Where Mountains Are Nameless: Passion and Politics in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

by Jonathan Waterman

Traces the struggle between conservationists and oil developers in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge, discussing the historical and scientific elements that have contributed to the conflict, the conservation efforts of Olaus and Mardy Murie, and the author's own journeys within the region's natural environment. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Nature, Science Nature

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated but an informative read about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the people that made it happen. Also a lot of beautiful imagery that transferred you to Alaska 🥰 I didn’t super enjoy the narrators personal journey through the ANWR, it read as kind of explorer/self centered. And like dude, I guess it’s fine you weren’t afraid of bears but REALLY you’re not gonna bring ANYTHING into bear country? No gun or bear spray? Seems reckless in my opinion.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative weaves between explanations of different aspects of the refuge, the author’s extensive personal experiences there, and the story of the Muries as they attempted to get ANWR established. Highly readable and informative despite the somewhat dense prose. The author does a good job using his own travels to convey the specialness of the place, allowing himself to be its conduit rather than a frivolous journalist.

[Eric Goldman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very similar to Under the Arctic Sun: Gwich'in, Caribou & the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by Ken Madsen in a number of ways. Like the Madsen book, it is a travelogue of Waterman's experiences in the refuge. Waterman's unique angle is that he weaves in a biography of ANWR pioneers Olaus and Mardy Murie into his own stories, putatively showing how his experiences are similar to those of the Murie's.

Unfortunately, like the Madsen book, this book is deeply flawed. The entire book is wrapped up with an air of self-importance, the stories' drama seemed intended more to impress us about Waterman's courage than to enlighten us, the book was massively overwritten and desperately needed heavy editing, and the putative linkages between Waterman's experiences and the Muries are frequently incomprehensible.

I actually enjoyed reading about the Muries, and Waterman does a decent job telling their story. It made me wonder if a good biography about the Muries is available. That would be worth reading. However, this book is not an adequate substitute for a legitimate biography of them. Because it cuts between Waterman and the Muries constantly, the book is choppy and, frankly, the parts about Waterman just aren't that interesting.

Thus, like the Madsen book, I don't recommend this book. It only reinforces that Debbie Miller's Midnight Wilderness book is so much better than the subsequent copycat books. Get Miller's book instead.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given that this was a book that I had chosen for a book report in Environmental Science, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It's, at its core, a love story about two souls (Olaus and Mardy Murie) that were destined to be together. This love story actually moved me to tears near the end. On the surface it was a very informative story about Waterman's love for the Alaskan Arctic told in a very entertaining narrative. I don't read non-fiction often, but if I could find more in this vein I would likely read a whole lot more.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enlightening and poignant book. I really enjoyed reading Mr. Waterman's experiences in Alaska and with the Murdies. The entire book made me really think about what I truly observe about the world around me.

I think this is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the fate of our world, the environment, the state of Alaska, and nature as a whole.

It's forthright and allows you to really choose your own perspective.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayaking along the coast of northern Canada towards Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the author tells the history of the region and skillfully shows both sides of the debate over drilling in the (currently protected) area - a great read for anyone interested in an unbiased report on the future of northern Alaska.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

About two years ago I read a book about a man who kayaked across the Arctic. It was Jonathan Waterman, and he wrote this book most recently. It is filled with exciting details about travel in ANWR, but the best part about it is the way he weaves in the stories of Olaus and Mardy Murie---the two people most responsible for the creation of the refuge.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope Alaska and all of the amazing wildlife that roams freely there remains protected. It is very dear to my heart.