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Never Alone: A Solo Arctic Survival Journey
Woniya Thibeault wasn't looking for an adventure of such magnitude, but when the opportunity to participate in Alone® Season 6 fell into her lap, she couldn't say no. Never Alone is the story of that journey.
Dropped into the Arctic wilderness—solo—as winter descended, Woniya intended not only to survive, but to thrive. With only a few tools and meager resources, she would need her survival skills, quick wits, and whole heart to make it through.
The skids scraped against the hard granite as the helicopter settled onto the barren peninsula. My fingers were shaking so badly from the adrenaline, it was hard to unbuckle my chest straps. Then, with one step down the ladder, I left the modern world and the rest of humanity behind.
I expected the land to be harsh and unforgiving, but I didn't expect that it would be so breathtaking.
Nor that I would fall instantly in love with it.
The northern wilderness kicked my butt repeatedly throughout the next three months, but each time it picked me back up, staggered me with its beauty, and showed me again how truly resilient I am.
My Arctic adventure could easily have been a grueling struggle, but by putting my trust in myself and the land, it instead became a beautiful journey to a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
In her debut memoir Never A Solo Arctic Survival Journey, Woniya shares how months of starving by herself in the Arctic wilderness brought more healing than suffering, and led to a deep sense of belonging and peace. Her story affirms the incredible strength of the human spirit and shows us that strength comes in many surprising forms. Never Alone's message is one of inspiration and learning to trust in ourselves and the land around us; embracing the wild and being wholly and beautifully human, flaws and all.
Never Alone will take you on an Arctic journey through challenges and triumphs, joys and heartbreaks, and leave you inspired and wanting more.
Dropped into the Arctic wilderness—solo—as winter descended, Woniya intended not only to survive, but to thrive. With only a few tools and meager resources, she would need her survival skills, quick wits, and whole heart to make it through.
The skids scraped against the hard granite as the helicopter settled onto the barren peninsula. My fingers were shaking so badly from the adrenaline, it was hard to unbuckle my chest straps. Then, with one step down the ladder, I left the modern world and the rest of humanity behind.
I expected the land to be harsh and unforgiving, but I didn't expect that it would be so breathtaking.
Nor that I would fall instantly in love with it.
The northern wilderness kicked my butt repeatedly throughout the next three months, but each time it picked me back up, staggered me with its beauty, and showed me again how truly resilient I am.
My Arctic adventure could easily have been a grueling struggle, but by putting my trust in myself and the land, it instead became a beautiful journey to a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
In her debut memoir Never A Solo Arctic Survival Journey, Woniya shares how months of starving by herself in the Arctic wilderness brought more healing than suffering, and led to a deep sense of belonging and peace. Her story affirms the incredible strength of the human spirit and shows us that strength comes in many surprising forms. Never Alone's message is one of inspiration and learning to trust in ourselves and the land around us; embracing the wild and being wholly and beautifully human, flaws and all.
Never Alone will take you on an Arctic journey through challenges and triumphs, joys and heartbreaks, and leave you inspired and wanting more.
- GenresNonfiction
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
57 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 2, 2024
This lady is absolutely bonkers, and definitely off her rocker in some areas. Now, having said that, this was an absolutely delightful book. I really enjoyed reading her story, and found myself intrigued by everything she did and had gone through. I liked her approach to many things and enjoyed her nuance towards nature. I definitely liked this book. I've never seen the TV show, but I will definitely be looking for it now so I can watch her season.
June 14, 2023
Omg! I absolutely loved this book and didn’t want to put it down for a second. Woniya is unlike anyone I’ve ever met in the most amazing way ❤️❤️❤️ I read it in just over a day
September 1, 2024
Fantastic writing! Woniya, please write a sequel?
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. Woniya’s writing is so honest, personal and full of emotion. Despite differing with her beliefs about the natural world speaking to us, I was fascinated by her accounts. And I do believe that she had such an amazing and successful experience on Alone because of the way she listens to what the trees, her ancestors, and the natural world tells her. Her experience was magical, rugged, fierce, raw, and transformative. What a story and what an amazing writer Woniya is. I’m a huge fan now. Woniya, I hope you write another book!
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. Woniya’s writing is so honest, personal and full of emotion. Despite differing with her beliefs about the natural world speaking to us, I was fascinated by her accounts. And I do believe that she had such an amazing and successful experience on Alone because of the way she listens to what the trees, her ancestors, and the natural world tells her. Her experience was magical, rugged, fierce, raw, and transformative. What a story and what an amazing writer Woniya is. I’m a huge fan now. Woniya, I hope you write another book!
October 19, 2024
Wow Woniya! Thank you for being such an amazing model to us all! Such a great read. What an honest account on all levels. Such an adventure not only into the extreme outside and also into your extreme internal world. I love how it allowed me to ask myself your questions about certain things. I too walk in gratitude on this Earth and you made it even more important and exacting for me. Thank you. And thank you for explaining all the things post experiences you had and are still having. Super interesting. Your way of writing was truly captivating. Aho!
January 7, 2024
Really interesting and strong woman with a beautiful way of living in and with the world.
From a book perspective I think watching the season of Alone that she was on was helpful but not needed to feel interested in the story. She’s a good writer and there are some beautiful passages and descriptions but some additional paring down and editing would have made this book even more enjoyable to me.
From a book perspective I think watching the season of Alone that she was on was helpful but not needed to feel interested in the story. She’s a good writer and there are some beautiful passages and descriptions but some additional paring down and editing would have made this book even more enjoyable to me.
January 4, 2025
Excellent book. Winoya has some pretty out there beliefs (I saw another reviewer call it "Absolutely bonkers" which gave me a good laugh), but her perseverance, willingness to keep pushing, and positivity in the face of adversity is nothing short of remarkable. Anyone who braves the episodes of the ONLY real reality tv show Alone, has my respect. Winoya even more so for her amazing outlook on life and connection to the nature that we all take for granted, have forgotten, or have never seen.
September 15, 2023
Woniya's outlook on life and how she looks at her surroundings are interesting. This read has refoccused my take on many things and reminded me of how it feels to be at peace. I was reading it to have an insider's view at the program but it actually gave me back something I had lost. Thank you Mrs Thibeault.
July 26, 2023
An amazing read
The author allows the reader to join her on an adventure that is life changing and beautiful. My appreciation for food, warmth, and comfort have been expanded in the process.
The author allows the reader to join her on an adventure that is life changing and beautiful. My appreciation for food, warmth, and comfort have been expanded in the process.
September 30, 2023
not second place
Woniya is an amazing skilled survivalist. She writes and describes her journey on Alone beautifully. My children and grandchildren met Woniya recently at Rabbit Stick and were instantly captivated by personality and her love and knowledge of primitive skills.
Woniya is an amazing skilled survivalist. She writes and describes her journey on Alone beautifully. My children and grandchildren met Woniya recently at Rabbit Stick and were instantly captivated by personality and her love and knowledge of primitive skills.
June 29, 2024
Alone…shared
I have enjoyed most every season of Alone. Never Alone adds layers upon layers to the televised depiction. Woniya is a terrific writer who does a masterful job of recounting her journey…before during, and after her 73 days in the Arctic.
I have enjoyed most every season of Alone. Never Alone adds layers upon layers to the televised depiction. Woniya is a terrific writer who does a masterful job of recounting her journey…before during, and after her 73 days in the Arctic.
September 25, 2024
Engaging and great storytelling
Well written, very detailed, and intimate account of her time on Alone. You get a true sense of her skill and knowledge at living in nature. Enjoyed this very much
Well written, very detailed, and intimate account of her time on Alone. You get a true sense of her skill and knowledge at living in nature. Enjoyed this very much
October 18, 2023
Good book. The author is amazingly knowledgeable, skilled and gutsy. Quite a story.
January 2, 2024
Great book, especially if you are a fan of the show. It has a lot of the background that isn’t shown on television, and seeing her thought and emotional process was wonderful.
February 22, 2024
Great Book
Even though I watched the season she was on and wrote the book about. You learn so much more about her and her life reading the book. She is so inspiring.
Even though I watched the season she was on and wrote the book about. You learn so much more about her and her life reading the book. She is so inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews