One Particular Harbor: The Outrageous True Adventures of One Women With Multiple Sclerosis Living in the Alaskan Wilderness

by Janet Lee James

Janet Lee James was just twenty-three years old and just beginning a career as a rock ‘n’ roll disc-jockey when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Hoping she’d part of the vast majority who are able to lead full, productive lives relatively undisturbed by the disease, she took off alone for the wilds of Alaska, leaving home, work and family behind to live out her dream of a life filled with excitement and adventure. Janet James’s penchant for black humor, cold beer and handsome men results in numerous outsized tales. Her story is a frank, detailed account of life with a profound disability -- a rare example of what MS can do. But through it all, she reminds us that life, regardless of its circumstances, truly is whatever we choose to make it.

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up for free at a library give away in Stowe VT, because of my curiosity about Alaska, and my interest in the perspective of a person with MS. I've known several women with this devastating disease.
The writing was tight, her voice authentic and her attitude clearly kept her going, if not always in the best direction. Her life story, thus far, chronicles the ups and downs, the social challenges, and the agony of living in a body that is ravaged by a progressive, incurable disease. But don't expect a story with self pity, because James is a fighter with a personality to match.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh. I probably needed to read this book. Maybe. It certainly pushes me to face my likely diagnosis, and possible worst case scenario of it. But, gah, it is a terrifying read sprinkled with snark and hilarity. Maybe I needed it? I'm going to have to let this one churn for a while.

[Lynne Gerhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great writer! It was both funny and heart-wrenching. My heart goes out to those with the MS diagnosis.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read for those of us with MS.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a reminder book for me of how lucky I am with my MS, but also a reminder of how that could easily change. I admire her adventure to just take off on go to Alaska, although I took off and moved to Atlanta which got me diagnosed!

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this [non-fiction] book many years ago & it is a funny, irreverent, candid, inspiring, & timeless story by a determined young woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A must-read for anyone diagnosed with MS or family member or friend. I do not think I missed an adjective...

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting to hear a more candid perspective than you might otherwise hear (although the author's experience is basically worst-case-scenario).

[Kimberlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her fight against the MS and the sometimes humiliating instances are heart-breaking. The reality is worth being read. An easy writing style.