Alaska has long captivated the imagination of writers across generations. Its vast and untamed landscapes have inspired a rich array of literary works. From heart-stirring fictional tales to profound life memoirs, the allure of Alaska has been captured in myriad forms, each offering a distinct perspective on this enigmatic state.
This curated list of books dives deep into the various facets of life in Alaska, showcasing not just the awe-inspiring beauty of its wilderness but also the resilience, challenges, and the spirited lives of those who call it home.
Each book on this list opens a window to different aspects of Alaskan life, whether it's through the lens of adventure, survival, personal transformation, or the intimate connections formed within its remote communities.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Setting: 1920s Alaska, Interior Region
A magical and heart-wrenching tale of Jack and Mabel, a couple struggling to homestead in Alaska's brutal wilderness. Their lives take a turn when they build a snow child during a moment of joy, who later manifests as a mysterious girl, Faina. This story weaves a fairy tale into the harsh realities of life in Alaska, exploring themes of love, survival, and the line between reality and fantasy.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Setting: 1970s Southcentral Alaska, near Homer
This gripping novel portrays a family's struggle and resilience in the remote Alaskan wilderness. It's a compelling narrative of love, loss, and survival, filled with vivid descriptions and complex characters. The story captures the essence of human endurance in the face of Alaska's unforgiving landscape.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Setting: Yukon Territory during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush
A classic adventure story of a St. Bernard/Collie mix, Buck, who is thrust into the harsh world of sled dogs in Alaska. The book vividly portrays the brutality and beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, following Buck's journey to survival and ultimately answering the primal "call of the wild."
If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name: News From Small Town Alaska by Heather Lende
Setting: Haines, Alaska
Heather Lende offers an intimate glimpse into life in a small Alaskan town. Through her experiences writing obituaries and social columns, she shares stories of the quirky, resilient people of Haines, painting a picture of community life in Alaska with warmth and authenticity.
The Tao Of Raven by Ernestine Hayes
Setting: Juneau, Alaska
This memoir blends the Tlingit story “Raven and the Box of Daylight” with Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War," offering insights into the effects of colonization on Alaskan Natives. Hayes's lyrical writing sheds light on the struggles and hopes of indigenous peoples, weaving a narrative of resilience and healing.
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Setting: Alaska, unspecified location
Based on an Alaskan legend, this story recounts the survival of two elderly women abandoned by their tribe. It’s a tale of cooperation, resilience, and the underestimated strength of the elderly, paralleling Wallis’s personal experiences in Alaska.
The Sun is a Compass: A 4,000 Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds by Caroline Van Hemert
Setting: Journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Alaskan Arctic
This captivating memoir follows an ornithologist's 4,000-mile trek across the Alaskan wilderness, combining adventure, science, and personal discovery. Van Hemert's journey through diverse landscapes reveals the wonders of nature and the human spirit's capacity for endurance and connection with the wild.
The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon
Setting: Sitka, Alaska
In an alternate history where Jewish refugees settled in Alaska, this novel combines elements of a detective story with political intrigue. It explores themes of identity, displacement, and belonging, set against the backdrop of a vibrant, imagined Alaskan city.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Setting: Remote village in Alaska
A heartwarming romance set in Alaska's wild terrain. City girl Calla Fletcher journeys to reconnect with her estranged father and finds herself caught between her urban past and a new love in the Alaskan wilderness, challenging her perceptions of home and life.
The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock
Setting: 1970s Alaska
This novel interweaves the stories of four teenagers in Alaska, each grappling with personal challenges and family dynamics. It's an exploration of love, luck, and salvation at America’s frontier, showcasing the intertwined lives and shared humanity of its characters.
These books offer a diverse and immersive journey into Alaska's heart, capturing its spirit through varied lenses of fiction and non-fiction, adventure, romance, and historical narratives. Whether you're a seasoned reader or a newcomer to Alaskan tales, these works promise to transport you to the Last Frontier's wild and wonderful landscapes.
