Of Moose and Men: Lost and Found in Alaska

by Torry Martin, Doug Peterson

Torry Martin fled to the wilderness of Alaska, searching for answers to life's big questions. He found what he was looking for--and a lot more. These hilarious true stories show that God can reclaim anyone's life...including yours.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Humor, Adventure, Christian Non Fiction, Faith

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me this free for a honest and open review.
found this book very funny as torry moves to alaska and uses this adventures to point us to biblical teachings and some of the stories are funny as he learns more about God and his ways but Torry doesn't force his beliefs though on the reader

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous sometimes crazy stories from the life of Torry Martin a christian writer and comedian. He does some writing for Adventures in Odyssey. In all of the stories he points back to Biblical truth and things God has taught him.

[Cynthia Ruchti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so wonderful to find a book that doesn't shy away from the hilarity of life that hems and is woven through the difficulties of life which are woven through the deep, hard, and eye-opening lessons that change us, shape us, form us. Torry Martin is inescapably humorous, but also inescapably insightful about where his story and God's intersect. Those insights provide entertainment that leaves the reader rocked with laughter...and with truth.

Approachable style. Warm. Which is tough when the topic is Alaska. :)

My husband loved it, too.

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading of Moose and Men. Written by Actor/Comedian/Writer Torry Martin, this book is like the man himself. It goes back and forth between being sidesplittingly funny and downright touching with amazing ease. Part memoir, part devotional, Of Moose and Men details Torry’s exploits in the great white north of Alaska. This book combines humorous stories with lessons learned straight from God’s Word. From having a terrified reindeer inside his house to having the kitchen window of his house torn out by a moose, to encounters with bears, interspersed with encounters with God, one can really see the Lord at work in Torry’s life, but there’s more. Reading these stories, helped me to reflect, again, on the times when the Lord was at work in mine.

This book is extremely well written. Torry Martin is a master storyteller who loves Jesus and it shows through in every page of this hilarious book. If you’re looking for a joyful, triumphant, encouraging, and I’ll say it again, hilarious read, read Of Moose and Men.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny, this memoir tells of the adventures of Torry Martin as he lives in the Alaska wilderness during his search for spiritual growth. I'm not sure it makes all the points about Christian life he was going for, but it does provide humorous insight into one man's very personal journey surrounded by lots of bears. I liked that each chapter works as a short story making this the kind of thing you can pick up and put down easily.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute, funny and sweet. I really loved how Torry left a message with each chapter. Great book for all ages, family read aloud or road trips. Especially uallybif your traveling through Alaska.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0
Simple, heartfelt and exactly what I wanted to read :)

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not heard of either of the authors of this book before, but boy was I in for a treat. I have a great love of books and each one is a treasure to me. This book made me laugh so hard I was crying while trying to tell my hubby some of the things in the book. I will never forget the bear story. Can you imagine you and a bear in the wilderness with pots and pans to arm yourself with? There are great stories throughout the book that have insightful lessons for all of us.

The beautiful way Alaska was described made me think of the world that God created for us to enjoy and explore. The authors really had their hands full at times with mishaps and misunderstandings. Along their journey, they experienced surprises, answered prayers and a closer relationship with God. I loved the story about them praying for a table. God really answered their prayer that day with three tables. He knew what they needed and gave them exactly what they needed. The best part of the story is how they talked about God "uses broken , used up people to carry out His plans." The tables they were blessed with were not new, but to them it was perfect. Do we dismiss people because they look less than perfect to us? We need to learn to trust God and not discard what we think is unusable .

Each chapter is filled with adventure and a reference to a story from the Bible along with scriptures. There was one story that really made me think about myself. One of the author's was talking about being bullied as a child because of his weight. I was teased as a child because I was so thin kids called me toothpick. I was very shy and hated everything about myself. Through his story I truly understood what it meant to see others the way Jesus does. I loved when he said," But the great truth is that we no longer have to look at ourselves the way the world does. We only need look at ourselves the way God does. And He thinks we're super. " Thank you for writing a book that is funny and teaches us to rely on God.

I received this book from Book Fun.org and the option to leave my honest opinion of it was up to me.

[Daphne Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a lighthearted and self-depreciating humor, I found myself giggling and most times laughing out loud--loud enough to wake my sleeping cat that hogged my side of the bed. Between the humor and words of wisdom, each chapter contained a story that was more relevant to a Christian in any walk of life no matter if we're from Alaska or not. I could visualize each scene and at times predict what would happen. And that made it an even merrier read.

This book doesn't give black-n-white stories. It is chocked full of tie-dyed testimonies. Poignant reminders of Biblical truths that a reader is sure to highlight brings to light a refreshing and real look at life. God doesn't want perfect people. He wants us. And Torry Martin reiterates that time and time again.

From crouching sin to the blindness to of the 21st century people to neon orange facial hair, these truths are spoken about in a heartwarming and delightful manner.

I came away with quite a few quotes that spoke to me and I copied them down. I discovered new ways to look at things and people. And I felt a kinship with the author--for many reasons.

I also learned more about how life intersects with another--from Air1 to Adventures in Odyssey, but I'll leave that for you to discover. And you'll enjoy discovering it, too.

If I learned anything else from this book is that at times I'm a salmon ghost fish, I relate to the hippies, the misfits, and the weirdoes, and I suffer from "comparative worthistis", too. But it's all okay because God molded me. I, just like you, am His peculiar treasure.

***I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and complete review***

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Comedian-Actor Torry Martin shares an honest, hilarious look at the years he spent living in the wilderness of Alaska. There he came to faith in Jesus and found a new direction for his life. Every chapter contains stories of his adventures of faith and folly in the frozen tundra. Torry ‘s Costello-like antics usually involved his Abbott-counterpart, his roommate and best friend Rob Browning.
I loved how he recognized the hand of God working in every area of his life no matter how small. His reminder to pray about everything and trust God to lead stood out as one of the themes in his book. Torry is not afraid to admit he is ADHD and OCD. Learning to love himself because God loves him brought every story to a high point. Some of his chapters take little side trails before returning to the main story, which at times almost caused me to lose the spiritual application at the chapter’s end. Because I had the privilege of meeting the man, I can say the rabbit trails are so Torry.
I enjoyed learning through the eyes of a newbie Alaskan about life in a place I’d never been. So cool. Definitely do not want to live in a tiny cabin surrounded by bears, moose and Artic winds.
Of Moose and Men encourages believers to embrace their uniqueness. Torry Martin’s description of being a child of God sounds so much more delightful than one might hear from a pulpit. Get this book. Read, Laugh, Pray. Then share it with anyone who thinks they aren’t worthy of God’s love.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torry Martin is one crazy guy. This book is filled with his crazy adventures, mostly in Alaska and finally in his move to Tennessee.

Many of the Alaska adventures deal with wildlife. For example, there was a moose outside of his cabin. Martin decided to feed it carrots through the kitchen window. While he went back to the fridge to get more carrots, the moose stuck its head through the window and its antlers got stuck. In a panic, the moose ultimately pulled out the window, frame and all. The moose was seen running off with the window frame hung around its neck.

Martin became a Christian while in Alaska. He finds a spiritual lesson in every event and adds it to the end of each of his tales. He writes, “...I can even find a parable in bear guts.” (128)

Martin and his co-author have written stories for children. Martin for Focus on the Family and Peterson for Veggie Tales. It shows in this book in that the writing style is suitable for young people. While the events that happen are of interest to adults, sophisticated readers may find the prose a bit elemental.

This would be a good book for readers who like slap stick style humor. There are good spiritual lessons drawn from Martin's crazy experiences so this might be a book that could be given to a nonbeliever interested in the wilds of Alaska.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Rebekah Gyger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple years ago, I was able to hear Torry Martin speak at a conference and I remember his lesson being one of my favorites that year. He was funny and his advice was practical. So when I saw this book up for review, I knew instantly that I wanted to read it. And am I ever glad that I did.


Of Moose and Men is a hilarious read. Torry's sense of humor shines through in every story that he tells, and I flipped through the pages faster than I would have imagined. Yet each chapter ends with a serious moment, where Torry explains just why he told that story and the lesson that he learned from it. The scriptures and insights he gives are powerful, and the simplicity of the moments God used in his life truly spoke to me.


There is a lot to think about with this book: what things we deem important or else take for granted, and how we interact with God in our everyday lives. I appreciate Torry's honesty as well as his wit when telling of his past, even though there were some moments that made me cringe. I highly recommend this, even for those who don't normally read non-fiction, as Torry Martin's (and Doug Peterson's) way of writing is easy to follow and very relatable.


I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of this book through the Book Fun Network.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed until I cried and I cried.

Of Men and Moose is a collection of stories about Torry Martin and his friend Robert Browning and their exploits in the “Frozen Frontier” of Alaska. Torry left his life as an actor in LA, and along with Robert, set out on a quest for adventure in Alaska. Boy, did they find it! Many times Robert was the voice of reason and rescued Torry, but lest you think all the mishaps were Torry’s, rest assured Robert had his fair share.

Torry's ability to take a somewhat unusual story (at least for those of us who have never lived in or visited Alaska) and turn it into a hilarious account is a true gift. However, he doesn’t stop there; each of his stories ends with a Biblical application and perspicacity.

I can’t remember the last time I read a book that was so funny, yet so full of wisdom and spiritual insight, one that so aptly shows the need for humor and humility in our lives.
Of Moose and Men is a delightful book, sure to be enjoyed by both men and women (perhaps a Father’s Day gift).

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing better than reading Torry Martin's book, Of Moose and Men, is hearing Torry Martin tell some of these stories in person -- and I've done that, too. So all the while I'm speed-reading these hilarious escapades, I'm hearing Martin's voice in my head and laughing out loud. And then I'm telling my husband he has to read the book -- and sitting next to him while he reads the book and laughs out loud, too. And yes, Martin weaves spiritual truth into the chapters, but it's done in the most natural way, just as he does it when he's up on stage, speaking to an audience at a conference. Torry Martin is himself, whether he's in "speaking" mode or "writing" mode. I can't wait to buy more copies of Of Moose and Men and share them with my friends and family!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so much better than I expected it to be. While I assumed that the stories would be funny, I didn't expect the author to tie all his Alaskan mishaps up neatly with a Christian message. The depth of his commitment to living as a Christian is truly inspiring and his messages rival some by the most famous Christian writers I have come to enjoy reading.

I highly recommend this book. I hope to find more books by him.

[Lauren Yarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: Excessive laughing can be painful

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually review non-fiction; I love a story. But when I stumbled upon a blog post about Of Moose and Men: Lost And Found in Alaska by Torry Martin and Doug Peterson, I knew I had to include it in my reading research for my trip to Alaska. This book featuring stories of Martin’s time in Alaska is laugh-out-loud funny, but contains deep spiritual truths as well. The subtitle definitely describes some of Martin’s misadventures, but also describes the deepening relationship with God he experienced along the way. I read a story a day as part of my quiet time. Each chapter brightened my day while providing food for thought. So if you want something a little light and a whole lot different, check out Of Moose And Men.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

[Stacey Hammerle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because sometimes I just need a good belly-busting laugh to the point I can't breathe.

I was given this book by my father-in-law who bought it from the library. It wasn't what he expected and "it has a lot of religious references" so he thought I might like it. I almost peed my pants reading the preface!

Not only does the author offer humor in his stories from his ordinary, everyday, walking around life, he also connects those stories to biblical truth. This book echoes God's promise of His faithfulness in pursuing His people. I smile knowing He used this book to reach out to my father-in-law.

If you are looking for good laugh wrapped in biblical truth with real life application, I highly recommend Of Moose and Men.

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really quite funy. But what I like the most is that author Torry Martin is very vulnerable here, sharing his true self, including his own failures, funny and even embarrasing moments for all to see - to see that God love us exactly the way we are. Author himself admits he has some kind of social phobia, which akes this soul-baring honesty even more precious.

Sure, the writing could use an experienced editor for some polishing. Yes, some of the short devotionals at the end of the chapters are too word-to-word explaining (but this is my personal preference).
Yet such frankness and vulnerability are very precious.

[Jjohn_galt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim, looking for something in the "autobiographical retelling of life lessons learned in amusing ways" genre. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. The author managed to survive in Alaska for several years despite any wilderness experience and an apparent lack of common sense. Mr. Martin has a gift for turning his personal foibles into humorous stories, which are funny enough to make my kids laugh out loud.

The big and pleasant surprise is that Mr. Martin is writing from an explicitly Christian perspective, and uses many of the anecdotes to talk about his spiritual journey or to draw out practical lessons for the reader.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Torry Martin could get into so many antics--and only he could find such deep spiritual meaning in them! Laugh along as he invites a moose into his kitchen, ties himself to his car door, gets dive-bombed by mad birds, and freezes himself to the floor of his cabin. Then appreciate the message he shares of God's amazing desire and willingness to transform even the least of us into His own image and then use us to further His kingdom.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a laugh with their morning coffee as well as a sweet spiritual reminder for the day.

[Laura Hiebenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The craziest, most unbelievable things seem to happen to the author when he moves to Alaska. These events would be funny enough as they are (ie: inviting a reindeer into your kitchen?), but he writes about them with sharp, effective, self-deprecating humor. And best of all, at the end of each chapter, he sees how each experience becomes a parable or metaphor for God's work in his life or for his relationship with Christ. It's not preachy--it's good storytelling with a message that can apply to everyone's life.

[Laura Hiebenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The craziest, most unbelievable things seem to happen to the author when he moves to Alaska. These events would be funny enough as they are (ie: inviting a reindeer into your kitchen?), but he writes about them with sharp, effective, self-deprecating humor. And best of all, at the end of each chapter, he sees how each experience becomes a parable or metaphor for God's work in his life or for his relationship with Christ. It's not preachy--it's good storytelling with a message that can apply to everyone's life.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biographical presentation will have you laughing aloud and thinking about Abbott and Costello or the Three Stooges. It will also give you an idea of daily life in rural Alaska. Torry has quite a story to tell, and Doug Peterson knows how to get it onto to paper for the reader's pleasure.

It's a great read for men who love the outdoors, or anyone who needs some good belly laughs.

Hope Irvin Marston, award winning author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 Nominee.

[Sheri Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and on point

Some of these stories made me laugh so hard I nearly choked, but the tie in to scripture and a point of view showing God in every situation is amazing beyond words. I, too, have run around with a prayer post-it, waiting for God's answer. I have, however, never had so much joy reading someone's testimony! I have to read this again! I hope it becomes a classic in Christian literature!

[Sandra Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read.
1) It's hilarious.
2) It's overflowing with solid spiritual Truth.
3) The writing is strong enough to pull my brain away from its incessant mulling long enough for me to fall asleep . . . and that's a compliment. HONEST.
Thanks, Torry for sharing the trials and joys of life so transparently.
Thanks, Doug for putting up with Torry as you put this title together. :-D
May God bless you both. Amen

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute delight to read. Every chapter is a new story with a new lesson. I laughed out loud so many times while reading about the author's antics and adventures. I highly recommend this book for anyone who would enjoy a lighthearted but poignant anthology of life lessons.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Apriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m guessing I didn’t read the whole description of this book otherwise I wouldn’t have bought it. I love reading about people braving the elements and finding themselves but I don’t generally read Christian books. That being said the writing wasn’t bad (I skipped the Jesus parts) though I would have liked a little more back story about the author before he went to Alaska and why he moved. Overall it was an ok book. If you’re into Jesus I’m sure you’ll get more out of it than I did.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. It is a great tale of two men in Alaska. They are not always prepared for what happens (i.e. a moose sticking its head in the kitchen window) but they always find a way. That is mainly because they are believers in God and that makes a difference. I do recommend this book for the adventures these men have in Alaska and other places as well. It is well worth your time and you will laugh and shed a tear as well. Best of all you will find that God is Good!

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because every chapter was a different adventure filled with life experience and God’s word. The author wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself and his shortcomings. Great humility to bring the points across. I’m looking forward to the new book “The call of the mild” which I’m starting tomorrow.