Monday, March 25, 2013

North of Hope Book Review



North of Hope
Picture Credit


North of Hope by Shannon Polson is a very well written account of her life as things took a turn when her parents are killed by a grizzly. 

After her parents are killed in a rare grizzly attack, the author is forced into a wilderness of grief. Turning to loves she learned from her father, Polson explores the perilous terrain of grief through music, the natural world, and her faith. Her travels take her from the suburbs of Seattle to the concert hall where she sings Mozart's Requiem, and ultimately into the wilderness of Alaska's remote Arctic and of her heart.

This deeply moving narrative is shot through with the human search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Polson's deep appreciation for the untamed and remote wilderness of the Alaskan Arctic moves her story effortlessly between adventure, natural history, and sacred pilgrimage, as much an internal journey as a literal one. Readers who appreciate music or adventure narratives and the natural world or who are looking for new ways to understand loss will find guidance, solace, and a companionable voice in this extraordinary debut. (Goodreads)



I was really excited about reading this book because of the adventure that Shannon has going to the Arctic! I also found the history and wildlife information fascinating. That being said, this book jumps back and forth between the present and past and the inter workings of the author's mind. I loved this book, but others might not enjoy reading because it can get a bit boring and confusing when going from one thing to the next. I know many readers enjoy fiction and this is not fiction. This is straight up real life, and it is not pretty to read the many details about her parents death, which she does include. The author did a ton of research prior to her trip and I would highly recommend this book!! 

There is not really a book to compare to this one but it reminds me of Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.

North of Hope hits stores April 9, 2013!!




Stop by Shannon's website to learn more about her!


"I received this book for free from Handlebar Direction for Publishing in exchange for an honest review".







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