Play Book Tag discussion

North of Hope: A Daughter's Arctic Journey by Shannon Huffman Polson - 4* - My Review

Memoir of the author’s life after the death of her father and stepmother by a grizzly bear attack while traveling in the Arctic wilderness. She braids together three strands: the process of grieving, her journey by raft down the Hulahula River, and the love of music she shared with her father. The primary narrative is her trip down the same river her father was traveling when he died.

The author grew up in Alaska and her descriptions of landscape, weather, and wildlife are vivid and beautiful. The story flows well, moving backward in time to cover her family’s past and the author’s fond memories of her father. It includes aspects of Shannon’s religious faith, which was important to her as she processed her grief.

Shannon is a skilled musician, athlete, and adventurer. She includes elements these important parts of her life in reflecting back and coming to terms with the senseless deaths of her loved ones. This is a nicely written heartfelt tribute to Shannon's dad and stepmother.