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Alaska Sourdough: The Story of Slim Williams
Clyde Charles “Slim” Williams (1881-1974) first arrived in Alaska in 1900 at the age of 19, looking for adventure. He spent the next three decades trapping, hunting, breeding dogs, and blazing trails throughout the frontier.The paths of two rugged adventurers crossed and the result is wonderful entertainment. Pioneer Alaska Sourdough Slim Williams told his life’s story to Dick Morenus, a city-bred man who had lived in the Canadian bush. Because both spoke the language of the North, this story captures the drama and thrills just as Slim experienced them. After reading Alaska Sourdough, you will be as glad as Dick and Slim are that they were fortunate enough to meet.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2011
56 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 9, 2012
Alaska Sourdough by Richard Morenus is probably one of my most favorite book of all time. It is a story about a man named "Slim" Williams who goes to Alaska during the gold rush. Finding that few people actually get rich off of gold, he decides to raise dogs and trap instead. Some of the main conflicts in the book are Slim battling starvation, hypothermia, conflict with Russian traders, and language barriers with the Inuit. Over all, I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks they can understand its somewhat complex storyline. This is because the setting and the storyline change a lot and can get somewhat confusing. But if you understand it, it is a great book about the Alaska gold rush, and I think it rivals other books like it like White Fang and Call of the Wild.
October 14, 2020
I read this after reading the book written by the sister of his first wife called Sisters. It contained the story of two sisters in Alaska. One was married to Slim Williams for 6 years in Alaska. I thought there would be more about them in this book. There was not. Because Slim had remarried, no mention was made of his first wife in this biography. I found that so disheartening. He never moved his new wife to Alaska because even though she wanted to go, Slim, I think, had learned that a woman had a hard time in that cold, dark , lonely existence that he loved. This book continued to tell about his adventures there in Alaska, though, and I enjoyed that very much. Many of the stories were similar to the ones the sisters told....but left their existence out... which put the whole story into question for me.
August 25, 2023
Amazing story and a fun read
Whenever I learn about people that explored, made a life in the wilderness (and thrived) I am amazed by what one can accomplish. Slim Williams is one of the most skilled outdoorsmans I have ever come across. Truly amazing adventures.... if you have any interest in the history of our country and the people who settled Alaska, this book is a must read!
Whenever I learn about people that explored, made a life in the wilderness (and thrived) I am amazed by what one can accomplish. Slim Williams is one of the most skilled outdoorsmans I have ever come across. Truly amazing adventures.... if you have any interest in the history of our country and the people who settled Alaska, this book is a must read!
December 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book .It is a true adventure memoir told in the vernacular of the central character without interrupting the flow of narrative and highlighting Alaska skills and true adventures.
I recommend this book for a pleasurable read it for anyone interested in true North American history of early Alaska settlement.
I recommend this book for a pleasurable read it for anyone interested in true North American history of early Alaska settlement.
October 24, 2024
Alaskan Wilderness Life in the Early 20th Century
The recounting of the extraordinary life of the remarkable “Slim” Williams, explorer, trapper/hunter, bush life expert, dog musher deluxe and lecturer. What an amazing journey it was reading this and learning about the challenges facing one in this period. What an extraordinary time and people!
The recounting of the extraordinary life of the remarkable “Slim” Williams, explorer, trapper/hunter, bush life expert, dog musher deluxe and lecturer. What an amazing journey it was reading this and learning about the challenges facing one in this period. What an extraordinary time and people!
October 13, 2019
I related to the dog challenges Great job!
I raised beagles as hunting dogs ,all ways looking for those same outstanding trates in mating pairs to be reproduced in offspring ,nose intelligence and most of all HEART.
I raised beagles as hunting dogs ,all ways looking for those same outstanding trates in mating pairs to be reproduced in offspring ,nose intelligence and most of all HEART.
November 6, 2019
A very enjoyable and well written account of a conscientious
And responsible man always willing to lend a hand and be available in any and all situations.This man loved dogs and this became the reason he found a loving wife
and the answer to his dreams.
And responsible man always willing to lend a hand and be available in any and all situations.This man loved dogs and this became the reason he found a loving wife
and the answer to his dreams.
April 28, 2020
Review of Alaska Sourdough
This story caught my attention because I enjoy a good wilderness experience. Slim had just the right personality to be successful in the wilderness--curiosity, determination to complete a task, and an appreciation of living each day. Great writing!
This story caught my attention because I enjoy a good wilderness experience. Slim had just the right personality to be successful in the wilderness--curiosity, determination to complete a task, and an appreciation of living each day. Great writing!
May 5, 2020
Another Morenus Winner
I've enjoined reading his earlier works and enjoyed this as well. It's not often that you can be so quickly transported from the here and now back in time to what took place far away in and earlier age I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
I've enjoined reading his earlier works and enjoyed this as well. It's not often that you can be so quickly transported from the here and now back in time to what took place far away in and earlier age I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
June 15, 2020
Well written
The detail was excellent how Alaska was described was outstanding made you feel as though you were there at times. Could have gone on to read a lot more thought the ending was a bit abrupt
The detail was excellent how Alaska was described was outstanding made you feel as though you were there at times. Could have gone on to read a lot more thought the ending was a bit abrupt
June 26, 2020
Very interesting and well written. I would recommend this book to all who like adventure and excitement.
I chose this rating because how it was written and it kept your excitement for the next adventure he would take on.
I chose this rating because how it was written and it kept your excitement for the next adventure he would take on.
October 23, 2020
Great book!!!
This book describes some of the history of Alaska that many Alaskans don't know . Should be a required book in Alaskan schools to give students an insight to the opening up of our state.
This book describes some of the history of Alaska that many Alaskans don't know . Should be a required book in Alaskan schools to give students an insight to the opening up of our state.
January 7, 2021
Wonderful Adventures
I love all things Alaska and this book is no exception. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend. I especially loved Slim's experiment in breeding wolves to dogs and how he began that whole process.
I love all things Alaska and this book is no exception. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend. I especially loved Slim's experiment in breeding wolves to dogs and how he began that whole process.
December 28, 2021
A well written true adventure story and a life that no one will duplicate.
A well written true adventure story and a life that no one will ever duplicate. I have recommended it already.
A well written true adventure story and a life that no one will ever duplicate. I have recommended it already.
January 14, 2022
Unbelievably remarkable man!
What a great book! Slim in enjoy the tremendously
fulfilling life. Read some things on Wikipedia about him also. He did accomplish many things and let a remarkable life.
What a great book! Slim in enjoy the tremendously
fulfilling life. Read some things on Wikipedia about him also. He did accomplish many things and let a remarkable life.
February 24, 2023
Interesting
Not quite a biography. Especially the early pages are often fanciful . Some escapades are not really believable. He couldn't have been the superman described. Yet amid the stories, and lots of sorting, a larger picture ofAlaska emerges.
Not quite a biography. Especially the early pages are often fanciful . Some escapades are not really believable. He couldn't have been the superman described. Yet amid the stories, and lots of sorting, a larger picture ofAlaska emerges.
December 29, 2023
I found this book fascinating, to envision the life that Slim Williams led is quite incredible. The book is well written and kept me looking forward to each time I picked it up for a read.
Highly recommend, especially if one is passionate about living in the mountains.
Highly recommend, especially if one is passionate about living in the mountains.
September 29, 2019
Great Read
Could hardly wait for the next chance to pick it up and read more. An excellent story interspersed with facts about Alaska.
Could hardly wait for the next chance to pick it up and read more. An excellent story interspersed with facts about Alaska.
October 27, 2019
Great book
This book is easy to read. Once you start to read it you won't want to put it down. Enjoy
This book is easy to read. Once you start to read it you won't want to put it down. Enjoy
November 12, 2019
Great book
Easy but very interesting reading. The book moves right along and does not feel boring in any part. Highly recommended.
Easy but very interesting reading. The book moves right along and does not feel boring in any part. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2020
True adventure reading
If you love non-fiction, true adventure stories, then this is the book for you! Brings the rugged Alaskan wilderness to life!
If you love non-fiction, true adventure stories, then this is the book for you! Brings the rugged Alaskan wilderness to life!
March 8, 2020
Fascinating
This and "crazy white man are quite possibly the best stories about adventure i have ever read! I felt like i have experienced the wilderness in a personal way.
This and "crazy white man are quite possibly the best stories about adventure i have ever read! I felt like i have experienced the wilderness in a personal way.
March 17, 2020
a great read and a happy ending for slim
May 7, 2020
Exciting read.
This book allows you to experience the Alaska of the early 20th century and feel the toughness & resolve it took to exist and thrive in the environment.
This book allows you to experience the Alaska of the early 20th century and feel the toughness & resolve it took to exist and thrive in the environment.
May 9, 2020
Excellent story
Wow, what a story. It is hard to believe one person could have that many adventures, I would also recommend “Crazy White Man” by the same author.
Wow, what a story. It is hard to believe one person could have that many adventures, I would also recommend “Crazy White Man” by the same author.
July 3, 2020
Wonderful book, Hated to see it end.
October 13, 2020
Excellent read
Easy reading. Slim had the guts to follow his heart. True pioneer. Would recommend to anyone who loves adventure. Thanks
Easy reading. Slim had the guts to follow his heart. True pioneer. Would recommend to anyone who loves adventure. Thanks
December 19, 2020
Good story
Story of a man living his dreams. I wish I had been there. Alaska and Australia two of my favorite places.
Story of a man living his dreams. I wish I had been there. Alaska and Australia two of my favorite places.
January 8, 2022
Great Book
Well written and sympathetically retold.
What a life Slim had. Would have loved to see some photos but available through google search.
Well written and sympathetically retold.
What a life Slim had. Would have loved to see some photos but available through google search.
May 25, 2022
Very Interesting
I found the story of Slim Williams very interesting. I truly makes one realize how tough it was to like like he did and how easy we have it today.
I found the story of Slim Williams very interesting. I truly makes one realize how tough it was to like like he did and how easy we have it today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews