Arctic Circle: Birth and Rebirth in the Land of the Caribou

by Robert Leonard Reid

An account of the arduous journey the Arctic caribou undertake to give birth to their young.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read nothing about adventuring into the Arctic Circle, I thought this book was interesting as you followed one man's dream to follow the caribou from their wintering to their summering/birthing grounds. Easy, fast travel read. Best read during a great winter season while snowing and blowing outside - ha!!

[Godine Publisher & Black Sparrow Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Reid's yearning for the Arctic crystallized when he met Fred Meader in 1977. A homesteader living deep in the Alaskan wilderness, Meader was in California speaking about the environmental toll of oil drilling and advocating for protection of the magnificent Brooks Range. Because of heart-rending losses and tribulations, it took Reid many years to reach Alaska, and he now chronicles his bittersweet journeys in a meditative, affecting, and funny tale of adventure and revelation. Reid's big desire was to witness the great migration of the Porcupine caribou herd (named for the Porcupine River), which for thousands of years has made an unbelievably arduous annual trek to a coastal plain, where female caribous give birth and care for their young. As Reid recounts his Arctic sojourns with awe, lyricism, and bemusement, he subtly interlaces inner and outer worlds and traces the circles of struggle and understanding, life and death. Spectacular descriptions, charming wit, and forthright reflections on what makes a place sacred become striking testimony to the importance of the Arctic wild and the need to preserve it."
—Donna Seaman, Booklist

"What Reid finds in the Arctic is a world that transcends easy definition. He guides us through his experiences in a book which is part memoir, part spiritual quest, and part adventure story, with a healthy dose of natural history. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good travelogue or memoir, and the engaging blend of spiritual and scientific elements ensure a broad appeal."
—ForeWord Magazine

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as a first read. It is an interesting story of one man's modern exploration of the Arctic revolving around witnessing Caribou on their yearly migration. It was well written and engaging. I particularly like how Reid contrasted his expectations of the Arctic from the many books that he had read over the years with his actual experience. He also emphasizes the timeliness of his excursion, with the possibility of the Caribou's epic migration being disrupted by oil drilling. Hopefully he won't be the last to witness the this incredible journey.

[Laura S Segal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philosophy lessons galore, along with environmentalism and simplistic life. Beautifully written. I had my world atlas at the ready in order to follow the author's tracks in the Yukon and Alaska. Almost makes me want to go up there in the spring, or deadly mosquito season!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun reading for anyon who likes NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC or OUTSIDE magazine.

[Connie Kronlokken]

Really liked Reid's writing, journalistic, but doesn't stint on his feelings.