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Inside Passage: Living with Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians
By, Signed & inscribed on half-title page, "To Mike, Make life an adventure! All My Best Michael Modzelewski." - 6x9" 184 pages color illustrated on glossy paper + a Inside Passage bookmark. Copyright 1997, Seventh Printing, cover price $22.95, published by Adventures Unlimited.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 15, 2011
Interesting reading Modzelewski's book a few months after I had finished Into the Wild, because in many ways he and Chris McCandless are identical. They both abandoned society to live free in the back country of Alaska. The biggest difference is that Modzelewski survived, McCandless did not. But there are other smaller differences too. Modzelewski doesn't shun human contact quite the way McCandless did, he also approaches the challenge of Alaska with more respect and humility. Perhaps it's the difference of several years of maturity between the two men. Either way, the fact is, Modzelewski succeeded where McCandless did not.
I became aware of this book after a cruise this summer on the Golden Princess, where Modzelewski was the ship's naturalist. He did a series of talks for the passengers on his experiences living solo in the inside passage. As a speaker, Modzelewski is quite good. He has a flowing rhythm as he talks and speaks in flowery prose. However, the same style that makes him such an excellent speaker I found somewhat less enjoyable on the page. His descriptions can become almost overbearingly poetic at times, to the point where it sometimes felt forced or heavy-handed. None the less, if you can forgive him for that, the story is an interesting, pleasant read, particularly for someone who has recently been to southeastern Alaska.
I became aware of this book after a cruise this summer on the Golden Princess, where Modzelewski was the ship's naturalist. He did a series of talks for the passengers on his experiences living solo in the inside passage. As a speaker, Modzelewski is quite good. He has a flowing rhythm as he talks and speaks in flowery prose. However, the same style that makes him such an excellent speaker I found somewhat less enjoyable on the page. His descriptions can become almost overbearingly poetic at times, to the point where it sometimes felt forced or heavy-handed. None the less, if you can forgive him for that, the story is an interesting, pleasant read, particularly for someone who has recently been to southeastern Alaska.
September 13, 2019
After seeing him lecture on our Alaska Cruise, I bought all 3 of his books. This was a captivating read. You felt like you were right there with him!
July 15, 2019
Dave and I both enjoyed this book very much. It immersed us in the flora, fauna and culture of the Inside Passage. The rich, beautiful chapter about autumn was, in my opinion, worth the whole book.
August 26, 2025
Overall, I can appreciate the main theme that humanity needs to reconnect with nature. I think that for the time this book came out, this was sort of a progressive viewpoint to have. From my perspective reading it in current year, I guess I kind of look at it through the lens of knowing that nature is still commodified and damaged through tourism on cruises etc.
Full disclosure, I read this because my grandma recently went on a cruise and was so impressed by Modzelewski's lecture that she wanted to read his book, too. I can appreciate the value of giving lectures to people taking part in the commodification of nature (and I have to assume cruise ships constantly going through the Inside Passage is detrimental to the environment in the way we saw so many waterways in Europe heal during the pandemic due to less boat-traffic) because it's an issue directly relevant to them. But on some level I still feel like cruises are problematic but that's...like a whole other thing.
Aside from that, I will say at times it felt like paragraphs were just jumping from one vaguely connected thing to the next. I will also say this book didn't exactly go the direction I thought it would: I sort of assumed each chapter would have to do more with observations about the nature on the island than...the tourists that show up during summer or the kind of person the owner of the island was.
Sort of on a similar note to that, the one thing that truly irked me was the mention of Malloff introducing hogs to the island as a "last resort" for food. To me, and I'm no expert, that sounds like he introduced an invasive species to an island that was otherwise doing perfectly fine before he got there. It just seemed sort of counterintuitive to the overall message of conservation, I dunno.
I also sometimes couldn't shake this feeling of like...mild misogyny? On some level I recognize maybe this was in part due to the time period this came out, but that also feels like a cheap excuse. But having stuff like "how drab the females [ducks] looked next to the flashy drakes. Much like their human counterparts...the males do all the showing off, while the females stand by holding the world together" (123).
There's like this feeling of, "oh you know women, keeping things in order, men are so disorganized lmao XD" while also insinuating that women in...much of human history, *haven't* been held to a higher beauty standard than men?
He *could* have made an astute critique of how in nature, it's generally the males that have to be flashy in order to attract anybody, yet in human society, it's typically the other way around. But he doesn't make that critique, instead it's vaguely misogynistic. And then at the same time, it doesn't seem like any of the women present in this book matter at all, past the "purpose" they serve for the men around them. Beth is sort of an...oddity, almost, "not like other women" because of how she's able to handle life on the island, but it really feels like she's just there because Malloff has "urges" (which I feel like is mentioned...multiple times throughout the book. I get it. He's a man alone on an island. I don't need you to remind me three times why he's going in search of a woman). I dunno, it all just felt a little weird and kind of gross.
There was also this odd comment in one of the later chapters, when he had to babysit some kids: “she looked up at me with the dazzling force of sloe eyes, smooth brown skin, long blue-black hair—a woman at twelve years old.” Huh??? Like idk man, calling a twelve-year old girl a "woman" for any reason, at all, feels a little weird to me.
So like, I can see why this book has...like, such an effect on some people, because it's kind of like, "Getting Back in Touch with Nature" Lite. On some level it still feels like it advocates for the commodification of nature rather than accepting the lasting damage human civilization has had on it (and the lasting negative effects of colonization on the land *and* the Indigenous people). I think for the time, the early 2000s, or even just the 90s, this is fairly progressive, but if I had come to this book looking for new insights into humanity's relationship with nature, I would've been disappointed.
This book wasn't *bad* and I appreciate what it *tries* to do.
Just, nowadays, it would need to do more. If nothing else, I'd be intrigued to listen to one of his lectures nowadays, just to see how his talking points have evolved--if at all--over time.
Full disclosure, I read this because my grandma recently went on a cruise and was so impressed by Modzelewski's lecture that she wanted to read his book, too. I can appreciate the value of giving lectures to people taking part in the commodification of nature (and I have to assume cruise ships constantly going through the Inside Passage is detrimental to the environment in the way we saw so many waterways in Europe heal during the pandemic due to less boat-traffic) because it's an issue directly relevant to them. But on some level I still feel like cruises are problematic but that's...like a whole other thing.
Aside from that, I will say at times it felt like paragraphs were just jumping from one vaguely connected thing to the next. I will also say this book didn't exactly go the direction I thought it would: I sort of assumed each chapter would have to do more with observations about the nature on the island than...the tourists that show up during summer or the kind of person the owner of the island was.
Sort of on a similar note to that, the one thing that truly irked me was the mention of Malloff introducing hogs to the island as a "last resort" for food. To me, and I'm no expert, that sounds like he introduced an invasive species to an island that was otherwise doing perfectly fine before he got there. It just seemed sort of counterintuitive to the overall message of conservation, I dunno.
I also sometimes couldn't shake this feeling of like...mild misogyny? On some level I recognize maybe this was in part due to the time period this came out, but that also feels like a cheap excuse. But having stuff like "how drab the females [ducks] looked next to the flashy drakes. Much like their human counterparts...the males do all the showing off, while the females stand by holding the world together" (123).
There's like this feeling of, "oh you know women, keeping things in order, men are so disorganized lmao XD" while also insinuating that women in...much of human history, *haven't* been held to a higher beauty standard than men?
He *could* have made an astute critique of how in nature, it's generally the males that have to be flashy in order to attract anybody, yet in human society, it's typically the other way around. But he doesn't make that critique, instead it's vaguely misogynistic. And then at the same time, it doesn't seem like any of the women present in this book matter at all, past the "purpose" they serve for the men around them. Beth is sort of an...oddity, almost, "not like other women" because of how she's able to handle life on the island, but it really feels like she's just there because Malloff has "urges" (which I feel like is mentioned...multiple times throughout the book. I get it. He's a man alone on an island. I don't need you to remind me three times why he's going in search of a woman). I dunno, it all just felt a little weird and kind of gross.
There was also this odd comment in one of the later chapters, when he had to babysit some kids: “she looked up at me with the dazzling force of sloe eyes, smooth brown skin, long blue-black hair—a woman at twelve years old.” Huh??? Like idk man, calling a twelve-year old girl a "woman" for any reason, at all, feels a little weird to me.
So like, I can see why this book has...like, such an effect on some people, because it's kind of like, "Getting Back in Touch with Nature" Lite. On some level it still feels like it advocates for the commodification of nature rather than accepting the lasting damage human civilization has had on it (and the lasting negative effects of colonization on the land *and* the Indigenous people). I think for the time, the early 2000s, or even just the 90s, this is fairly progressive, but if I had come to this book looking for new insights into humanity's relationship with nature, I would've been disappointed.
This book wasn't *bad* and I appreciate what it *tries* to do.
Just, nowadays, it would need to do more. If nothing else, I'd be intrigued to listen to one of his lectures nowadays, just to see how his talking points have evolved--if at all--over time.
February 21, 2019
I discovered Inside Passage: Living with Killer Whales, Bald Eagles and Kwakiutl Indians by Michael Modzelewski, during my summer vacation-an Alaskan cruise.
One of the cruise's featured speakers, Michael Modzelewski, shared his enthusiasm for Alaska through stories and pictures of Alaska’s people, wildlife, and natural beauty. Even though his book was first published in 1991, his enthusiasm for Alaska’s natural beauty still echoed through his presentations. As I later read the book, I recognized some of the stories from his lectures. His unique cadence and inflection became my internal narrator, and I felt like I was on vacation again.
His philosophical and romantic view toward nature makes for a distinctive, almost poetic writing style.
Although his words may wax poetic, his descriptions are clear and concise-how duck feathers repel water, how whale’s bones evolved from land to sea life, or how an expert fisherman catches salmon on a troll line.
Although I’m not adverse to the outdoors, it's unlikely that I'll ever live off the land, chop my own wood, grow my own food, or sleep naked under the stars. If you agree, I recommend this book as a way to vicariously experience life in Alaska through the eyes of a modern-day adventurer.
One of the cruise's featured speakers, Michael Modzelewski, shared his enthusiasm for Alaska through stories and pictures of Alaska’s people, wildlife, and natural beauty. Even though his book was first published in 1991, his enthusiasm for Alaska’s natural beauty still echoed through his presentations. As I later read the book, I recognized some of the stories from his lectures. His unique cadence and inflection became my internal narrator, and I felt like I was on vacation again.
His philosophical and romantic view toward nature makes for a distinctive, almost poetic writing style.
Autumn on the island was my favorite season. The summer led procession of people had vanished, and now the air was knife-edge keen. There was a great reach and clarity in the sky. The blue was so transparent that the planets were still visible at midmorning. The north wind infused me with endless energy. I worked with arms and back all day, and then, fully charged, wrote and read into the night.
Although his words may wax poetic, his descriptions are clear and concise-how duck feathers repel water, how whale’s bones evolved from land to sea life, or how an expert fisherman catches salmon on a troll line.
Although I’m not adverse to the outdoors, it's unlikely that I'll ever live off the land, chop my own wood, grow my own food, or sleep naked under the stars. If you agree, I recommend this book as a way to vicariously experience life in Alaska through the eyes of a modern-day adventurer.
August 5, 2022
Having recently cruised toAlaska via the Inside Passage, this book meant a lot to me. I was able to see a presentation by the author aboard our ship, and had the honor of a guided tour with him narrating points of interest while scenic cruising the Endicott Arm and Dawes glacier. The trip was life changing to me, and i regret not buying a copy of the book directly from the author on board. As luck would have it, i ended up with a used copy that happened to be signed. Modzelewski's retelling of his time on his island brings to mind the life giving breath and fresh air of the area, and serves countless times to remind the reader of the importance and life that can be found once one decides to shed the concrete jungle. I strongly recommend this book, to anyone whose a naturalist, or if you have been to and share a passion for the north.its an absolute joy to have this book in my permanent library. It will be read again.
September 2, 2021
I picked up this book on a Princess Cruise after hearing Michael speak on board. Several of his stories are found here in this book. My challenge was to try to hear his narrative in the same way I heard it live but that was difficult because his writing and his speaking are quite different.
Now, the book itself... I enjoyed hearing of Michael's experiences on "his" island and his connection with his friend Will Maloff and nature. His encounters with wolves, seals, and orcas were amazing and made me long for such encounters myself. There are many life lessons here, especially about valuing the environment and treasuring wildlife. While the book is almost 25 years old, it still has insights to share.
Now, the book itself... I enjoyed hearing of Michael's experiences on "his" island and his connection with his friend Will Maloff and nature. His encounters with wolves, seals, and orcas were amazing and made me long for such encounters myself. There are many life lessons here, especially about valuing the environment and treasuring wildlife. While the book is almost 25 years old, it still has insights to share.
March 11, 2024
A page turner, I found it hard to put this down. Modzelewski has an engaging, conversational narrative style, which draws you in and excites you. By and large, his descriptive writing is beautiful, though as other reviewers have commented on, it is sometimes too loaded with poetry for prose.
When not prey to sensationalism, the narrative has beautiful flow and describes gorgeous nature scenes and phenomena.
Big plus for content, personality and passion. Plus for beautiful descriptive writing, humour and word play. Small and maybe harsh reduction for the tall tale nature of some of the retellings. Will certainly read again and recommend.
When not prey to sensationalism, the narrative has beautiful flow and describes gorgeous nature scenes and phenomena.
Big plus for content, personality and passion. Plus for beautiful descriptive writing, humour and word play. Small and maybe harsh reduction for the tall tale nature of some of the retellings. Will certainly read again and recommend.
August 23, 2024
I, too became acquainted with Michael’s experiences and his love of the Wilds on my Alaska Cruise. Loved his lecture/presenttions where he painted such exquisite beauty with both his slides and his poetic prose. I love the book for bringing this same beauty to the printed page…slowing me down to savour the detailed descriptions of such awareness and beauty. I loved too his interspersing of quoted gems from so many literary sources amongst the pearls of wisdom from myriad native sources. A delightful adventure!
August 26, 2024
Michael Modzelewski writes a book that not only captures the awesome and eternal beauty of the natural world, but helps us see the connection between us and it. In sometimes arching and musical prose, he does us one better and draws the reachable link between growing up in an American household of report cards, American top 20's, Cabbage Patch Kids and Nemo; and an existence far more existential and organic. If you are going to Alaska or the Inside Passage, read this book and your experience may touch upon such awesome realizations as well. If you don't, you will still have a nice trip.
July 22, 2017
Great book about Alaska, living in solitude. Met him in person and thoroughly enjoyed the bood
October 17, 2019
This is the first travel book I have read. The descriptions of the locations and events are so vivid and colorful, it makes you feel part of the adventures.
March 18, 2020
Modzelewski has an incredible writing style and use of language that makes inside passage a terrific read. His chapter on Spring Awakening was one of the best passages I've ever read.
September 2, 2025
Enjoyed reading this book after hearing the author talk on a cruise. The descriptions of the landscape and how people living off of the land was so interesting. Overall, a good read.
July 10, 2025
After attending several of Micheal’s seminar on a cruise to Alaska, I decided to purchase this book. He said it was the best depiction of his early life in the Alaskan Inside Passage. I loved the book! Michael writes like he talks (or talks like he writes!) The written images were vivid and beautifully described so much of what we saw on our cruise. I cannot imagine living it, but his adventures and experiences left me with a respect not only for the land, but also for the people, and creatures that do.
March 9, 2017
Purchased the book on the Princess Cruise's Inside passage trip to Alaska. Very well written by Michael about his adventures during his stay in Alaska wilderness. He has a very flowery way of writing. I enjoyed reading the book.
May 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much that I was sorry to see it end. His detailed descriptions allowed me to see and vicariously experience living in this beautiful but dangerous, harsh wilderness. I recommend it to anyone who has a spirit of adventure, loves nature and is thinking about traveling to the Inside Passage, an area described as "a rugged coastline area between Seattle and Alaska.
March 25, 2014
Like a modern take on Thoreau's Walden, Modzelewski shares the tale of his 18 months living alone in a cabin on the inside passage. Having enjoyed his heartfelt nature talks on an Alaskan cruise, I spontaneously bought his book. He writes in a manner that is overly poetic, however after having met him, and after completing the book, I feel that this is a genuine representation of his person. He is not trying to impress anyone or dress things up - it's really just an expression of his passion on the topic. His experiences with the surrounding land, air and waters were profound and his awe is legitimate and contagious. Those who feel that connection with the natural world will easily relate. Those stuck in concrete worlds may appreciate this as an escape and maybe a doorway to something a little more rugged. I give it 3 stars because of the quality of the writing, however you end the book feeling as if you have just shared a night of drinks, cigars and story-telling with a special and interesting person.
September 17, 2014
If you love nature, if you feel united with the universe, if you wish you could be another Jeremiah Johnson, this book is one to settle down with and read. Michael Modzelewski leaves civilization behind him and lives on an island in the Inside Passage mostly all by himself with the occasional company of another man and his wife. Michael was a naturalist speaker on an Alaskan cruise I was on just a couple weeks ago and I was captivated by his stories on board the ship so I bought a couple of his books. He has a profound appreciation for all things in nature and what I really appreciated about this book was how he incorporated sayings from so many other writers showing his own appreciation for a wide range of writers and topics. Towards the end of the book he mentions Melville's term Isolato - people content to be cut off, cast away, free to explore the universe within, and that describes this author. He is a sensual person, in tune with nature and the universe and his writing is really beautiful and enlightening.
August 13, 2015
I met Michael while I was on a Princess cruise to Alaska and really enjoyed his talk. This was a really enjoyable read. What he did is such and interesting adventure that I could never do. His style is very poetic. Nice read.
June 12, 2025
I met the author on a Princess cruise. He was the naturalist on board and gave several interesting presentations. Michael's love of nature is contagious. His writing is poetic and filled with awe. I couldn't live in the wild like that, so I am glad Michael shared his experiences with us.
January 1, 2014
Very educational and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews