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North of Ordinary: How One Woman Left It All Behind for Wilderness and Wonder in Alaska's Frozen Frontier
When the wild strips everything away, what's left is who you are.
In the raw, untamed wilds of Alaska—where the wind howls, predators hunt, and the sun disappears for months—only a rare few figure out how to survive. Sue Aikens, the breakout star of National Geographic's long-running TV show Life Below Zero, is one of them. At her remote outpost 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, she weathers more than just brutal winters and hungry bears. Sue battles isolation, injury, and the ghosts of a turbulent past, forging a life in a place most people wouldn't last a day.
Left to fend for herself as a child, Sue's fight to survive began long before she ever set foot in Alaska. In North of Ordinary, she tells the unforgettable story of abandonment, grit, and fierce independence—from navigating deadly storms and surviving a horrific bear attack to learning how to build a life, a home, and a sense of self where most would see only desolation. With her trademark wit, fearless honesty, and an indomitable spirit, Sue proves that the toughest terrain isn't always on the map. It's the one we conquer inside.
Unflinching and inspiring, North of Ordinary is a memoir of resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary power of choosing your own way through the world.
In the raw, untamed wilds of Alaska—where the wind howls, predators hunt, and the sun disappears for months—only a rare few figure out how to survive. Sue Aikens, the breakout star of National Geographic's long-running TV show Life Below Zero, is one of them. At her remote outpost 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, she weathers more than just brutal winters and hungry bears. Sue battles isolation, injury, and the ghosts of a turbulent past, forging a life in a place most people wouldn't last a day.
Left to fend for herself as a child, Sue's fight to survive began long before she ever set foot in Alaska. In North of Ordinary, she tells the unforgettable story of abandonment, grit, and fierce independence—from navigating deadly storms and surviving a horrific bear attack to learning how to build a life, a home, and a sense of self where most would see only desolation. With her trademark wit, fearless honesty, and an indomitable spirit, Sue proves that the toughest terrain isn't always on the map. It's the one we conquer inside.
Unflinching and inspiring, North of Ordinary is a memoir of resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary power of choosing your own way through the world.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
October 31, 2025
“It’s all too easy to get mired in the tragedy of life. But if we only focus on what’s wrong, we’ll never see what’s right.”
This was such a compelling memoir!
I chose it because it was set in Alaska. I didn’t know who Sue Aikens was, nor had I ever heard of the National Geographic series ‘Life Below Zero’.
My heart went out to childhood Sue as she faced a horrific family situation and events. I read on with tears falling, hoping that she found her way out and found a place where she was accepted. I read in awe of the choices and sacrifices she made to be her authentic self and realized that my bad day is nothing compared to what this amazing lady has faced.
Sue’s resilience and endurance echo through the book, and her love of the Alaskan wilderness is forefront.
Three things:
I’m searching for heart-shaped rocks.
I can endure more and for longer than I think I can.
I will not miss an opportunity to tell my tribe what they mean to me.
If you have ever wondered what makes people choose to live in extreme places or what it’s like facing down a bear or living in isolation, this is one you won’t want to miss. If reading about self-reliance and resilience inspires you, this one is a must-read.
I’m off to discover the ‘Life Below Zero’ series now!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This was such a compelling memoir!
I chose it because it was set in Alaska. I didn’t know who Sue Aikens was, nor had I ever heard of the National Geographic series ‘Life Below Zero’.
My heart went out to childhood Sue as she faced a horrific family situation and events. I read on with tears falling, hoping that she found her way out and found a place where she was accepted. I read in awe of the choices and sacrifices she made to be her authentic self and realized that my bad day is nothing compared to what this amazing lady has faced.
Sue’s resilience and endurance echo through the book, and her love of the Alaskan wilderness is forefront.
Three things:
I’m searching for heart-shaped rocks.
I can endure more and for longer than I think I can.
I will not miss an opportunity to tell my tribe what they mean to me.
If you have ever wondered what makes people choose to live in extreme places or what it’s like facing down a bear or living in isolation, this is one you won’t want to miss. If reading about self-reliance and resilience inspires you, this one is a must-read.
I’m off to discover the ‘Life Below Zero’ series now!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
North of Ordinary: How one woman left it all behind for wilderness and wonder in Alaska’s frozen frontier.
By Sue Aikens
This is one of the most amazing memoirs I have ever read. Sue Aikens is also one of the most amazing women I have ever read about. The trials, tribulations heartache, joy, loves and losses Sue Aikens has had to endure over the years is astronomical. Yet pursuing her dreams to live in Alaska never faltered.
An absolute must read…
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. I've never felt more touched by a memoir than this! I cried (yes, really)--Aikens's writing and storytelling was profound, I found myself moved to tears. What Aikens has experienced also brought me to tears, and shocked me. Aikens is badass, and this memoir will be held dear for me. It has changed my life.
May 19, 2026
I have to admit I had never heard of the author, Sue Aiken, and was unfamiliar with the show Life Below Zero. Now I’m interested to watch it.
Sue’s family was very dysfunctional, and she never received much love or care from her mother. When she was twelve her mother packed up and the two of them moved to Alaska. Sue’s older brother lives there, but when they arrive they discover he has been away working for months. Her mom sets up camp for them but after a few weeks she abandons her there! It’s hard to imagine a parent doing that to a child.
What follows is an amazing story of a brave and fierce girl who grows strong and learns to love the Alaskan wilderness. She is determined to a build a life of her own making. As she grows older life pulls her in different directions, but her heart always pulls her back to the wilderness. She starts running a camp, and her grit and determination are remarkable. She has to learn many things as she goes, and uses ingenuity to solve problems.
From months of freezing weather and isolation, to being out and enjoying the beauty of her surroundings. The reality of her environment demands hunting for your food - whether animals or berries, you can’t survive if you don’t utilize what the land provides. But she encounters dangerous situations and survives a terrible bear attack. Although first resistant when she is approached about doing the show, she agrees. The money helps to keep her camp afloat, and in time she builds relationships with the people who live with and film her. She is a remarkable woman, very self-aware of her shortcomings while trying to do her best. She writes with humor.
Her story is remarkable and inspiring. I would the story of her life 5 stars, but somehow the book (audiobook) is told in a very dry straight forward manner. 4-1/2 stars rounded down to 4.
Sue’s family was very dysfunctional, and she never received much love or care from her mother. When she was twelve her mother packed up and the two of them moved to Alaska. Sue’s older brother lives there, but when they arrive they discover he has been away working for months. Her mom sets up camp for them but after a few weeks she abandons her there! It’s hard to imagine a parent doing that to a child.
What follows is an amazing story of a brave and fierce girl who grows strong and learns to love the Alaskan wilderness. She is determined to a build a life of her own making. As she grows older life pulls her in different directions, but her heart always pulls her back to the wilderness. She starts running a camp, and her grit and determination are remarkable. She has to learn many things as she goes, and uses ingenuity to solve problems.
From months of freezing weather and isolation, to being out and enjoying the beauty of her surroundings. The reality of her environment demands hunting for your food - whether animals or berries, you can’t survive if you don’t utilize what the land provides. But she encounters dangerous situations and survives a terrible bear attack. Although first resistant when she is approached about doing the show, she agrees. The money helps to keep her camp afloat, and in time she builds relationships with the people who live with and film her. She is a remarkable woman, very self-aware of her shortcomings while trying to do her best. She writes with humor.
Her story is remarkable and inspiring. I would the story of her life 5 stars, but somehow the book (audiobook) is told in a very dry straight forward manner. 4-1/2 stars rounded down to 4.
March 30, 2026
I received a copy of North of Ordinary from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I love reading memoirs from women adventurers, and this one was excellent. Raised in Chicago in a volatile family situation, the author left home for the wilderness of Alaska. Her difficult upbringing prepared her for a life in the wild, and in this book, she shares stories of the challenges she faced. Her encounter with a grizzly bear nearly left her for dead. Her resiliency and tenacity are remarkable--I can't imagine anyone surviving such a brutal attack. I've never heard of the author's TV show Life Below Zero, but I'm going to check it out. Sue is another inspiring woman hero to add to my list!
I love reading memoirs from women adventurers, and this one was excellent. Raised in Chicago in a volatile family situation, the author left home for the wilderness of Alaska. Her difficult upbringing prepared her for a life in the wild, and in this book, she shares stories of the challenges she faced. Her encounter with a grizzly bear nearly left her for dead. Her resiliency and tenacity are remarkable--I can't imagine anyone surviving such a brutal attack. I've never heard of the author's TV show Life Below Zero, but I'm going to check it out. Sue is another inspiring woman hero to add to my list!
April 28, 2026
My husband and I had watched a few episodes of Life Below Zero, I was aware of who Sue Aikens was.
I don't know why I'm drawn to documentaries, shows and books about Alaska. Perhaps it's the beauty, vastness, difficulty living there. I enjoyed the author's memoir. I believe her childhood contributed to how she chose to live her life. She's tough and courageous. It would take a special person to live under those conditions, not only physically but also mentally.
I don't know why I'm drawn to documentaries, shows and books about Alaska. Perhaps it's the beauty, vastness, difficulty living there. I enjoyed the author's memoir. I believe her childhood contributed to how she chose to live her life. She's tough and courageous. It would take a special person to live under those conditions, not only physically but also mentally.
January 27, 2026
Wow what an incredible life. I’ve never watched Life Below Zero, but I did watch The Last Alaskans and I read about Heimo so I was curious to learn about Sue. Her life was incredible, she underwent so much from an early age and it’s amazing to see how resilient she is. Reading about everything was excruciating and this was a fascinating story. I definitely want to watch Life Below Zero now.
March 23, 2026
I did not care for this book. There are too many “questionable” scenarios that appear to be highly embellished or believable. I’m not saying they didn’t happen. I’m just saying they most likely didn’t happen the way they are told. Also there’s a lot of animal killing from a year of animal trapping to bear shooting. The author constantly tries to justify all of the killing she does but that made it even more disgusting. I listened to the audiobook up to chapter 10 which is about 1/2 way through and then quit. After hearing about she was literally mauled by a bear, had her scalp torn open, her hips and legs broken and bleeding all over, she manages to walk back to her cabin, sew her own wounds, walk back out and shoot the bear who wasn’t even threatening her at the time. Yea. Ok. I had enough.
November 17, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley as an ARC. The Arctic seems like a desolate place, but Sue brings it to life with her love and highlights its beauty. A fast-paced book that will pull you in and that you won't want to put down. I have been watching Sue on the TV show Life Below Zero for years. She was always a favorite, and I was excited to learn more about her backstory. This book would appeal to anyone who feels lost, enjoys the outdoors, is a fan of Life Below Zero, someone's life journey, and wants to learn more about Alaska. This book is one of my favorite books of 2025. Thank you, NetGalley. Below are some of my favorite parts from the book.
They remind me- as they've done every day since- that as dark as the world may seem at times, life persists with grace and tenacity, shaped by land and light.
Nature, like always, was my respite from a world of people and institutions I had a hard time navigating.
Eventually, I thought, nature will always take back what is hers.
I'd lived my life largely feeling like an outsider, but in that singular moment in time and space, I was exactly where I was meant to be: not separate from the wilderness, but within the wilderness and of the wilderness.
At night I watched the northern lights dance overhead in silent waves of green and purple, but everything else around had slowed, like the beat of a bear's heart in its winter den, to almost a complete stop.
Every bird that flew by, every patter of a fox's paw on the snow, every wisp of wind that carried the scent of the tundra across my face reminded me of the precious, delicate balance of life in the sacred place.
And when the moment comes, I'll leave like the wolves do: not looking back, just moving forward, slowly and deliberately, into the unknown.
They remind me- as they've done every day since- that as dark as the world may seem at times, life persists with grace and tenacity, shaped by land and light.
Nature, like always, was my respite from a world of people and institutions I had a hard time navigating.
Eventually, I thought, nature will always take back what is hers.
I'd lived my life largely feeling like an outsider, but in that singular moment in time and space, I was exactly where I was meant to be: not separate from the wilderness, but within the wilderness and of the wilderness.
At night I watched the northern lights dance overhead in silent waves of green and purple, but everything else around had slowed, like the beat of a bear's heart in its winter den, to almost a complete stop.
Every bird that flew by, every patter of a fox's paw on the snow, every wisp of wind that carried the scent of the tundra across my face reminded me of the precious, delicate balance of life in the sacred place.
And when the moment comes, I'll leave like the wolves do: not looking back, just moving forward, slowly and deliberately, into the unknown.
March 30, 2026
I found Sue like many from Life below Zero. A show I started nearly a year after I’d made the move from Texas to Washington state. The nature and beauty around me drove me to watch all the nature and mountaineering documentaries I could find and then one day I started life below Zero not sure I’d be interested. Sue quickly not just my favorite person on the show but someone ai was awestruck by. A powerful woman living a life that defies what our society says any woman is capable of AND she was doing it alone in one of the most Northern and severe climates. So when I saw her book I knew I 110% would be read it. I made the decision to listen to the audio book after learning she was the narrator. Best decision ever!
I’m even more awestruck at Sue than prior. Her story of survival, love, forgiveness and unity with nature is one I think all should read!
If I could give it 10 stars I would!
I’m even more awestruck at Sue than prior. Her story of survival, love, forgiveness and unity with nature is one I think all should read!
If I could give it 10 stars I would!
March 20, 2026
Easy 5 star for me. It was a heartfelt, inspiring, totally candid story that had me in tears by pg 30. Rough childhood, but as a child she was doing mental gymnastics to move forward and deal with trauma with mental health strategies I’ve taught in group therapy.
I love that she’s tough as nails but also able to just cry when frustrated or sad. This is how one should live, rather than pent it up and ruminate.
This entire story felt very personal, like a close friend was sharing it. Beyond the mental emotional parts of this book, I loved the info on the camp she lives on, and some of Alaska’s amazing history.
Maybe one of the most inspiring books I’ve read.
I also had the great satisfaction of reading about this book before I picked it up, and the reason I picked it up was because it sounded like a good mix of mental emotional, physical strength. And it was exactly that. I love when a book turns out to be exactly what I wanted!
Also special thanks to NetGalley and Source Books for an advanced eARC.
I love that she’s tough as nails but also able to just cry when frustrated or sad. This is how one should live, rather than pent it up and ruminate.
This entire story felt very personal, like a close friend was sharing it. Beyond the mental emotional parts of this book, I loved the info on the camp she lives on, and some of Alaska’s amazing history.
Maybe one of the most inspiring books I’ve read.
I also had the great satisfaction of reading about this book before I picked it up, and the reason I picked it up was because it sounded like a good mix of mental emotional, physical strength. And it was exactly that. I love when a book turns out to be exactly what I wanted!
Also special thanks to NetGalley and Source Books for an advanced eARC.
February 9, 2026
Many thanks to Sourcebooks for the chance to read this book early!
Such a great example of the resilience of the human spirit and what can be accomplished when a person chooses not to be a victim of their circumstances. I had never before tuned into Life Below Zero, but I love reading or watching stories of people who live a transcendental existence. When I found this book advertised in an email, I knew I had to read it!
Sue’s story read like fiction in some areas because it was so gripping. I couldn’t wait to find out more and I honestly could have read a book about her life twice as long. With so many years covered in Sue’s story, many events were quickly glossed over in favor of the more interesting or traumatic events. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to put the book down, and it was all I could think about until I could read more. Sue is like the modern, female Hugh Glass!
I highly recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of people who live unconventional lives against all odds.
Such a great example of the resilience of the human spirit and what can be accomplished when a person chooses not to be a victim of their circumstances. I had never before tuned into Life Below Zero, but I love reading or watching stories of people who live a transcendental existence. When I found this book advertised in an email, I knew I had to read it!
Sue’s story read like fiction in some areas because it was so gripping. I couldn’t wait to find out more and I honestly could have read a book about her life twice as long. With so many years covered in Sue’s story, many events were quickly glossed over in favor of the more interesting or traumatic events. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to put the book down, and it was all I could think about until I could read more. Sue is like the modern, female Hugh Glass!
I highly recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of people who live unconventional lives against all odds.
March 27, 2026
DNF'd at page 221. I'm so disappointed, I really thought I'd love this book. I have never DNF'd a book so far in.
Here's my takeaway:
Sue is *incredibly* selfish. To the point that she abandons her children just as she had been abandoned, but it's harmless in her eyes because she waited until they were in high school(?) or because she's trying to live her best life(?). Throughout the entire book she's trying to convince herself and us that she's a good person despite the way she treats her family like they're disposable. She constantly uses the excuse that she has the "emotional intelligence of a 7 year old".
Sue mentions Alaskan pipelines and oil drilling with a distinct lack of criticism, which is interesting considering her entire life revolves around the nature that these pipelines destroy. The nature that she so flippantly says screw everyone else for.
Page 221 confirms my suspicions as Sue describes hitting it off with Sarah Palin and how similar their personalities are.
The worst part about this is, Sue won't be alive once the place she so loves is completely destroyed by those she "hits it off with". It will become her children's and grandchildren's problems, who she so obviously does not give single crap about.
Here's my takeaway:
Sue is *incredibly* selfish. To the point that she abandons her children just as she had been abandoned, but it's harmless in her eyes because she waited until they were in high school(?) or because she's trying to live her best life(?). Throughout the entire book she's trying to convince herself and us that she's a good person despite the way she treats her family like they're disposable. She constantly uses the excuse that she has the "emotional intelligence of a 7 year old".
Sue mentions Alaskan pipelines and oil drilling with a distinct lack of criticism, which is interesting considering her entire life revolves around the nature that these pipelines destroy. The nature that she so flippantly says screw everyone else for.
Page 221 confirms my suspicions as Sue describes hitting it off with Sarah Palin and how similar their personalities are.
The worst part about this is, Sue won't be alive once the place she so loves is completely destroyed by those she "hits it off with". It will become her children's and grandchildren's problems, who she so obviously does not give single crap about.
May 16, 2026
I knew of Sue from years watching Life Below Zero. I always thought she was bristly but strong. After reading her book I am in awe of her strength, determination, and self-preservation. I have a whole new respect for her and time who makes their home in the beautiful but dangerous wilds of Alaska. I alternated between wanting to hug young her and laughing hysterically. A must read to show you that you are in charge of your destiny. @sueaikens #bookstagram #bookreview #loveyourlibrary #lifebelowzero #pagesandprimrose
March 23, 2026
One of my greatest pleasures in reading is to be able to “walk in different shoes”, to experience a life so completely different than my own. This book is that and I thank Sue for sharing her story with us. She has lived mostly alone in Alaska for much of her life starting as a preteen.
Sue had a truly horrific childhood, and the damage it caused resulted in her not being able to ever truly trust anyone but herself. The writing is a as unemotional as the landscape. There is no pity in this book- she asks for none, and the story quickly breezes past betrayals.
Despite being married and raising two kids, she spends very little time discussing that part of her life, as though suburbia was an aberration to be moved past as quick as possible.
Her “real” life is when she is at her camp in Alaska. Instead, she relishes the peace of living life on her own terms that comes with near absolute solitude, even when surrounded by danger. I never watched the TV show, but will need to look it up.
I feel inspired by her grit and determination. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sue had a truly horrific childhood, and the damage it caused resulted in her not being able to ever truly trust anyone but herself. The writing is a as unemotional as the landscape. There is no pity in this book- she asks for none, and the story quickly breezes past betrayals.
Despite being married and raising two kids, she spends very little time discussing that part of her life, as though suburbia was an aberration to be moved past as quick as possible.
Her “real” life is when she is at her camp in Alaska. Instead, she relishes the peace of living life on her own terms that comes with near absolute solitude, even when surrounded by danger. I never watched the TV show, but will need to look it up.
I feel inspired by her grit and determination. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2026
Despite never having seen the TV show, I was curious about this woman and her life in the Artic. Much to my surprise, I couldn't put this book down. Her admitted challenge with emotions and relationships coupled with her comfort in being alone and her sheer grit had me routing for and admiring her. My curiosity about "what's next" got the best of me and I kept turning the pages ... finishing it in few hours. Her love and respect for Alaska are evident. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!!
May 11, 2026
What a great book! I had never heard of this woman or her TV show and I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but a friend gave this book an excellent rating and review which put it on my radar. I love survivor stories - both man vs man and man vs nature - so after reading the synopsis of the book I decided to give it a read. So glad I did. It’s written in a more story-like format than other nonfiction I’ve read which made it much more readable and engaging for me. Sue’s life is nothing short of incredible. So much strength and resilience to keep plugging ahead no matter what Life threw at her - and it threw a lot. Now that I’ve finished the book I have to see if I can find where I can watch her series Life Below Zero.
May 1, 2026
I do not like negative reviews ... I really wanted to like this book. I felt that after Sue's traumatic childhood, she would not repeat her mother's mistakes. I felt that if she wanted to do 'what I want, when I want, and how I want', it maybe would have been better to remain single instead of hurting her husband and leaving her children?
March 27, 2026
If you’re a fan of below zero then you absolutely need to get this book. Sue is just amazing. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I had all the emotions while experiencing this book because it really is an experience. I’m so grateful she wrote it.
March 12, 2026
I appreciate the author mentioned she had a ghost writer. The writing was good. The stories were captivating and inspiring. I really enjoyed this book
April 11, 2026
Drawn to the beauty of northern Alaska, Sue Aikens made her life in the midst of wild weather and animals.
She gave up a lot of “normal” life to stay there. I don’t agree with all her choices but I still appreciate the grit it has taken to survive.
Things to consider : Lots of foul language
She gave up a lot of “normal” life to stay there. I don’t agree with all her choices but I still appreciate the grit it has taken to survive.
Things to consider : Lots of foul language
May 6, 2026
Sue Is tough as nails and even though I’ve only watched one episode of Life Below Zero, I found her story very interesting! This lady has had one crazy life!
Read
March 27, 2026audio
5
5
April 13, 2026
Flew through this audio book in a weekend, after seeing a review. You can hear the emotions flood back through her narration. I need to check out some episodes of Life Below Zero to see the remote Alaska she calls home.
March 19, 2026
4.5 rounded up
March 20, 2026
DNF 67%
May 2, 2026
Wow!
What an incredible story and woman. Sue is the epitome of resilience and strength. I felt so sorry for the little girl and amazed at the woman she became. Wow!! Read this!!
What an incredible story and woman. Sue is the epitome of resilience and strength. I felt so sorry for the little girl and amazed at the woman she became. Wow!! Read this!!
March 15, 2026
I cannot be nice about what I did read so I DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
Absolutely not your typical memoir — but then again, Sue Aikens is not your typical human.
The narrative covers Sue’s tragic beginnings as a young girl, abused and unloved; to her mentors, loves, and children as her family life evolves; all the way to her eventual settlement on her own and in charge, running a base camp intended to service scientists, hunters, and eco-tourist visitors to the remotest regions of Alaska. Throughout it all, as the author shares her journey and her life philosophy, each feeding the other, this rendering of an utterly compelling life story is absolutely impossible to put down.
A fascinating character, Sue (the real Sue, whom we will come to know intimately between these pages), is a force to be reckoned with, combining grit, determination and an indomitable sort of ferocity, with a heart and soul held primal through her unshakeable connection with nature. Nature that in Sue’s case, includes not only the bone-chilling temperatures and topography of the Arctic tundra, but two angry grizzly bears, and predators including wolverines and the consistently prowling packs of hungry yellow-eyed wolves.
As Sue takes charge and “creates her own reality”, leaving “the world of people and institutions” behind, she becomes an “ active participant in her own existence”, relying on her own skills and actions to ensure not only her livelihood, but her own survival — as she lives essentially stranded in an inhospitable environment for several months of the year.
This terrific book is well worth a read, peppered with so many of Sue’s life choices, about-turns, and golden “opportunities” that it couldn’t help but inspire any reader who has ever found themselves wondering if they are out of options.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Note: there were some sections, easily recognizable, mainly dealing with hunting and or animal injury or trapping, which this reader skipped. This did not appear to detract from the author’s overall story.
The narrative covers Sue’s tragic beginnings as a young girl, abused and unloved; to her mentors, loves, and children as her family life evolves; all the way to her eventual settlement on her own and in charge, running a base camp intended to service scientists, hunters, and eco-tourist visitors to the remotest regions of Alaska. Throughout it all, as the author shares her journey and her life philosophy, each feeding the other, this rendering of an utterly compelling life story is absolutely impossible to put down.
A fascinating character, Sue (the real Sue, whom we will come to know intimately between these pages), is a force to be reckoned with, combining grit, determination and an indomitable sort of ferocity, with a heart and soul held primal through her unshakeable connection with nature. Nature that in Sue’s case, includes not only the bone-chilling temperatures and topography of the Arctic tundra, but two angry grizzly bears, and predators including wolverines and the consistently prowling packs of hungry yellow-eyed wolves.
As Sue takes charge and “creates her own reality”, leaving “the world of people and institutions” behind, she becomes an “ active participant in her own existence”, relying on her own skills and actions to ensure not only her livelihood, but her own survival — as she lives essentially stranded in an inhospitable environment for several months of the year.
This terrific book is well worth a read, peppered with so many of Sue’s life choices, about-turns, and golden “opportunities” that it couldn’t help but inspire any reader who has ever found themselves wondering if they are out of options.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Note: there were some sections, easily recognizable, mainly dealing with hunting and or animal injury or trapping, which this reader skipped. This did not appear to detract from the author’s overall story.
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