives in New York and not Alaska. Maybe someday he will return to this setting, both phsyically and as an author. Should Mr. Stein and his family return to this great state, I'm sure they would be welcomed with open arms and eager readers. Just the random thoughts of a fellow Alaskan.

Grace and Peter's marriage started out as a matter of convenience, but at the time they both fully loved each other. But things don't always last. They have a small argument and one leaves the other.

Karen suffers a great loss and has to decide what to do next. She decides the only thing to do is to head north to the goldfields to find Jacob. With the help of Adrik Ivanov goes with them as their guide but he also has a hidden quest behind the journey.

Peter gets awful news and heads north to investigate but it's too late in the season to actually head north into the goldfields. So he has to wait out the winter with the awful news.

Tracie does a wonderful job in continuing the story of Grace and Karen in this book. Sometimes it's hard to continue a series with such a complex story line. Hopefully the next book will be just as good.

This book fits perfectly as the second in a trilogy. The beginning re-introduces you to the characters, and the end leaves you wanting to read the next book immediately. In between- there are disasters, secrets, and misunderstandings. Despite all of their hardships, the faith of the characters is deepened and strengthened.

These books may be formulaic, but Ms. Peterson writes very well, so the formula isn't noticed as much. The descriptions are vivid and the thoughts of the characters are written so well, I found myself slipping into the book and feeling what the characters were going through.

I ENJOY CHRISTIAN FICTION AND WILL CERTAINLY ADD MS. PETERSON'S NAME TO MY LIST OF FAVORITE HISTORICAL FICTION WRITERS. THIS BOOK, AS WELL AS THE FIRST ONE IN THE YUKON QUEST SERIES,IS VERY ENTERTAINING-A PERFECT DIVERSION FROM REGULAR ROUTINE TASKS. I ANXIOUSLY AWAIT THE THIRD IN THE SERIES AND HOPE THAT WILL BE OUT VERY SOON! IT IS SO REFRESHING TO READ GOOD FICTION THAT IS WHOLESOME AND NOT OFFENSIVE TO THE STANDARD OF LIFE THAT IS ALL IMPORTANT TO ME. I FREQUENTLY SHARE WITH ONE OFF MY TEENAGE GRANDDAUGHTERS BOOKS OF THIS TYPE AND DELIGHT IN HER ENJOYMENT OF THEM AS SHE LOVES LOSING HERSELF IN A BOOK AS OFTEN AS SHE CAN FIT IT INTO HER OTHERWISE BUSY SCHEDULE.

Adventure at its best-on the seat of a bicycle! I loved reading this book! I especially enjoyed reading the day to day challenges George was faced with on his trip.- The diary form in which the book is written made me feel like I was there experienceing everything- which made it difficult to put the book down. So, if you are looking to experience adventure but don't have the time right now to actually leave your house, read George Hawkin's book.

Having personally hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, bicycled across the U.S., and kayaked the Inside Passage of Alaska, I can say from experience that George Hawkins "Has been there: to that place in one's soul where adventure is not a matter of counting miles, staying on schedule, or planning outcomes." George's book allowed me to relive the delights of strenuous travel. I laughed, cried, felt the rain and mud, bites of bugs, sips of wiskey, and words of wisdom from this delightful narative. Mr. Hawkins' story flows as a stream meanders, as real life adventure is truly lived. If you want a taste of what you're missing, being stuck at the office in front of a computer all day, give this book a glance. If you're an experienced outdoor adventurer revive the joy and hardships once felt through George's wimsical humor. Or, if your're simply bored or lonely, vicariously enjoy passing the time Journeying to the Bottom of the Americas; you won't regret it.

George not only made one of the epic bicycle tours around but wrote about it in a way that makes a great read. He spun his pedals from one interesting event to the next without dwelling on the hills, headwinds and rain; which are just some of the less interesting points of bicycle touring. He takes you with him on his adventure in a way that makes you want to get on your bike and go for a ride. I wish I could follow in his tracks.

Jim Foreman

I thought Kate lost a lot of her sparkle in this latest story. Perhaps I'm spoiled, but Kate's character did not seem to progress in this novel. There were many unanswered questions from the previous Shugak mystery. For example, Kate has come into $50,000. What is she doing with it? Also, I did not like the combination of a Sci-Fi character with Kate. I think Stabenow is one of the most talented authors I've ever read, and Kate is a great character. Perhaps Stabenow was just pressured to create a new novel more quickly than was advisable. Whatever the reason, while a good read, I cannot give this novel 5 stars like I do the others. Though unhappy with this one book, I'm anxiously awaiting the newest Stabenow series, and will try Kate again.

I just can't get enough of Dana Stabenow's humorous and clever style of writing. I loved Break Up and this one is even better. It's the kind of story you want to read out loud to someone else so they can laugh too.

Having lived in Alaska for over thirty years now, I usually find books set in Alaska a disappointment. Stabenow's Alaska is the real thing, in all it's complex and contradictory detail. Her characters are people I know, and her settings are right-on. This book is no exception to her tradition of excellence. The plot is intriguing and keeps the reader guessing, and Stabenow's humor will make you laugh out loud.

I'm a writer ("Pigs,A Trial Lawyer's Story"; ISBN 097200503X) and the owner of a small press. I'm always intrigued by other regional writers. Though the jacket of this book is replete with accolades (one from Larry McMurtry) trumpeting the writing and plot of this novel, I am sorry to say that the reviewer of the Library Journal (see above reviews) got it right. There are bits and pieces of acceptable writing throughout this book but the plot is confusing and the dialogue alters between period and contemporary. This unfortunate editing lapse leaves the writing with an uneven feel. The references contained on the book's jacket praising the novel's renditions of Native spirituality remain just that: unexplored references. Readers looking for a mystery imbedded with Native spirituality should read Tony Hillerman.

Awesome characterization coupled with a fast-paced narrative gives Spirit of the Raven a high readability factor. His subject is unique, rarely explored and has that unmistakable quality of a writer who knows his subject. Cherry has interspersed the eerieness of Alaskan mythology with a starkly down to earth and witty narrative about all too human misfits and old reprobates. Hats off to a superb first novel!

As a writer, Bob Cherry reveals his own raven qualities - teasing the reader with an apparent simplicity, while demonstratinig a complex mythology of realism which is played out in the exploration of a vast land (geographically, philosophically, egotistically - i.e. the male psyche). Readers of the novel confront the unknown in many ways, and if they stop to dwell among events, sift through the many layers and allusions, they may recognize their own counterparts - perhaps in an isolated cabin too far from any village, perhaps in making an extreme gesture toward freedom, or simply making preparations for a guest - seeking camaraderie close to the stove or close to the heart. Spirit of the Raven is a powerful novel provoking its readers to reexamine ideas of alienation and compassion, freedom and commitment. It is most suitably set in Alaska, where against a stark and frozen white terrain each individual (character) is observed with extreme clarity - and where it is still a long cold distance from one village to another.