Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Books I love


I've just finished reading the most wonderful book! 

You know the kind - you stay up until the wee hours reading, hoping it never ends! 

That was how I felt while reading this sweet book, 

titled 'Are We Walking To Alaska'

by Author and fellow blogger, JoAnn Dunlap Bayne. 

You can read her wonderful blog,  Scene Through My Eyes  where she takes beautiful photographs and writes about life here in the Pacific Northwest. 


The book recounts her childhood adventures growing up in Southeast Alaska. 

Written from a child's point of view, you feel you are experiencing the world through the eyes of little JoAnn as her family sets up housekeeping on the remote shores of Alaska after leaving all that they have ever known and loved in California to operate a fishing boat in the cold waters of Kalinin Bay. 

You can read some wonderful excerpts and order the book through her blog


I have always been fascinated with stories about Alaska. My Father was stationed on Kodiak Island during the Korean War when he served in the Army/Airforce as a Sergeant and Tank Commander. 

He told us stories of riding in an open jeep on nightly patrols and hearing wolves howl. 

Of Kodiak Bears barging into the mess hall while soldiers scrambled like children out windows and doors. 

Of going hunting in the hills around camp and encountering wolves and bears so big they stood 12 feet tall on their hind legs. 

Of hearing train whistles from Russia on still, moonless nights. 

It was the time of his life and every day of his life he carried an etched whale-tooth hunting knife from that wonderful time, which was passed down to me. 

Sadly, he never got to go back to Alaska. 


But in 2005, Dennis and I did get to go. By then my Father was in the early stages of Alzheimer's, but his long term memory was still intact and he fondly spoke of his adventure's once again as we showed him the photos we took on our trip. 


When I found JoAnn's blog and saw that she had written a book about growing up in this enchanting place, I  couldn't wait to read it. 


Alaska truly is the 'Last Frontier' and has always held a fascination for anyone interested in how people live in remote and wild places. 


People who live in Alaska are a special type of person. Open, friendly, helpful and resourceful, they depend on one another due to the harsh environment. 

This warmth and friendliness comes through in JoAnn's book as her family endures the hardships and travails of life in the remote outposts of the Alaskan shore. 

You will truly love reading this wonderful example of childhood resourcefulness and find yourself sad to see it end. 

But you can continue the journey of JoAnn's life through her lovely blog as she interprets life as 


xoxo

20 comments:

  1. This looks really interesting - and your photos are beautiful! Now I need to go check this out.

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  2. That sounds like a wonderful book! I've always been intrigued by those who can live in Alaska with how harsh it can be. I'm glad you enjoyed the book!

    Your photos are so pretty! It looks beautiful there where you visited.

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  3. l bet it was amazing being able to visit where your Dad had been stationed in the war.....Alaska is such a beautiful state. I look forward to checking out your friends's blog and her book.

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  4. I never met anyone who has been to Alaska it's so far away from where I live, the cold wild places on the earth are have a wonderful appeal but sadly I will never get there.
    Merle......

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  5. I've been here and there and am so tired of traveling - to everywhere except Alaska. That is one place that I still want to see in my lifetime.

    How fortunate you are to have traveled there, and now I can visit through this book. Thanks for recommending it! <3

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  6. I would love to travel to Alaska, but right now I need some warmth:) Thanks for the reading suggestion. I'll for sure try this one.

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  7. I follow JoAnn's blog and have been hearing so many good things about her book. I am going to have to get it. I would love to go to Alaska but will probably never get the chance unless I win the lottery.

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  8. Thanks for sharing Karen! I enjoy books like this as well and will be jumping over to check out her blog! I have always wanted to go to Alaska...my cousin lives in Ketchikan and I would love to visit her! Your photos of your trip are gorgeous! The crisp colors and the sea are enough to just warm the heart! Thank you for sharing the story about your dad...his life and adventures sound just wonderful! Nicole

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  9. Oh Karen, this just looks so interesting. My aunt and uncle and 6 kids lived in Alaska and I got to visit when I was in hight school. My SIL's mother lives in Alaska now. Would love to read this.

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  10. Nice pictures you show from Alaska. Wishing you and your a good day :) Hugs Hanne Bente

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  11. Alaska is most definitely on my travel bucket list. A good friend of mine honeymooned there a couple years ago and she said it is the most beautiful place she's ever seen. I would love to read this book!

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  12. Oh I will gladly check it out. Love your stories too. B

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  13. Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review. I love how you added in about your dad and your trip to Alaska - terrific photos.

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  14. Dearest Karen,
    Interesting fact about your dear Father! That's what did inspire you to go there and wanting to read more about the real feel of life in Alaska. Our daughter Liz is born in Prince Rupert, near Alaska so the life must have been so similar for her and her biological Mom. I love the fact how nature and humans interact.
    Hugs to you,
    Mariette

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  15. That sounds so good! I love books that keep you up at night. Beautiful story about your dad too. :)

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  16. I read JoAnn's blog. It really is lovely. This is a nice tribute to her book.
    I would love to visit Alaska someday. So glad you got to make the trip and experience it for yourself.
    Wonderful photos and the glacier image is an amazing look at what Alaska has to offer!

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  17. My sweetheart went and he loved it -- Aww kind words about blogger totally neat and endearing friendship you have -- I am heading on over there right now.. thanks for the insight..It be wonderful to read more of your trip.. wink!
    Hugs

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  18. Your photos of Alaska were just breath-taking! And I love that you told about the book...I've been wanting to order a copy for myself ever since I saw it on her blog! My Dad died of Alzheimers over two years ago...he also went to Kodiak at one point but not for long. He was a Navy man, and it was after Korea, where he also served. You and I are connected perhaps a bit. I'm sorry your Dad never got to go back,...his stories of his time there sound so fascinating!

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  19. I loved Alaska and will definitely have to read this...thanks for sharing!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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