Generally, I liked the book because I love the Aleutians and seakayaking, and there are not many books on the market that describe this combined experience.

However, some statements in the book are incorrect, e.g., when explaining plate tectonis, and I agree that the Aleutians are isolated and quiet, but they are definitely not untouched. There are islands you almost don't dare to step on because of unexploded ordnance or environmental hazards - all remnants from WWII.

I must say I got a little tired from reading over and over again how far away from any help they were and how long they would survive if capsizing. I think it would have been enough to dedicate a single chapter to this, and spend more time instead describing the things that actually happened and that they discovered. I also would have liked to read more about the great kayaking they did rather than coming to the conclusion that they behaved like little boys fighting for prestige and food.

The way the historical facts are woven into the story is well done, and the photos are really great.

Some aspects of this book are especially interesting, such as the author's coverage of the history of the Aleutian islands. However, to my surprise, the accounts of kayaking are lacking in detail and failed to impress upon me the drama that the kayakers were no doubt experiencing. Similarly, other day-to-day experiences fall flat, including the so-called tense moments between party members that really never rise to remarkable levels. However, ironically, the first quarter of the book, before the trip is underway, was the most engaging part of the book, in my opinion. It had me ready for even greater dramas that never occurred. I was actually almost skimming the last portions of the book.

Still, this book is rewarding and worth reading but I don't think it will find it's way to anyone's "best-of " list. More interesting adventure/travel reading can be found in Byron Rick's "Homelands" or "A Viking Voyage" by W. Hodding Carter, just to name two.

Subtitled, "Adventuring in Alaska's Islands of Fire and Ice," this is the account of Jon Bowermaster's modern-day exploration of the four Aleutian Islands in 1999. He's a writer for National Geographic, who sponsored this trip, and he and his three traveling companions were thus able to be properly outfitted with the best outdoor gear and kayaks available for the adventure.

The trip took 25 days in mid-summer, but it sure didn't seem like summer to me. The Aleutian Islands are located in the heart of the Bering Sea, in one of the most dangerous and stormiest waters in the world. But the team Bowermaster put together were all skilled, experienced and strong men. They kayaked from island to island, camped on the beaches and hiked up the volcanic mountains that dominate this small world. They carried their food with them as well as camera equipment as one of the men was an official photographer for National Geographic.

The best part of the book was the well-researched history. I am fascinated by all things about the frozen north and wondered if the Aleutian Islands as depicted by James Michener in "Alaska" was accurate. This book confirmed the accuracy of the fictional book and even added more. There are no people who live on the Aleutian Islands anymore even though they once held a population of more than 25,000. But first the Russians and then the Americans discovered that this was a place to hunt for seal and otter and forced the people to hunt for these pelts. After being isolated for thousands of years, the Aleuts had no natural resistance to disease and many of them died. There was still a small colony in the 1940s but they were all removed from the area because they were being attacked by Japan. Most of these people were sent to internment camps in Alaska and never returned to the Aleuts.

No wonder this place attracted Bowermaster and his National Geographic crew. Of course, in spite of being properly outfitted, there was still danger everywhere, especially since they had no communication with the outside world. And they had to paddle their kayaks for as many as 7 hours without a rest through volatile and dangerous waters. Some of the time I felt I was right with them. The map could have been better, but the photographs were excellent -- definitely National Geographic quality. They captured the beauty and the isolation with a professional's eye.

Because I have a particular interest in Alaska, I did enjoy this book. But the writing reads like a National Geographic piece -- clear, concise and accurate, but lacking in real passion or interesting personal details. The author tried to introduce a small bit of description of some tension in the group, but I had never gotten to know the people enough to really care. I guess I wanted it to be more than what it was -- four modern men dressed in Gore-tex looking for adventure. Therefore, as far as my own personal taste goes, I can only give it a modest recommendation.

Too much detail concerning the oil business in Alaska. The plot could have been a bit stronger. Good characters, as always, and an action filled conclusion save the story.

This is an exciting, suspenseful and atmospheric mystery set in Alaska. Aleut investigator Kate Shugak goes undercover working on the pipeline for an oil company to find out who's supplying cocaine to its employees. I could have done with a little less detail on the processes involved in oil extraction, but there's a lot to enjoy here. Much of Kate's first day at the base camp is quite funny, and there are enough colorful, eccentric people to satisfy anyone. I enjoyed the interlude in Anchorage with Kate and her wolf-Siberian husky mix, Mutt, one of those dogs you find in mysteries who obviously have more sense than some of the human characters. The identity of one of the drug dealers really surprised me. Not only is this a good, entertaining story; it's also true to life in showing, as Kate points out, how drugs can make smart people stupid and greedy.

COLD-BLOODED BUSINESS smokes. Dana Stabenow is a terrific mystery writer, and this novel is a smoking good mystery. Kate Shugak, a strong native Alaskan superwoman, is in prime form here. She goes undercover as an oilfield roustabout to investigate drug smuggling. Stabenow describes her frigid Alaskan setting with perfection. I love her characters--the good ones as well as the evil ones. Even the ones in-between. COLD-BLOODED BUSINESS is an awesome book.

Charlie Brower is one of the unique and historical "characters" of the Far North. I'll admit he is a distant relative and he was one of the family legends that I thought a tall story until I read the book. I am amazed that folks got around so much in the later 1800s and early 1900s. Not only around the world, but across the arctic tundra on days journeys via dog sled, cheating death at many a turn. The basic story of a WASP man meeting local Inupiaq traditions is facinating, along with the accounts of people who tripped by the farthest point in Barrow, AK and how Alaska changed in the 20th Century. This book should be read with the more recent "Sadie Brower Neakok : An Inupiaq Woman" by Margaret B. Blackman. Sadie is one of his many children, and her account is a companion to the end of his book and then carries on from her mixed heritage on the continuum of Alaska history. Though not as great a tale, it is useful to see how the story continued.

For anyone who enjoys late 19th/ early 20th century american history this is a must. Charles Brower, like other early european settlers of the American west was able to see a culture before its early traditions, customs, and language were lost. He was able to write about his experience in a way that many can relate to. An incredible tale of life at the top of the world.

If you want to know about the spirituality of The Inupiaq eskimos read this book!

This is a good book for any pilot who's dreamed of flying in Alaska. Helmericks was the real thing and he tells his story with great affection and respect for his fellow fliers.

Harmon Helmericks doesn't just write about flying; he writes about people and place. Mostly he writes about people and he writes so respectfully. He even writes about their foibles without poking fun at them! One of my favorite passages is Chapter 20, 'Kisik,' in which he writes about a Native American couple. He tells a story of two of the world's great people, who he obviously counted as very dear friends. I can't find a mean word about a person in the whole book, and it is primarily a book about people.

Harmon Helmericks spins (no pun intended) a tale of bush pilot aviation at it's finest, from the very beginnings of flying in Alaska. It is guaranteed to make the couch pilot sign up for flying lessons. I did. Hard to put down, a wonderful adventure tale.

This book is unapproachable -
The language is awkward and unclear & grasping the text only comes from severe concentration; I don't presuppose that a book on spirtual transformation be easy - it shouldn't - but there is a difference between the meaning being difficult to understand and the text being an eye sore to comprehend; the book is the later. I blame neither Fr. Rose nor St. Theophan but rather the marriage of the two; the Russian Orthodox tend to be wordy and repetitive while Fr. Rose has never been a natural writer of fluidity or sound execution.

St. Theophan translated Philokalia and other works to Russian and had a vast correspondence during his 23 years as a recluse. Tha Path to Salvation is his main work in which he goes through the Christian life from cradle to grave; from birth to salvation.
The practical instructions in the book are many: starting from the beginning of the Christian life, on turning towards God and the union with Him. 'Staying within', prayer, the meaning of the 'mysteries and sacraments' are all gone through thoroughly and spelled out as the unceasing work in remembering God. The death of the tyrant, the enemy, satan, what we normally call self, is one step on the way.
Besides the instructions to the Christian life The Path to Salvation will give many clues to better understanding of the Patristic writings of Philokalia as well as to what is meant with concepts like the struggle, labour and work of the Christian life.

Christians in the West, immune to Kierkegaard's critcisms and unable to see past so much of what passes as popular-consmmer Christianity (WWJD?), all too often search in vain for more meaningful spiritual reading. Bonhoeffer is an obvious example of someone who has been able to fill that need, but for my taste the Eastern Church, which most Westen Christians (Protestant, Evangelical, and Catholic) know almost nothing about, usually is able to rise to the occasion. This book is a perfect example of what I am talking about. Put down all your Lucado and Yancy, and try on for size a modern man who has "put away all things for the sake of Christ." The Recluse's prayerful insights and psychological depth will amaze you, and his devotion will take your breath away. This is the culture that gave us Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within You (a Russian Fear and Trembling or Concluding Unscientific Postscript), and St. Theophan carries on and grows within that tradition of radical obedience to the lure of God in service, prayer, and silence. I cannot give this small book more praise.

As much as I loved eating at Pepe's, this book is really fluff, but it is very light reading and you will enjoy her story. You will appreciate it even more if you have been to Barrow and especially if you get to meet Joe the Water Man.

Fran Tate has lived a truly amazing and interesting life. This book tells her story in detail, and what a story it is! Fran is a true character, and a really neat lady (I know her) who has worked very hard to build sucessful businesses and provide service to her adopted community. Barrow is a special and different place and Fran fits in well here. Her story is a good example of how hard work, creativity and sheer guts can get you where you want to go. It is also very funny! How can you resist someone who runs a business like Elephant Pot Sewage Haulers (before the town got sewers everyone had holding tanks or "honey buckets" and someone had to "clean up your act" as the slogan went) and sells the T-shirts in her restaurant to boot? Not only that, she does a great jazz show on the local radio station and sponsors (& shoots, with her attorney/pyrotechnician) the New Year's fireworks.

Pepe's North of the Border is a true Barrow experience, and really, the food isn't bad (I've had far worse in the Lower 48). There's always free pie & coffee to local seniors. The cooks are Mexican, too--Fran even wound up marrying one once at least in part to avoid his being deported. If all this sounds interesting, get the book!

I have read Fran's book before but I don't own a copy. I lived in Barrow for 3 years so I know first hand about that which Fran writes. However, as I was the district librarian for the school district my life wasn't quite as hard as Fran's. The food at Fran's probably wouldn't be eaten anywhere else, certainly not in the "Lower 48" and certainly not for the price one had to pay.
Getting back to Fran, she tells it like it is, and she is the very colorful, local figure that she portrays. For those unfortunate souls who have never been to Alaska, let alone Barrow, this book is interesting and full of some strange but true stories.
This book is for people who love to read about people who are "different" and who are probably braver and more interesting than the rest of us.

Ok, this might just be me, but I found this book extremely boring. The author did an OK job on making it bearable for girls, yet I would definitely classify this as a "boy book." I found it impossible to enjoy, although guys may like it. I don't like reading about animals. I like reading about people, and how they react to different situations, a position no animal could fulfil. My favorite books are The Phantom of the Opera and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. If you like those books, you will probably not like this one.

I have to admit that I have not really given Jack London his proper due up to now. Perhaps it is because I don't by my nature like outdoor adventure type stories, or perhaps it is because I associate White Fang and "To Build a Fire" with my youth. The fact is that Jack London is a tremendously talented writer. His understanding of the basics of life matches his great knowledge of the snow-enshrouded world of the upper latitudes. The Call of the Wild, despite its relative brevity and the fact that it is (at least on its surface) a dog's story, contains as much truth and reality of man's own struggles as that which can be sifted from the life's work of many other respected authors. The story he tells is starkly real; as such, it is not pretty, and it is not elevating. As an animal lover, I found parts of this story heartbreaking: Buck's removal from the civilized Southland in which he reigned supreme among his animal kindred to the brutal cold and even more brutal machinations of hard, weathered men who literally beat him and whipped him full of lashes is supremely sad and bothersome. Even more sad are the stories of the dogs that fill the sled's traces around him. Poor good-spirited Curly never has a chance, while Dave's story is made the more unbearable by his brave, undying spirit. Even the harsh taskmaster Spitz has to be pitied, despite his harsh nature, for the reader knows full well that this harsh nature was forced upon him by man and his thirst for gold. Buck's travails are long and hard, but the nobility of his spirit makes of him a hero--this despite the fact that his primitive animal instincts and urges continually come to dominate him, pushing away the memory and reality of his younger, softer days among civilized man. Buck not only conquers all--the weather, the harshness of the men who harness his powers in turn, the other dogs and wolves he comes into contact with--he thrives. The redemption he seems to gain with the fortunate encounter with John Thornton is also dashed in the end, after which Buck finally gives in fully to "the call of the wild" and becomes a creature of nature only. While this is a sad ending of sorts, one also feels joy and satisfaction at Buck's refusal to surrender to nature's harsh trials and his ability to find his own kind of happiness in the transplanted world in which he was placed. This isn't a story to read when you are depressed. London's writing is beautiful, poignant, and powerful, but it is also somber, sometimes morose, infinitely real, and at times gut-wrenching and heartbreaking.

The other stories are also powerful tales of survival (or demise) in the face of nature's harshness. I feel I am not alone in saying that I cannot recall most of the stories I had to read in school in my younger years but I distinctly recall "To Build a Fire." London's real, visceral language and description is hard to forget, as is the human pride and stupidity that characterizes the protagonist--London seems to be saying that we must respect and understand nature in order to survive and prosper. The protagonist's demise is more comical than tragic because of his lack of understanding and appreciation for the harsh realities of his environment. All of the stories bear the same general themes as the two I have mentioned. In each, man or beast is forced to battle against nature; survival is largely determined by each one's willingness or freedom to recede into primitiveness and let the blood of his ancestors rise up within his veins. Those who refuse to give in to their lowest instincts and who do not truly respect nature do not survive. I feel that London sometimes went a little overboard in "The Call of the Wild" when describing Buck's visions and instinctual memories of his ancestors among the first men, but his writing certainly remains compelling and beautiful, an important reminder to those of us today who are soft and take nature for granted that nature must be respected and that even her harshest realities are in some ways beautiful and noble, and that the law of survival applies just as much to us as it does to the beasts of the field.

The Call of the Wild is about a dog and his adventures. The writing of it and the action that takes place is excellent.

I read this book for a book group, and will have lots to talk about when we meet. The book felt very choppy, as if he has 8 or 10 great ideas for scenes & storylines, but could not blend them together. This kept me regularly confused, not caring about the characters, and not understanding what the big mystery even was! Maybe if he spread the story out a little longer, and finished some of his thoughts and added some character backgrounds, I would have enjoyed this book more. Better authors with characters in remote locations are Steve Hamilton and James Crumley.

Investigator Cecil Younger is called into action to solve the brutal killing of Louise Root in The Curious Eat Themselves. Root, a former client of Younger's, suspected corporate cover-ups at a remote mining camp where she was employed. Before Root could bring her evidence of environmental abuses to light, she is physically assulted, then murdered. Younger, along with a colorful cast of characters, vibrant landscape, and detailed plot line plunges headfirst into uncovering the truth.

Author John Straley's prose simply stated is beautiful. His writing is well researched, intelligent, at times intellectual. His characters are three dimensional and pragmatic. Main character Cecil Younger is a recovering alchoholic, has an autistic roommate, and fights depression. Straley does not pretend to make his protaganist a hero who solves the murder and gets the girl in the end. Instead, Younger is given a life full of serious flaws. For the mystery reader who grows tired of having nothing more than a love interest for the protagonist to attain insight into their private lives, you will find the life of Cecil Younger refreshing.

In addition, Straley is a genius at bringing the landscape and people of Alaska alive. Those elements become essential parts to the mystery. Through the rugged nature of Alaskan geography, and the spirit of the Alaskan, Straley brings high drama and a strong storyline to The Curious Eat Themselves. Unquestionably, his mysteries are unique to their setting, and profit from the elements that are native to Alaska.

The Curious Eat Themselves was strong, well-written novel rounding out this book into one absorbing read. Straley is a real writer with a flare for the English language not often seen in modern mysteries. This Alaskan adventure is a book well worth perusing.

About my grading system: I interpret Amazon.com's five-star ranking system as follows: 1 star = far below standards, 2 stars = below standards, 3 stars = meets standards, 4 stars = exceeds standards, 5 stars = far exceeds standards.

I love all of the Cecil Younger mysteries and only wish that Straley would write more of them more quickly. The characters are so interesting and real, the setting wonderful and rich - you can tell his real life wife is an ornithologist! He gets his birds right. And he gets the people right too.

[This is a comment on the 1997 hardback edition.]

Storhmeyer catalogues the worst of the events following the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay, but omits the overwhelming benefits. He has forgotten to tell "the rest of the story": The ability of the State of Alaska and local governments to provide amenities other Americans take for granted, such as sewer systems, flush toilets, clean drinking water, schools, roads, parks, and countless other benefits.

Also missing are the individual stories of those who found jobs and hope when the US economy was in the doldrums.

Finally, and most importantly, I find it frustrating to read the words of those who condemn the oil industry while enjoying the benefits of that industry: a warm house; a morning shower; synthetic clothing; driving and riding in automobiles; flying in jet aircraft; using computers; the benefits of modern medicine; etc. Where is this story to be found?

If one wants to find villains, one can do so in any government, industry or association, or even disingenuous candidates for president. But any book purporting to tell the story of an event like the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay should include the whole story. Strohmeyer does not.

Some reviews state that this highlights only the bad things associated with oil exploration in Alaska. This is just not true. The great wealth that came with the oil is accurately displayed - although with this wealth came just as many problems.

This is a good look at exploration prior to Prudhoe Bay and the effect of ARCO's big hit on the Slope. Also there is good information on village life and the increasingly important subistence issue. No book on oil in Alaska would be complete without the Exxon Valdez and this is inlcuded.

A must read for anyone interested in the history of oil exploration in Alaska!

One problem - Mr. Strohmeyer begins the book fairly impartial. Unfortunately he (like the Alaska Daily News) allows himself to get caught up in the moment and DEFINATELY takes sides.

Excellent journalism, no apologies for having a reasonable, disgusted and angry point of view. The oil, lumber and fish profiteers are uneasy with this expose'. The truth hurts, slimeballs! As an infrequent visitor to the Great Land for the last 30 years, I have alternately been outraged, amused, and flabbergasted at the idiotic and criminal ruin that "civilization" and "development" has brought. There are too few books like this.

The book jacket states the book is a passionate and vivid account of her trips into the ANWR, and it certainly is that. Having been in many of the same places, and even flown with some of the same people, I can make an immediate connection with her book. This book is a first person account, not a naturalist documentation. Some of her trials and tribulations make for very interesting reading, and makes one glad sometimes that they did not have to trek in some of the places. Her account of some of her hiking in the rugged Romanzof mountains sent chills up my spine. A weakness perhaps is after almost each description, she states what is at risk by allowing drilling. Sometimes that gets in the way of the journey. However, the last section of the book outlines the history of the preservation attempts, and the very real dangers of oil development to such an unspoiled wilderness. This book is a personal account and not a detail as to the intricate inter-relationships among the flora and fauna, and it was not meant to be. I enjoyed the book for what it is, and that is a personal story. I wished she had described in a bit more detail her time in the arctic when the colors started to appear as fall approached. Having been along the Jago River in the 1002 lands at the height of the fall colors, it is something that cannot be imagined in advance. One can never believe such a landscape of apparent green can take on so many colors. A perfect companion book to this would be that of E. C. Pielou, A Naturalists Guide to the Arctic. With Pielou's book, one can gain a fuller understanding of the tricks of light in the arctic, and the interdependency of the animals with the plantlife. Oil company executives will not like this book. Most others will enjoy reading her accounts.

I love Debbie Miller's book Midnight Wilderness about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Her journal writings, with detailed land references, eloquently paint a portrait of this pristine area and how unique and beautiful this remote land is. I enjoyed reading about all the animals and birds that live and migrate there every year, and about the people who depend on this area. This book educates us on the oil development controversy and why it is vital we continue to fight in protecting this special land for now and future generations. This book is truly the ultimate reference book for the Arctic Refuge and I highly recommend it to all.

Debbie Miller draws from her journal and from her heart as she recounts her explorations of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the last great wilderness area left in the United States. Few people have actually stepped foot on this northeast corner of Alaska, but by reading the words of Miller, one can be transported to this rare and magical place. The book, written primarily during the 1980s and updated in the current edition, is informative and inspiring. She effectively intersperses relevant historical and scientific facts with her own personal observations and love for the region.