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Carry On: Stan Zuray's Journey from Boston Greaser to Alaskan Homesteader
In 1960s inner city Boston, Stan Zuray had no future. As the Vietnam war took more and more of his friends, and many of those who returned sank further into drugs and despair, Stan looked for meaning and found nothing. His life's purpose lay thirty-three hundred miles northwest, deep in the Tozitna River Valley in the heart of Alaska's frozen interior.
Deadly cold, famine, grizzly bears, and one unruly sled dog with a grudge kept Stan on the knife's edge between survival and death. Humbled by the power of nature, the Boston greaser who was destined for prison found a new life in the wild, where one mistake can prove fatal. This is the true story of Stan Zuray's incredible journey; the reformation of a man's heart and mind in the forbidding darkness of Alaska's endless winter.
Deadly cold, famine, grizzly bears, and one unruly sled dog with a grudge kept Stan on the knife's edge between survival and death. Humbled by the power of nature, the Boston greaser who was destined for prison found a new life in the wild, where one mistake can prove fatal. This is the true story of Stan Zuray's incredible journey; the reformation of a man's heart and mind in the forbidding darkness of Alaska's endless winter.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2017
149 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Tim Attewell
8 books10 followersAttewell’s physiology underwent development in a lush, beautiful tourist destination known as Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. While there, he managed to express his first stories with clay animation, flash cartoons, and short movies that starred various faculty members and students from his school.
It wasn’t until he survived a lengthy bout against studying at film school, working on Hollywood movie sets, and producing survival-based reality T.V. that he found his true passion: typing.
Attewell’s work is all over the place; a veritable smorgasbord of genres and interests. He seems to have a thing for detectives, science fiction, and comedy, but he also has a dark side, which he routinely wishes upon his many enemies.
In addition to his body of fictional work, Attewell apparently took the time to document the life of a real human being, who somehow survived existence as an Alaskan homesteader. Attewell creatively refers to this Amazon Bestseller as an “adventure biography.”
Today, Attewell lives in Los Angeles, California with a wonderful lady who he forces to repeatedly read all of his work. Attewell’s favorite sport is pacing around his apartment, but he primarily focuses on spinning around in his broken office chair until books magically appear on his computer screen.
It wasn’t until he survived a lengthy bout against studying at film school, working on Hollywood movie sets, and producing survival-based reality T.V. that he found his true passion: typing.
Attewell’s work is all over the place; a veritable smorgasbord of genres and interests. He seems to have a thing for detectives, science fiction, and comedy, but he also has a dark side, which he routinely wishes upon his many enemies.
In addition to his body of fictional work, Attewell apparently took the time to document the life of a real human being, who somehow survived existence as an Alaskan homesteader. Attewell creatively refers to this Amazon Bestseller as an “adventure biography.”
Today, Attewell lives in Los Angeles, California with a wonderful lady who he forces to repeatedly read all of his work. Attewell’s favorite sport is pacing around his apartment, but he primarily focuses on spinning around in his broken office chair until books magically appear on his computer screen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 4, 2017
This book is a fascinating introduction into just how much one needs to know to survive life in the far north -- at least what it was like before Global Warming came along. In that sense, it is an important prologue to the fantastic TV show "Yukon Men."
My husband and I ran into Stan and Kathleen a few weeks ago at an airport, and we totally fanned out. I still feel really warm and happy when I think about meeting Stan, who was just like he was on tv. Friendly, thoughtful, and curious. Reading the book confirmed my feeling that he's the real deal.
I think Tim Attewell did a beautiful job with describing scene in the book. In another set of hands, some of these stories which don't have Hollywood endings might have been boring. But in Attewell's hands they are fascinating and meaningful.
Meanwhile, I'm writing a talk today about my life as a Black woman physicist, and I'm going to be quoting Stan: "Perseverance Furthers."
My husband and I ran into Stan and Kathleen a few weeks ago at an airport, and we totally fanned out. I still feel really warm and happy when I think about meeting Stan, who was just like he was on tv. Friendly, thoughtful, and curious. Reading the book confirmed my feeling that he's the real deal.
I think Tim Attewell did a beautiful job with describing scene in the book. In another set of hands, some of these stories which don't have Hollywood endings might have been boring. But in Attewell's hands they are fascinating and meaningful.
Meanwhile, I'm writing a talk today about my life as a Black woman physicist, and I'm going to be quoting Stan: "Perseverance Furthers."
May 4, 2017
Stan IS the man
How do you take a break from the story of Stan? Seriously. There is no way to put down this book. To say he has lived a colorful and adventurous life is not doing it justice. I missed my train stop because I was so engrossed in his life. And my stop is the end of the line.
Tim Attewell does a superb job of putting you right there at Stan's side as he perseveres through his truly unique life. You can tell that the author and subject are good friends and have spent many nights getting this story to perfection.
My only question is when does the movie come out?!
How do you take a break from the story of Stan? Seriously. There is no way to put down this book. To say he has lived a colorful and adventurous life is not doing it justice. I missed my train stop because I was so engrossed in his life. And my stop is the end of the line.
Tim Attewell does a superb job of putting you right there at Stan's side as he perseveres through his truly unique life. You can tell that the author and subject are good friends and have spent many nights getting this story to perfection.
My only question is when does the movie come out?!
March 21, 2024
Good book
February 12, 2019
Another trip to Alaska
This is the story of a young man who left Boston, his home town, to spend the rest of his life in Alaska. The story is very authentic with all the struggles of a rookie in such a harsh environment. I don’t know the depth it takes to exceed the way Stan did. He didn’t do great things, just displayed the fortitude necessary to survive and then thrive as a normal person in a small village. I recommend the read.
This is the story of a young man who left Boston, his home town, to spend the rest of his life in Alaska. The story is very authentic with all the struggles of a rookie in such a harsh environment. I don’t know the depth it takes to exceed the way Stan did. He didn’t do great things, just displayed the fortitude necessary to survive and then thrive as a normal person in a small village. I recommend the read.
June 2, 2017
Come visit Tanana and meet a remarkable man among remarkable people!
We were so glad to find this book, written about someone we have grown to love and admire through one of our favorite TV shows "Yukon Men"
Each and every family there are interesting, hardworking, intelligent people living a life that requires great strength, fortitude and dedication just to exist and yet there is a peace and charm to their lives that we " outsiders" can only experience via the show. We can only wish for that kind of independence.
This is a well written book about a remarkable, humble man surrounded by authentic, remarkable people.
Enjoy the ride!
We were so glad to find this book, written about someone we have grown to love and admire through one of our favorite TV shows "Yukon Men"
Each and every family there are interesting, hardworking, intelligent people living a life that requires great strength, fortitude and dedication just to exist and yet there is a peace and charm to their lives that we " outsiders" can only experience via the show. We can only wish for that kind of independence.
This is a well written book about a remarkable, humble man surrounded by authentic, remarkable people.
Enjoy the ride!
May 29, 2021
I got to know Stan and his story on the show Yukon Men and was excited to find this book to learn more of his backstory. What he was able to accomplish with so little wilderness background, or sled dog experience, is amazing! Some of what he endured and the choices he had to make were heartbreaking. I don't know that I could have done what he was forced to do.
I wish there was more about his later life and his second family with Kathleen - those are the people who are featured on the show and I would love to know more about them.
If you are a fan of all things Alaska, as I am, this is one story you will certainly enjoy.
I wish there was more about his later life and his second family with Kathleen - those are the people who are featured on the show and I would love to know more about them.
If you are a fan of all things Alaska, as I am, this is one story you will certainly enjoy.
March 2, 2018
Action Packed
This was an action packed book. I chose this rating because of that. He lived a humbling lifestyle once he moved to Alaska. He had vision, timing and action- the three elements of success! There wasn't one thing I disliked about this book. He suffered a bit during his first winter but there were many people who were willing to help him and Charlotte. He persevered through every turmoil and built his character each time. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors should read this book! 😊
This was an action packed book. I chose this rating because of that. He lived a humbling lifestyle once he moved to Alaska. He had vision, timing and action- the three elements of success! There wasn't one thing I disliked about this book. He suffered a bit during his first winter but there were many people who were willing to help him and Charlotte. He persevered through every turmoil and built his character each time. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors should read this book! 😊
October 27, 2020
I seem to be on a "North to Alaska" kick 8). The first book I read was good but not necessarily great, but this, my second book, is excellent!
Stan Zuray is a man; had you known him in those early formative years, you would have guessed he would be going to jail, not Alaska. His path to Alaska was filled with self-discovery. Stan went from somewhat shy youngster to budding adolescent, to full-blown delinquent, to a hippie. As his self-awareness and internal compass strengthened, he hit the road, where he ended up in the small Canadian town of Manson. In Manson, residents had an impact on Stan's life that would change him forever. He had a mission, and that mission was to become an Alaskan homesteader. He made a short detour back to his hometown of Boston but never lost sight of his dream. After a couple of years, he hit the road. His story is inspiring and exciting. I developed an admiration that is unusual for me.
If you enjoy vicarious adventure, this is the book for you. I hesitate to say this, but if you have a teenager who seems to be driftless, encourage them to read this book.
Stan Zuray is a man; had you known him in those early formative years, you would have guessed he would be going to jail, not Alaska. His path to Alaska was filled with self-discovery. Stan went from somewhat shy youngster to budding adolescent, to full-blown delinquent, to a hippie. As his self-awareness and internal compass strengthened, he hit the road, where he ended up in the small Canadian town of Manson. In Manson, residents had an impact on Stan's life that would change him forever. He had a mission, and that mission was to become an Alaskan homesteader. He made a short detour back to his hometown of Boston but never lost sight of his dream. After a couple of years, he hit the road. His story is inspiring and exciting. I developed an admiration that is unusual for me.
If you enjoy vicarious adventure, this is the book for you. I hesitate to say this, but if you have a teenager who seems to be driftless, encourage them to read this book.
April 2, 2018
OK memoir but had a hard time relating. If I was going to get away from it all - the last place I would go is Alaska. Just couldn't take the cold and reading about Stan's experiences in the Alaskan outback didn't change my mind on that one bit. So as a story of getting away from it all - persevering forward - and changing your life to a simpler, but more self-reliant one ---- then this was a good story. And I liked the stories about dogs and sledding as well. Learned quite a bit. But the cold, the hunting and fishing - the so hard survival. That part not so much for me. Definitely respect what he did but no desire to follow in his foot steps.
May 29, 2017
I think it's safe to say that this book changed the way I look at life. Stan's journey through life, battling hardships and learning how to survive through trial and error, are not only inspiring but entertaining. Attewell does a phenomenal job capturing Stan's story and spirit in a way that is both easy to read and very relatable. I simply couldn't put the book down. Once I received my advanced copy, I read the whole book in one sitting. It's a must read!
June 20, 2018
I have to say this book helped me see more into Stan and what his life was like before the show. I found the book a page turner. So informative that's for sure. I felt as if I was sitting there with Tim and Stan and having them tell the story to me. Really enjoyed this book and I know I will reread it more than just once. I do recommend this book especially if you are a fan of the show and a fan of Stan's which I am.
May 29, 2017
A real page turner
I was so happy to hear about this book and was not at all disappointed. From the very first page to the last, I was captivated by Stan's journey, his accomplishments, his attitude, and above all the toughness it took to survive. This book us well written and a real testament to Stan Zurray's tenacious, tough-as-nails life.
I was so happy to hear about this book and was not at all disappointed. From the very first page to the last, I was captivated by Stan's journey, his accomplishments, his attitude, and above all the toughness it took to survive. This book us well written and a real testament to Stan Zurray's tenacious, tough-as-nails life.
April 26, 2020
Inspirational Read
I've read countless books about people living of grid for a while, Stan Zuray does it for real, some of the obstacles this guy over comes just to put food on the table are incredible. How these people survive month after month, year after year make fascinating reading. A fantastic book, once started you will find it hard to put down.
I've read countless books about people living of grid for a while, Stan Zuray does it for real, some of the obstacles this guy over comes just to put food on the table are incredible. How these people survive month after month, year after year make fascinating reading. A fantastic book, once started you will find it hard to put down.
May 8, 2017
I was lucky enough to be given an advance copy of 'Carry On'. I've seen 'Yukon Men' a couple times, but the story of Stan Zuray goes so much deeper. The author, Tim Attewell, gives an intimate profile of Stan as he grows from a disillusioned young man into a rustic hero of the frontier. There are incredible moments in which Attewell envelops you into the story so vividly you might need to throw on a parka and snowshoes.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
July 5, 2017
Wonderfulbook
Loved the book and seeing Stan's life unfold in this book! Love watching the TV series but the book tells the story of hardships and over coming things that most would have walked away from. Thanks Stan for sharing your incredible life's journey with us!
Loved the book and seeing Stan's life unfold in this book! Love watching the TV series but the book tells the story of hardships and over coming things that most would have walked away from. Thanks Stan for sharing your incredible life's journey with us!
March 31, 2019
Great, hard to put down easy read.
Inspirational book that has a lot of really good lessons that are applicable to everyone who has a small struggle that they might percive as a major obstacle in life.
Inspirational book that has a lot of really good lessons that are applicable to everyone who has a small struggle that they might percive as a major obstacle in life.
June 9, 2019
An Exciting Ride!!!
What a wonderful book!! Ive always wanted to live in the Alaskan wilderness, now i feel like i have. Thank you for this look into your life, you are an inspiration to us all!
What a wonderful book!! Ive always wanted to live in the Alaskan wilderness, now i feel like i have. Thank you for this look into your life, you are an inspiration to us all!
January 6, 2020
I was hoping to read a story about how Stan survived and turned his plot of land into a homestead. While there is some of that, it seemed mostly like a collection of memories from his life. It was entertaining, just not what I thought it would be.
February 8, 2020
One of the top ten Alaska books to read!
Stan always a humble star on Yukon Men but there was always a mystery behind his past. All is revealed in this wonderful, honest look at one of life's grandest men. Thanks Stan for keeping it all real.
Stan always a humble star on Yukon Men but there was always a mystery behind his past. All is revealed in this wonderful, honest look at one of life's grandest men. Thanks Stan for keeping it all real.
January 21, 2021
Great book about one mans adventure,life itself......
Stan is bigger than life and has lived more in 65 years than most men ever get the chance to.The freedom and adventure that Alaska offers to those willing to risk it all.Well written.A page turner for sure
Stan is bigger than life and has lived more in 65 years than most men ever get the chance to.The freedom and adventure that Alaska offers to those willing to risk it all.Well written.A page turner for sure
November 1, 2021
Extraordinary read
Fascinating details of struggles to make a life in a land where they know they are destined to belong.
Fascinating details of the struggles it takes to make a life in a land where he knows he is destined to belong. Loved it!
Fascinating details of struggles to make a life in a land where they know they are destined to belong.
Fascinating details of the struggles it takes to make a life in a land where he knows he is destined to belong. Loved it!
May 11, 2017
Good information on Stan s life
Love the show and it was good to get further insight on Stan and how he came to Alaska to live
Love the show and it was good to get further insight on Stan and how he came to Alaska to live
July 1, 2017
Hip, Hip Zuray!
What a fantastic book, what a great story! How beautiful that Stan Zuray and Tim Attewell met to tell this story and write this book. 5-Stars well deserved.
What a fantastic book, what a great story! How beautiful that Stan Zuray and Tim Attewell met to tell this story and write this book. 5-Stars well deserved.
November 18, 2017
Good background
I enjoy Stan on "Yukon Men" and this book provides good background on him. I have a better appreciation of life in Alaska now.
I enjoy Stan on "Yukon Men" and this book provides good background on him. I have a better appreciation of life in Alaska now.
January 15, 2018
Honesty
Great,how this man ran his life to suit himself and stayed honest and loved by all who knew him.
Very refreshing to read .
Great,how this man ran his life to suit himself and stayed honest and loved by all who knew him.
Very refreshing to read .
January 29, 2019
You can't judge a man's experience with stars. Maybe in hearts. I love(d) this book.
June 10, 2019
Great book. Loved learning of where and what made Stan who he is today.
October 31, 2019
We've seen Stan do amazing things on TV, this book does a great job of detailing who the real Stan is, exposing his roots, successes and challenges.
March 21, 2020
Reading
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Hard to put down, I was up many late nights saying just one more page. Highly recommended
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Hard to put down, I was up many late nights saying just one more page. Highly recommended
January 27, 2021
Great book
Excellent read! Book was written in a way it felt like you were there! Would recommend this to anyone that wants to know about Alaskan life.
Excellent read! Book was written in a way it felt like you were there! Would recommend this to anyone that wants to know about Alaskan life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews