No New Lessons: A Crazy Story about Re-Learning Life Lessons in Alaska's Deadly Wilderness... What Could Go Wrong?

by Paul R. White

In 2009, while temporarily assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Captain Paul "Roscoe" White had a 48 hour window of free time before resuming an intense combat training exercise. Never one to shy from adventure or a challenge, Roscoe and two fighter pilot buddies made the ill-prepared and life-changing decision to hike the infamous Stampede Trail in search of the "Magic Bus," the same bus where Christopher McCandless died in 1992 and whose life inspired a famous book and a major motion picture.

 

Adhering to a strict timeline and with minimal gear, they survived off determination, bad decisions and maybe even some magic. Constantly pushing themselves to overcome freezing temperatures, deadly glacial rivers, blood-sucking mosquito swarms, shoe-swallowing mud, and an ever-present hunger, the three men re-learned how to push through and never give up on a goal to win the battle of wills. You will

 

How to plan for an epic adventure (and what not to do!). How to find your inner-badass who fights to the end. How to pivot on the fly when plans fall apart. 

No New Lessons is a true story about the pursuit of happiness, friendship, and finding humor in the Alaskan bush. If you love adventure, outdoor pursuits, or just need some fresh inspiration to keep pushing forward in your personal "wilderness" journey, this book is a must read.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2024

About the author

Paul “Roscoe” White, a retired Air Force veteran of 21 years, has more than 1500 hours as a tactical flight instructor, and still teaches and mentors young fighter pilots as a civilian contract F-35 instructor. He has also won multiple football championships as a player and as a coach. Over the years, he has studied and developed strategies to motivate young men to be better versions of themselves via a fusion of hard work, positive attitudes and solid character traits.

Working as a flight instructor made Paul a better coach, and being a coach made him a better instructor. Continually striving for excellence in these two competitive environments made Paul a better father and husband. Roscoe believes that anyone can be a champion in life with the right direction and work ethic.

Reviews

[Paul White · Rating 5 out of 5]

No New Lessons paints vividly a dramatic, near-deadly experience through a lens of humor and hubris. Anyone who seeks adventure, enjoys a hair-raising ride, or just wants to laugh a little at someone else's folly and ridiculousness should definitely read No New Lessons. With high highs and low lows, the author puts you in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness, staring down obstacles trying to figure out how to solve problems when battling the urge to quit. Enjoy this 100% true story about persistence and perseverance.

[Maddox · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, Paul had completely lost me by p. 68 when he threw in his mention of being hours away from the summer solstice in September (the solstice happens in June). Get someone to edit your writing, man. If you’re looking for an overly hyped up recounting of another cocky flatlander’s trip to “The Last Frontier,” you’ll have a great time with this book.

Also, the first page is an ad for the author’s self-help company. Strange to be advertising self-help services when the whole book is about how your hubris led you to be woefully underprepared.

I’m now noticing that one of the only other reviews is from Paul himself… I guess you’re welcome, Paul, for being one of the only people to read your book.

[Denise Griffitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a captivating read that offers insights into what it takes to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The author's vivid descriptions of the Alaskan landscape and his personal struggles make the book a compelling page-turner. Readers will be drawn into Paul 'Roscoe' White's story and will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates the challenges of survival.

You will discover:

How to plan for an epic adventure (and more importantly, what NOT to do!)
How to find your inner badass who fights to the end.
How to pivot on the fly when plans fall apart.

[Jack T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fine; a good story. Written by a first time writer and edited by a first time (presumably) editor.

It reads like a person would speak, which is fine, but I'd prefer otherwise in my literature.

[Ashley Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting adventure story

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a fire-side conversation.

Flashbacks within a flashback add a nice aside to the points the author is trying to make.

One word of advice sticks out among the rest: PLAN.

[Twisted Tales, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, with a different view regarding on a popular location. I'd recommend it.