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The Call of the Last Frontier: The True Story of a Woman's Twenty-Year Alaska Adventure
"I went to Alaska searching for a job and found an adventure!" —Melissa L. Cook
It’s all here—living in bush Alaska, fighting off men, packing a pistol for bear protection, suffering the ravages of weather, flying with white-knuckled fear, facing down hundred-mile an hour winds as well as fearing erupting volcanoes. And that’s only part of their journey. You had to be there. Oh, wait. Melissa’s book takes you there.
In 1995, Melissa Cook and her young family moved to the tiny village of Nelson Lagoon on the Bering Sea coast and later to Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest, where they measured rain in feet. She discovered humor in unique situations found only in the Last Frontier. Her true story captures the essence of bush life, intriguing neighbors, and life with multiple sclerosis. Historical tidbits are sprinkled throughout this riveting tale where adventure arrived on the Cook’s doorstep daily for 20 years in this world of few luxuries or conveniences. This tale is sure to delight Alaska adventure fans.
"This book helped me live adventures I'll never have but desperately want.” —Aaron Linsdau, Polar Explorer, best-selling of author of Antarctic Tears
“A well-written and accurate description of the raw edge of Alaska. A phenomenal read with a goosebump ending.” —Larry Kaniut, best-selling author of the Alaska Bear Tales Series
“An inspiring story of strength and grit.” —Ann Parker, best-selling author of Follow Me to Alaska
Western Horizon Award Winner
High Plains Book Award Finalist
It’s all here—living in bush Alaska, fighting off men, packing a pistol for bear protection, suffering the ravages of weather, flying with white-knuckled fear, facing down hundred-mile an hour winds as well as fearing erupting volcanoes. And that’s only part of their journey. You had to be there. Oh, wait. Melissa’s book takes you there.
In 1995, Melissa Cook and her young family moved to the tiny village of Nelson Lagoon on the Bering Sea coast and later to Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest, where they measured rain in feet. She discovered humor in unique situations found only in the Last Frontier. Her true story captures the essence of bush life, intriguing neighbors, and life with multiple sclerosis. Historical tidbits are sprinkled throughout this riveting tale where adventure arrived on the Cook’s doorstep daily for 20 years in this world of few luxuries or conveniences. This tale is sure to delight Alaska adventure fans.
"This book helped me live adventures I'll never have but desperately want.” —Aaron Linsdau, Polar Explorer, best-selling of author of Antarctic Tears
“A well-written and accurate description of the raw edge of Alaska. A phenomenal read with a goosebump ending.” —Larry Kaniut, best-selling author of the Alaska Bear Tales Series
“An inspiring story of strength and grit.” —Ann Parker, best-selling author of Follow Me to Alaska
Western Horizon Award Winner
High Plains Book Award Finalist
342 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2021
283 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Melissa L. Cook
4 books15 followersMelissa L. Cook is the author of the award-winning "The Call of the Last Frontier." She continues to write stories about her remote Alaska life on the blog "Alaska Bush Life" and her multiple sclerosis story on www.MSsymptoms.me with links found on her author page.
Melissa grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and Tucson, Arizona, before moving to Burlington, Wyoming, where she married Elgin Cook. Together they raised three boys in bush Alaska while working as teachers and school district administrators. Melissa completed her undergraduate work (1993) and teaching degree (1994) at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. She earned master's degrees in educational technology (2002) and school administration (2007) from the University of Alaska.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000, Melissa learned to manage chronic illness while living remotely and eventually went on medical disability in 2011. Despite health issues, she blogged daily about life with MS on MSsymptoms.me and earned certifications as an EMR and then EMT. She volunteered for the Thorne Bay EMS (Prince of Wales Island, Alaska) until she and her husband retired and left the state in 2016.
Today, Melissa and Elgin reside in a small farming community in Wyoming. They have spent their retirement days Jeeping, writing books, traveling, building their home, and spending time with family. They create videos for their Wyoming Jeepers YouTube channel throughout the year. Melissa continues to volunteer for the local fire department, maintains her EMT certification, and serves on the Wyoming Writers, Inc. board.
Melissa Cook received the Western Horizon Award in June 2022 and is one of three finalists for the High Plains Award 2022 - the winner will be announced in October.
Melissa grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and Tucson, Arizona, before moving to Burlington, Wyoming, where she married Elgin Cook. Together they raised three boys in bush Alaska while working as teachers and school district administrators. Melissa completed her undergraduate work (1993) and teaching degree (1994) at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota. She earned master's degrees in educational technology (2002) and school administration (2007) from the University of Alaska.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000, Melissa learned to manage chronic illness while living remotely and eventually went on medical disability in 2011. Despite health issues, she blogged daily about life with MS on MSsymptoms.me and earned certifications as an EMR and then EMT. She volunteered for the Thorne Bay EMS (Prince of Wales Island, Alaska) until she and her husband retired and left the state in 2016.
Today, Melissa and Elgin reside in a small farming community in Wyoming. They have spent their retirement days Jeeping, writing books, traveling, building their home, and spending time with family. They create videos for their Wyoming Jeepers YouTube channel throughout the year. Melissa continues to volunteer for the local fire department, maintains her EMT certification, and serves on the Wyoming Writers, Inc. board.
Melissa Cook received the Western Horizon Award in June 2022 and is one of three finalists for the High Plains Award 2022 - the winner will be announced in October.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 5, 2022
It’s a rarity these days that I am so fascinated by a book. I average reading about 100 books a year, and this one really struck me as special. Told through the perspective of a young teacher who, with her husband and three sons, relocated to Alaska to teach. The entire book is one amazing story after another. I won’t spoil the story by recounting what happened, but you won’t be disappointed! Highly recommend!
September 20, 2024
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! It answered so many questions I had about what it would be like to teach in the Alaskan bush.
Melissa and Elgin were teachers in their late twenties with three young boys and struggling to make mortgage payments in Wyoming when they heard that Alaska was hiring 50 new teachers for the 1995 school year. When they arrived at the job hiring fair, they were shocked to discover that more than 1000 teachers had arrived looking for work. They were further dismayed when the superintendent announced:
“Welcome to the Alaska Teacher Placement Job Fair. If you are here in search of an adventure, go home! Alaska is looking for teachers, not adventure seekers!”
The book is split into three parts; one for each of their contracts over a twenty-year period.
Things that gave me pause:
✔️Advice given on their first night in their new home: “Stay clear of the windows at night. The guy across the street shoots his gun haphazardly when he’s drunk. If you hear shooting, duck.”
✔️“Try to explain the value of an education to a high school student earning more commercial fishing in six weeks than I did the whole year.”
✔️try asking a student to draw a tree in art class when they’ve never seen one; the closest is 160 miles NE
✔️students arrive at school in 4-wheelers, basketball teams fly in and out for games and going outside at recess isn’t because of the cold ~ up to 100mph winds means students could blow away!
✔️the importance of wearing Alaskan tennis shoes and cutting the seam off the bottom of each pair of new pants
I was truly sad when I finished reading this book and was prompted to find out what Elgin and Melissa are up to now. I highly recommend this Kindle Unlimited book.
Melissa and Elgin were teachers in their late twenties with three young boys and struggling to make mortgage payments in Wyoming when they heard that Alaska was hiring 50 new teachers for the 1995 school year. When they arrived at the job hiring fair, they were shocked to discover that more than 1000 teachers had arrived looking for work. They were further dismayed when the superintendent announced:
“Welcome to the Alaska Teacher Placement Job Fair. If you are here in search of an adventure, go home! Alaska is looking for teachers, not adventure seekers!”
The book is split into three parts; one for each of their contracts over a twenty-year period.
Things that gave me pause:
✔️Advice given on their first night in their new home: “Stay clear of the windows at night. The guy across the street shoots his gun haphazardly when he’s drunk. If you hear shooting, duck.”
✔️“Try to explain the value of an education to a high school student earning more commercial fishing in six weeks than I did the whole year.”
✔️try asking a student to draw a tree in art class when they’ve never seen one; the closest is 160 miles NE
✔️students arrive at school in 4-wheelers, basketball teams fly in and out for games and going outside at recess isn’t because of the cold ~ up to 100mph winds means students could blow away!
✔️the importance of wearing Alaskan tennis shoes and cutting the seam off the bottom of each pair of new pants
I was truly sad when I finished reading this book and was prompted to find out what Elgin and Melissa are up to now. I highly recommend this Kindle Unlimited book.
July 5, 2022
I enjoy books set in Alaska. This book was educational and also filled with adventure. The author and hr husband spend twenty years as teachers in Alaska. They raise three sons there. It definitely wouldn’t be for everyone, but worked for them.
August 12, 2022
Never have a finished a book from start to finish so quickly. I picked this up at a gift store while traveling through Seward, Alaska, and it was the perfect addition to my Alaskan vacation. Being fascinated by the Alaskan Bush, Melissa recounts true stories over 20 years that bring you into what life is like in the true Alaskan Bush. Perfect for curious readers who want to learn about a new way of life! I loved it!!! Highly recommend!!!!
March 29, 2023
I haven't been writing reviews so when I was testing ChatGPT I thought I would see what it would say about the book.
These are the instructions I gave it: write a complementary review of the book The Call of The Last Frontier: The True Story of a Woman's Twenty-Year Alaska Adventure by Melissa L Cook.
I agree with the review ChatGPT wrote, all its observations are correct. It is a damn good book, and Melissa did a great job writing and editing it. My only problem with the review is that it's better than anything I could have written.
This is the unedited review ChatGPT wrote.
"The Call of The Last Frontier" by Melissa L Cook is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's twenty-year adventure in Alaska. As a reader, I found the book to be both informative and engaging, as Cook's personal experiences are interwoven with historical and cultural insights about Alaska.
One of the strengths of this book is Cook's writing style, which is both descriptive and evocative. She paints vivid pictures of the rugged Alaskan landscape and the challenges that come with living in such a remote and unforgiving environment. Her personal anecdotes and stories about the people she meets along the way make the book feel more intimate, and I found myself becoming invested in her journey.
Another highlight of the book is Cook's commitment to sharing her knowledge and understanding of Alaska's history and culture. She provides context for the different communities she encounters, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of the people who call Alaska home. As a reader, I appreciated learning about the state's complex relationship with the federal government, and the ongoing efforts to preserve Alaska's unique ecosystem and way of life.
Overall, "The Call of The Last Frontier" is a well-written and thought-provoking memoir that will appeal to anyone interested in adventure, nature, and culture. Cook's passion for Alaska shines through on every page, and her personal journey is an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and determination. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a window into a world that is both captivating and challenging.
These are the instructions I gave it: write a complementary review of the book The Call of The Last Frontier: The True Story of a Woman's Twenty-Year Alaska Adventure by Melissa L Cook.
I agree with the review ChatGPT wrote, all its observations are correct. It is a damn good book, and Melissa did a great job writing and editing it. My only problem with the review is that it's better than anything I could have written.
This is the unedited review ChatGPT wrote.
"The Call of The Last Frontier" by Melissa L Cook is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's twenty-year adventure in Alaska. As a reader, I found the book to be both informative and engaging, as Cook's personal experiences are interwoven with historical and cultural insights about Alaska.
One of the strengths of this book is Cook's writing style, which is both descriptive and evocative. She paints vivid pictures of the rugged Alaskan landscape and the challenges that come with living in such a remote and unforgiving environment. Her personal anecdotes and stories about the people she meets along the way make the book feel more intimate, and I found myself becoming invested in her journey.
Another highlight of the book is Cook's commitment to sharing her knowledge and understanding of Alaska's history and culture. She provides context for the different communities she encounters, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of the people who call Alaska home. As a reader, I appreciated learning about the state's complex relationship with the federal government, and the ongoing efforts to preserve Alaska's unique ecosystem and way of life.
Overall, "The Call of The Last Frontier" is a well-written and thought-provoking memoir that will appeal to anyone interested in adventure, nature, and culture. Cook's passion for Alaska shines through on every page, and her personal journey is an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and determination. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a window into a world that is both captivating and challenging.
September 9, 2022
1995: Melissa Cook—City woman. First year teacher.
2016: Adventurer, Retired teacher
Between those years in the Alaska bush, Melissa Cook’s life changed drastically, as she shares in “The Call of the Last Frontier.” Bears, relentless wind, pelting rain. Bears, Bering Sea floods, sinking ships. Bears, fighting off drunk men, foraging for food. Bears, erupting volcanos, sudden squalls. Bears, plane crashes, mud.
Oh, yes, did I mention bears? Other people might not have seen them, but Melissa did. That’s her story and she’s sticking to it.
And let’s not forget the combination of isolation and multiple sclerosis.
I don’t normally read adventure stories, but this one held me enthralled from the beginning. Melissa and Elgin reared three sons in the Alaska bush where deprivation was normal. Teaching children of such a different culture was a daunting task because their supplies were geared toward a different culture. Nevertheless, they accomplished their reason for living in the bush and learned as much as they taught. During those years, much changed in the education system in the bush and throughout Alaska largely because of Elgin Cook’s expertise as an administrator and in technology.
I highly recommend Melissa L. Cook’s “The Call of the Last Frontier” to anyone who has been there and wants to refresh their memories, and to anyone who can only experience life in the Alaska bush through the adventures of others. Peggy Lovelace Ellis, Silver Shadows, Stories of Life in a Small Town.
2016: Adventurer, Retired teacher
Between those years in the Alaska bush, Melissa Cook’s life changed drastically, as she shares in “The Call of the Last Frontier.” Bears, relentless wind, pelting rain. Bears, Bering Sea floods, sinking ships. Bears, fighting off drunk men, foraging for food. Bears, erupting volcanos, sudden squalls. Bears, plane crashes, mud.
Oh, yes, did I mention bears? Other people might not have seen them, but Melissa did. That’s her story and she’s sticking to it.
And let’s not forget the combination of isolation and multiple sclerosis.
I don’t normally read adventure stories, but this one held me enthralled from the beginning. Melissa and Elgin reared three sons in the Alaska bush where deprivation was normal. Teaching children of such a different culture was a daunting task because their supplies were geared toward a different culture. Nevertheless, they accomplished their reason for living in the bush and learned as much as they taught. During those years, much changed in the education system in the bush and throughout Alaska largely because of Elgin Cook’s expertise as an administrator and in technology.
I highly recommend Melissa L. Cook’s “The Call of the Last Frontier” to anyone who has been there and wants to refresh their memories, and to anyone who can only experience life in the Alaska bush through the adventures of others. Peggy Lovelace Ellis, Silver Shadows, Stories of Life in a Small Town.
July 18, 2022
I have MS and took a 16-day land and sea tour of Alaska some years ago. My visiting experience is miniscule compared to this admirable memoir of Cook’s life in the Last Frontier. Our luxury cruise ship navigated an horrific 2-day storm with 90 mph winds off the coast of Ketchikan. To read about what it took to live through similar winds and constant rains in the bush is unimaginable. Visiting Alaska was wondrous, and I learned a lot. But Melissa’s personal account of living there is extraordinary through her eyes, words, senses, and thoughts. And I learned a whole lot more about Alaska. Brave isn’t a big enough word to describe her “adventure” as she refers to it. The only thing I wonder about is the extent MS really had on her; I think she downplayed its true impact on her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Nevertheless, her strength and resilience to survive the Alaskan bush with MS is remarkable.
October 15, 2022
Lots of Spunk and Courage
Quite possibly the most honest and realistic account of living outside of their comfort zone. My respect for Melissa's courage and perseverance is off the chart. Especially living an active life even after her diagnosis of M.S. Both Melissa and Elgin gained a lifetime of experience following their dream of working towards an early retirement. The question I have, was it worth the cost of losing the invaluable time with their parents and depriving the three children of the heritage of bonding with grandparents? Only Melissa and Elgin can answer for themselves and apparently it was.
They paid a price for their goal, and also gained new friends and broadened their horizons.
I am very glad I read it and cannot exaggerate my admiration for Melissa's skill in delving into the deeper recesses of her heart and mind. And it makes me glad that I have no regrets of keeping my roots planted.
Quite possibly the most honest and realistic account of living outside of their comfort zone. My respect for Melissa's courage and perseverance is off the chart. Especially living an active life even after her diagnosis of M.S. Both Melissa and Elgin gained a lifetime of experience following their dream of working towards an early retirement. The question I have, was it worth the cost of losing the invaluable time with their parents and depriving the three children of the heritage of bonding with grandparents? Only Melissa and Elgin can answer for themselves and apparently it was.
They paid a price for their goal, and also gained new friends and broadened their horizons.
I am very glad I read it and cannot exaggerate my admiration for Melissa's skill in delving into the deeper recesses of her heart and mind. And it makes me glad that I have no regrets of keeping my roots planted.
February 27, 2022
The Call of the Last Frontier was such a wonderful read. This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Each chapter was impressive and inspiring. The adventures of this book and essentially Melissa's life story in Alaska was so unbelievable. Reading through each chapter I just kept thinking, man can it get any crazier? I can't even imagine living through what she and her family lived through and having the courage to thrive in Alaska. The courage that she must have had to pack her husband, and small children up and head to such a remote location is absolutely extraordinary.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I would definitely recommend this book.
April 9, 2022
Well written
There is a lot to like about this book. Its depiction of Alaskan life its well discribed , full of action and great description of people met, wildlife , and emotional toil of living and teaching in the last frontier.
I did find the last few seemingly added chapters to not add to the story, I mean it seemed to end at a good spot then continued on in not chronological order. They are leaving in a couple weeks then its a month then the next day, hard to follow. I didn't appreciate the not liking sea food, but eating beef and other protein. ( really not important overall) . Quite the fortitude overall.
There is a lot to like about this book. Its depiction of Alaskan life its well discribed , full of action and great description of people met, wildlife , and emotional toil of living and teaching in the last frontier.
I did find the last few seemingly added chapters to not add to the story, I mean it seemed to end at a good spot then continued on in not chronological order. They are leaving in a couple weeks then its a month then the next day, hard to follow. I didn't appreciate the not liking sea food, but eating beef and other protein. ( really not important overall) . Quite the fortitude overall.
July 20, 2022
Interesting book for anyone that has an interest in life in Alaska!
I enjoyed this book because I felt the author was realistic in writing what living in Alaska was like. She will take you through a full range of emotions. You have to admire the whole family for sticking together and supporting one another throughout the twenty years. It has always been a dream of my husband and me to go to Alaska. Time has slipped by and now in our sixties, we will just have to continue reading books like this.
I enjoyed this book because I felt the author was realistic in writing what living in Alaska was like. She will take you through a full range of emotions. You have to admire the whole family for sticking together and supporting one another throughout the twenty years. It has always been a dream of my husband and me to go to Alaska. Time has slipped by and now in our sixties, we will just have to continue reading books like this.
August 7, 2022
Walking with the Author’s Alaska adventure
Melissa’s adventure in Alaska as a parent, educator, community member came alive visually and emotionally on the pages. I grew up in a small town in Montana and felt immediately connected to the experiences (albeit we traveled miles by busses as students and not via airplanes and flag planes). I also recognized one of my own high school coaches and teachers in the story (Roger Sampson) who left our Montana school for teaching in Alaska. Thank you Melissa for sharing your story! I read voraciously (a product of my growing up in a small town in Montana and a librarian for a mother) and only put your book down for dinner with friends, and a bit of sleep.
I would highly recommend this book as a way to get to know Alaska and its hardy residents.
Melissa’s adventure in Alaska as a parent, educator, community member came alive visually and emotionally on the pages. I grew up in a small town in Montana and felt immediately connected to the experiences (albeit we traveled miles by busses as students and not via airplanes and flag planes). I also recognized one of my own high school coaches and teachers in the story (Roger Sampson) who left our Montana school for teaching in Alaska. Thank you Melissa for sharing your story! I read voraciously (a product of my growing up in a small town in Montana and a librarian for a mother) and only put your book down for dinner with friends, and a bit of sleep.
I would highly recommend this book as a way to get to know Alaska and its hardy residents.
February 10, 2023
Experienced A Full Life and Lots More Ahead!
I was in awe of the resilience of the family's younger adventures and the awe didn't recede at all while following their life changes as time marched on.
Mocksie...is all I can come up with to describe Melissa and Elgin and their sons' incredible adventures
through the great state of Alaska; our last frontier!
My heart was touched most when they decided to live and work on Prince of Wales Island.
NOW? Retired but still taking on life with gusto .....and so they continue..........
I was in awe of the resilience of the family's younger adventures and the awe didn't recede at all while following their life changes as time marched on.
Mocksie...is all I can come up with to describe Melissa and Elgin and their sons' incredible adventures
through the great state of Alaska; our last frontier!
My heart was touched most when they decided to live and work on Prince of Wales Island.
NOW? Retired but still taking on life with gusto .....and so they continue..........
November 9, 2021
Call of the last Frontier
By: Melissa L. Cook.
I read this book over 3 days time. It took me on an unimagineable Alaska adventure as tho l was there. With her. l experienced all emotions and did not want to put it down. I gave my copy to a cousin on his 93rd birthday.
He always wanted to go to Alaska. I told him read this book and lt will take you there. 5 stars from me. It will be enjoyed by folks from 10 thru 100 yrs young and older. Oscar Christopherson 83 yrs young
June 9, 2022
Well written
This is an interesting account of a teacher/ couple who moved to remote Alaskan towns over 20 years, eventually becoming administrators. They raised 3 boys and had many adventures. Though somewhat isolated they were in small towns (unlike the Wards in Skilak or Dolly Faulkner). They encountered many surprising difficulties with boat or Bush planes the only mode of transportation out.
Melissa was diagnosed with MS which made finishing her 20 year teaching career impossible but she went on to do many other amazing things as she made the best of it!
This is an interesting account of a teacher/ couple who moved to remote Alaskan towns over 20 years, eventually becoming administrators. They raised 3 boys and had many adventures. Though somewhat isolated they were in small towns (unlike the Wards in Skilak or Dolly Faulkner). They encountered many surprising difficulties with boat or Bush planes the only mode of transportation out.
Melissa was diagnosed with MS which made finishing her 20 year teaching career impossible but she went on to do many other amazing things as she made the best of it!
April 2, 2022
Alaska Bush Teaches
Thanks for such a wonderful book. My wife and I were also bush teachers. I can personally verify most of her stories and also add to a few of them as well. We spent the most years in interior Alaska, along with two years in Barrow, and five years in Bristol Bay in small fly in villages of Ekwok and Koliganek. Our final years we lived on the highway system in remote Tok AK. We lived in temperatures as low as -70 below zero in winter to the mid 90's in the summer. If I had it to do over, I'd do it the same way !! I now live in Wasilla.
Dave Schutt
Thanks for such a wonderful book. My wife and I were also bush teachers. I can personally verify most of her stories and also add to a few of them as well. We spent the most years in interior Alaska, along with two years in Barrow, and five years in Bristol Bay in small fly in villages of Ekwok and Koliganek. Our final years we lived on the highway system in remote Tok AK. We lived in temperatures as low as -70 below zero in winter to the mid 90's in the summer. If I had it to do over, I'd do it the same way !! I now live in Wasilla.
Dave Schutt
May 6, 2022
Visiting this place while reading gives a full picture of living in the bush
I read this book while on an adventure tour of southeast Alaska. I had tears reading her last days in this beautiful place. It is truly a wonder and yet she didn’t spare the realities of living in the bush. It’s a great book.
I read this book while on an adventure tour of southeast Alaska. I had tears reading her last days in this beautiful place. It is truly a wonder and yet she didn’t spare the realities of living in the bush. It’s a great book.
August 19, 2023
I was wowed
I know Alaska is harsh, I've been to Sitka and Juneo and anchorage and the inside passage, but never stayed to endure the winters and wind and rain and snow like Melissa an Elgin did! What hearty souls. But what you did in the education field as teachers and administrators was so outstanding and I'm sure your names will go in history in all the areas you taught at.Both of you are inspirations to teachers!
Melissa having MS and still working as hard as you did at so many endeavors is totally amazing! You have a great husband who was so supportive with your medical situation... You both compliment each other. Truly enjoyed your book and so glad your MS is under control and you are enjoying the second part of your life adventures!
Can't wait for your next book
I know Alaska is harsh, I've been to Sitka and Juneo and anchorage and the inside passage, but never stayed to endure the winters and wind and rain and snow like Melissa an Elgin did! What hearty souls. But what you did in the education field as teachers and administrators was so outstanding and I'm sure your names will go in history in all the areas you taught at.Both of you are inspirations to teachers!
Melissa having MS and still working as hard as you did at so many endeavors is totally amazing! You have a great husband who was so supportive with your medical situation... You both compliment each other. Truly enjoyed your book and so glad your MS is under control and you are enjoying the second part of your life adventures!
Can't wait for your next book
April 16, 2022
Excellent well written read about a family moving to Alaska & coping with all the changes especially the extreme wet crappy weather. Be careful what you wish for & appreciate what you have. It could always be worse. Money isn’t everything
August 30, 2022
I loved living vicariously through the Cook family. We had the opportunity to move to Valdez just over a decade ago but ultimately didn’t move north. Having read her experience, I think we made the right decision. We would have loved the adventure, but the snow and cloudiness may have done me in. Valdez was a metropolis
November 22, 2022
Nice book
A quaint story, a bit choppy on the timeline sometimes, but it doesn't affect the story. Tough life that definitely isn't for the faint hearted but I feel the author and her family made a positive difference in their Alaskan communities just by being themselves.
A quaint story, a bit choppy on the timeline sometimes, but it doesn't affect the story. Tough life that definitely isn't for the faint hearted but I feel the author and her family made a positive difference in their Alaskan communities just by being themselves.
February 25, 2022
Enjoyable and enlightening book. Especially the first half which focuses on their initial move to Alaska and life in Nelson Lagoon. The rest of the book was interesting but lacked the punch of that initial shock of their change from living in Wyoming to a remote and isolated strip,of sand next to a volcano.
March 25, 2022
Great read
Melissa makes you feel the cold weather and loneliness as well as the beauty of Alaska. Recommended reading for adventure.
Melissa makes you feel the cold weather and loneliness as well as the beauty of Alaska. Recommended reading for adventure.
July 28, 2022
After watching Melissa jeeping on her YouTube videos I decided to read her book. It was a real eye opener to what living in Alaska is like. I really enjoyed following her journey as a bush teacher.
September 13, 2022
What an adventure will teaching in Alaska
Loved this adventure of teaching in Alaska! They had a goal to retire young and meet it. Well done. Great writing. I felt the joy, the pain,loneliness and love for the family and teaching. Thank you for sharing your adventure.
Loved this adventure of teaching in Alaska! They had a goal to retire young and meet it. Well done. Great writing. I felt the joy, the pain,loneliness and love for the family and teaching. Thank you for sharing your adventure.
December 13, 2022
Wow wow wow. So good. Great story telling, loved watching the technology come along. Alaska is beautiful, but I’m not strong enough to live there.
Also, in tears finishing the book, felt like I was leaving home.
Also, in tears finishing the book, felt like I was leaving home.
January 2, 2023
Love Melissa’s style of writing!
I feel like I got to live Melissa and Elgins life with them! So interesting! I’m sure this book will be read by me quite a few more times.
I feel like I got to live Melissa and Elgins life with them! So interesting! I’m sure this book will be read by me quite a few more times.
January 31, 2023
Great read!
Reading Melissa’s account of their years in Alaska will feel like you’re traveling there yourself. Could not put it down!
Reading Melissa’s account of their years in Alaska will feel like you’re traveling there yourself. Could not put it down!
March 1, 2023
Great
I loved the book,my husband had often talked about going to Alaska in the 70s, we never made that happen. After reading this book I doubt we could have made it! Maybe? Thanks for the adventure!
I loved the book,my husband had often talked about going to Alaska in the 70s, we never made that happen. After reading this book I doubt we could have made it! Maybe? Thanks for the adventure!
May 15, 2022
A very good book
Rated with 5 stars because that is what this book deserved. A true account of a family that had an awesome experience.
Rated with 5 stars because that is what this book deserved. A true account of a family that had an awesome experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews