Scan barcode
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I won a copy of this book through a good reads giveaway. This has not influenced or biased my opinions.
Polson uses such a fluid and vivid language through which she expresses her thoughts and observations. "North of Hope" takes readers on a unique journey through the Northern Alaska as Polson searches for a way to cope with the unexpected death of her father and step-mother and to complete the journey they were unable to finish.
"Then, I simply watched the water. The current curling towards the shore, cutting across to the next bend in the river. It parted around rocks, poured over rocks, a transparent force, sometimes glistening, sometimes dark, carrying earth, carrying dreams. I had no control over any part of this, other than how I responded." - Shannon Huffman Polson
One thing I would have really loved was pictures of the landscape along the Hulahula river. The environment was so unique that it would have been nice to have some photos included to illuminate a fragment of the beauty which helped Polson on her path towards healing. At times, it could be hard to picture because the area is so foreign to us farther south in the United States (you know, like, Minnesota - ha!).
"...I knelt with the Good Friday God, the suffering God who had wept and bled, cried out and died. The Easter God - that was who I'd been trying to talk to, but I wasn't ready. It wasn't time. First I had to pray to the Good Friday God, the one who suffered, before I could understand any part of resurrection. This was the gift of my faith." - Shannon Huffman Polson
This book is extremely honest and raw and emotional. It was also at times very heavy. I had to take a break after 3/4 of the book. It was so easy to tap into Poulson's emotions. She described changes in relationships or nuances in personalities that could easily have been describing events in my own life. Polson connects so many pieces in this story. She talks about the native tribes of Northern Alaska and their beliefs. She describes research on bears and bear attacks along with their significance in the mindset history. Many aspects of life are related to music. Others are related to the beauty which exists in the wilds of nature. The story is very personal but its also very well-researched concerning all the places and people around her. She has put a lot of effort into not just her own healing but also to understanding and accepting things in life that are beyond human control - like animal behavior in nature or life after death and coping with the loss of loved ones.
One powerful moment for me was in the chapter "Desert Springs" after her dad and her went to visit her paternal grandpa's grave. Polson describes a postcard she wrote to her dad in terms of what she remembered writing versus what she actually wrote - wow. Polson impactfully brings thoughtful observations which are easily reflected back onto the reader. How much appreciation and love for my parents do I hold inside compared to what I share with them? The things left unsaid versus the more vulnerable thoughts behind the few words we do actually share is truly, powerfully imbalanced. I believe its something present in all people's lives. Polson shares some very eyeopening and introspective thoughts to light.
"What is known might sometimes sustain us, but what is unknown will save us." - Shannon Huffman Polson
The eloquent and prose-like writing kept me enthralled. Granted, after a while I needed to take a break from the heaviness of the subject matter. However, this book is easy to identify with. I think it can serve as a guide for others who find themselves in Polson's situation. I thank her for her soulful honesty in this story. It was a journey that ends in hope woven through an enchanting landscape. Polson has a gift for digging into the emotions of a situation and gleaning insightful perspectives. She carefully stitched together her time on the river versus training for a choral concert, two journeys that helped her heart to hear God and heal. Extremely moving storytelling.
Each person is going to experience this book differently, but I encourage you to take a chance on it. It will definitely help you appreciate the beauty and love surrounding you today.
Polson uses such a fluid and vivid language through which she expresses her thoughts and observations. "North of Hope" takes readers on a unique journey through the Northern Alaska as Polson searches for a way to cope with the unexpected death of her father and step-mother and to complete the journey they were unable to finish.
"Then, I simply watched the water. The current curling towards the shore, cutting across to the next bend in the river. It parted around rocks, poured over rocks, a transparent force, sometimes glistening, sometimes dark, carrying earth, carrying dreams. I had no control over any part of this, other than how I responded." - Shannon Huffman Polson
One thing I would have really loved was pictures of the landscape along the Hulahula river. The environment was so unique that it would have been nice to have some photos included to illuminate a fragment of the beauty which helped Polson on her path towards healing. At times, it could be hard to picture because the area is so foreign to us farther south in the United States (you know, like, Minnesota - ha!).
"...I knelt with the Good Friday God, the suffering God who had wept and bled, cried out and died. The Easter God - that was who I'd been trying to talk to, but I wasn't ready. It wasn't time. First I had to pray to the Good Friday God, the one who suffered, before I could understand any part of resurrection. This was the gift of my faith." - Shannon Huffman Polson
This book is extremely honest and raw and emotional. It was also at times very heavy. I had to take a break after 3/4 of the book. It was so easy to tap into Poulson's emotions. She described changes in relationships or nuances in personalities that could easily have been describing events in my own life. Polson connects so many pieces in this story. She talks about the native tribes of Northern Alaska and their beliefs. She describes research on bears and bear attacks along with their significance in the mindset history. Many aspects of life are related to music. Others are related to the beauty which exists in the wilds of nature. The story is very personal but its also very well-researched concerning all the places and people around her. She has put a lot of effort into not just her own healing but also to understanding and accepting things in life that are beyond human control - like animal behavior in nature or life after death and coping with the loss of loved ones.
One powerful moment for me was in the chapter "Desert Springs" after her dad and her went to visit her paternal grandpa's grave. Polson describes a postcard she wrote to her dad in terms of what she remembered writing versus what she actually wrote - wow. Polson impactfully brings thoughtful observations which are easily reflected back onto the reader. How much appreciation and love for my parents do I hold inside compared to what I share with them? The things left unsaid versus the more vulnerable thoughts behind the few words we do actually share is truly, powerfully imbalanced. I believe its something present in all people's lives. Polson shares some very eyeopening and introspective thoughts to light.
"What is known might sometimes sustain us, but what is unknown will save us." - Shannon Huffman Polson
The eloquent and prose-like writing kept me enthralled. Granted, after a while I needed to take a break from the heaviness of the subject matter. However, this book is easy to identify with. I think it can serve as a guide for others who find themselves in Polson's situation. I thank her for her soulful honesty in this story. It was a journey that ends in hope woven through an enchanting landscape. Polson has a gift for digging into the emotions of a situation and gleaning insightful perspectives. She carefully stitched together her time on the river versus training for a choral concert, two journeys that helped her heart to hear God and heal. Extremely moving storytelling.
Each person is going to experience this book differently, but I encourage you to take a chance on it. It will definitely help you appreciate the beauty and love surrounding you today.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
I chose to read this memoir of grief because the author is coming to the Festival of Faith and Writing this week. Shannon Huffman Polson's father and step-mother were killed by a rogue grizzly as they were enjoying a rafting/camping trip in northern Alaska. A year later, Polson felt compelled to take the same trip, to see what they saw (as described in their journal) and to see the place where they were killed. Polson also sang the Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor under the direction of Perlman and she leaned on her faith to help her through her intense shock and grief. Polson and her family have spent much of their lives doing outdoor adventuresome things. Her story will resonate with nature lovers and adventure seekers.
kevjbyrne's review against another edition
5.0
A phenomenal read, written by one of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure to work with (from our days as lieutenants in Army Aviation)!
reader_cheryl's review against another edition
5.0
"The plane fell from the clouds toward the dirt airstrip in the Inupait village of Kaktovik, Alaska. I braced myself against the seat in front of me. Windows aged and opague blurred the borders of ice and land, sea and sky." (19)
One year after her father and stepmother are killed by a grizzly bear in the remote wilderness of the Artic, Shannon Ploson retraces their unfinished river trip, looking to honor her father and stepmom and to find healing. It's a journey that's difficult on many levels--physically, emotionally, spiritually. It's a journey that teaches her--and this reader--to see, to believe, and celebrate beauty.
Her writing draws you into the little known wilderness of Alaska, her own personal journey through grief, all woven together with her love of music. She explores the wavering line between worlds--"* listened to the water. In it, I heard the sounds of rocks, low sounds of gurgles and streams and tricles. And I heard voices. Somewhere under the water, even in this shallow place, voices came out of and through the water. I could not understand them, but they talked back and forth with excitment and joy. I stopped still to listen; what I was hearing was impossible." (232).
I rarely rate books with five stars; but this book is an exception. Her writing is eloquent and honest. One that leaves you thinking once the final page is read.
One year after her father and stepmother are killed by a grizzly bear in the remote wilderness of the Artic, Shannon Ploson retraces their unfinished river trip, looking to honor her father and stepmom and to find healing. It's a journey that's difficult on many levels--physically, emotionally, spiritually. It's a journey that teaches her--and this reader--to see, to believe, and celebrate beauty.
Her writing draws you into the little known wilderness of Alaska, her own personal journey through grief, all woven together with her love of music. She explores the wavering line between worlds--"* listened to the water. In it, I heard the sounds of rocks, low sounds of gurgles and streams and tricles. And I heard voices. Somewhere under the water, even in this shallow place, voices came out of and through the water. I could not understand them, but they talked back and forth with excitment and joy. I stopped still to listen; what I was hearing was impossible." (232).
I rarely rate books with five stars; but this book is an exception. Her writing is eloquent and honest. One that leaves you thinking once the final page is read.
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I won a copy of this book through a good reads giveaway. This has not influenced or biased my opinions.
Polson uses such a fluid and vivid language through which she expresses her thoughts and observations. "North of Hope" takes readers on a unique journey through the Northern Alaska as Polson searches for a way to cope with the unexpected death of her father and step-mother and to complete the journey they were unable to finish.
"Then, I simply watched the water. The current curling towards the shore, cutting across to the next bend in the river. It parted around rocks, poured over rocks, a transparent force, sometimes glistening, sometimes dark, carrying earth, carrying dreams. I had no control over any part of this, other than how I responded." - Shannon Huffman Polson
One thing I would have really loved was pictures of the landscape along the Hulahula river. The environment was so unique that it would have been nice to have some photos included to illuminate a fragment of the beauty which helped Polson on her path towards healing. At times, it could be hard to picture because the area is so foreign to us farther south in the United States (you know, like, Minnesota - ha!).
"...I knelt with the Good Friday God, the suffering God who had wept and bled, cried out and died. The Easter God - that was who I'd been trying to talk to, but I wasn't ready. It wasn't time. First I had to pray to the Good Friday God, the one who suffered, before I could understand any part of resurrection. This was the gift of my faith." - Shannon Huffman Polson
This book is extremely honest and raw and emotional. It was also at times very heavy. I had to take a break after 3/4 of the book. It was so easy to tap into Poulson's emotions. She described changes in relationships or nuances in personalities that could easily have been describing events in my own life. Polson connects so many pieces in this story. She talks about the native tribes of Northern Alaska and their beliefs. She describes research on bears and bear attacks along with their significance in the mindset history. Many aspects of life are related to music. Others are related to the beauty which exists in the wilds of nature. The story is very personal but its also very well-researched concerning all the places and people around her. She has put a lot of effort into not just her own healing but also to understanding and accepting things in life that are beyond human control - like animal behavior in nature or life after death and coping with the loss of loved ones.
One powerful moment for me was in the chapter "Desert Springs" after her dad and her went to visit her paternal grandpa's grave. Polson describes a postcard she wrote to her dad in terms of what she remembered writing versus what she actually wrote - wow. Polson impactfully brings thoughtful observations which are easily reflected back onto the reader. How much appreciation and love for my parents do I hold inside compared to what I share with them? The things left unsaid versus the more vulnerable thoughts behind the few words we do actually share is truly, powerfully imbalanced. I believe its something present in all people's lives. Polson shares some very eyeopening and introspective thoughts to light.
"What is known might sometimes sustain us, but what is unknown will save us." - Shannon Huffman Polson
The eloquent and prose-like writing kept me enthralled. Granted, after a while I needed to take a break from the heaviness of the subject matter. However, this book is easy to identify with. I think it can serve as a guide for others who find themselves in Polson's situation. I thank her for her soulful honesty in this story. It was a journey that ends in hope woven through an enchanting landscape. Polson has a gift for digging into the emotions of a situation and gleaning insightful perspectives. She carefully stitched together her time on the river versus training for a choral concert, two journeys that helped her heart to hear God and heal. Extremely moving storytelling.
Each person is going to experience this book differently, but I encourage you to take a chance on it. It will definitely help you appreciate the beauty and love surrounding you today.
Polson uses such a fluid and vivid language through which she expresses her thoughts and observations. "North of Hope" takes readers on a unique journey through the Northern Alaska as Polson searches for a way to cope with the unexpected death of her father and step-mother and to complete the journey they were unable to finish.
"Then, I simply watched the water. The current curling towards the shore, cutting across to the next bend in the river. It parted around rocks, poured over rocks, a transparent force, sometimes glistening, sometimes dark, carrying earth, carrying dreams. I had no control over any part of this, other than how I responded." - Shannon Huffman Polson
One thing I would have really loved was pictures of the landscape along the Hulahula river. The environment was so unique that it would have been nice to have some photos included to illuminate a fragment of the beauty which helped Polson on her path towards healing. At times, it could be hard to picture because the area is so foreign to us farther south in the United States (you know, like, Minnesota - ha!).
"...I knelt with the Good Friday God, the suffering God who had wept and bled, cried out and died. The Easter God - that was who I'd been trying to talk to, but I wasn't ready. It wasn't time. First I had to pray to the Good Friday God, the one who suffered, before I could understand any part of resurrection. This was the gift of my faith." - Shannon Huffman Polson
This book is extremely honest and raw and emotional. It was also at times very heavy. I had to take a break after 3/4 of the book. It was so easy to tap into Poulson's emotions. She described changes in relationships or nuances in personalities that could easily have been describing events in my own life. Polson connects so many pieces in this story. She talks about the native tribes of Northern Alaska and their beliefs. She describes research on bears and bear attacks along with their significance in the mindset history. Many aspects of life are related to music. Others are related to the beauty which exists in the wilds of nature. The story is very personal but its also very well-researched concerning all the places and people around her. She has put a lot of effort into not just her own healing but also to understanding and accepting things in life that are beyond human control - like animal behavior in nature or life after death and coping with the loss of loved ones.
One powerful moment for me was in the chapter "Desert Springs" after her dad and her went to visit her paternal grandpa's grave. Polson describes a postcard she wrote to her dad in terms of what she remembered writing versus what she actually wrote - wow. Polson impactfully brings thoughtful observations which are easily reflected back onto the reader. How much appreciation and love for my parents do I hold inside compared to what I share with them? The things left unsaid versus the more vulnerable thoughts behind the few words we do actually share is truly, powerfully imbalanced. I believe its something present in all people's lives. Polson shares some very eyeopening and introspective thoughts to light.
"What is known might sometimes sustain us, but what is unknown will save us." - Shannon Huffman Polson
The eloquent and prose-like writing kept me enthralled. Granted, after a while I needed to take a break from the heaviness of the subject matter. However, this book is easy to identify with. I think it can serve as a guide for others who find themselves in Polson's situation. I thank her for her soulful honesty in this story. It was a journey that ends in hope woven through an enchanting landscape. Polson has a gift for digging into the emotions of a situation and gleaning insightful perspectives. She carefully stitched together her time on the river versus training for a choral concert, two journeys that helped her heart to hear God and heal. Extremely moving storytelling.
Each person is going to experience this book differently, but I encourage you to take a chance on it. It will definitely help you appreciate the beauty and love surrounding you today.
rebeccafromflorida's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from the author and publisher, Zondervan, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson is a memoir of a time in Shannon’s life when her world came crashing down, and she tried to get it back to normal.
Shannon’s father and stepmother, Kathy, were traveling on an Arctic hiking/river trip. A bear came onto their campsite and killed both of them.
This tragedy was too much for Shannon to deal with, and after a year of trying to do just that, she set out on her own Arctic adventure on her parents’ path.
Shannon, her adopted and troubled brother Ned, and his coworker, embark on this journey that follows the same path that her father and Kathy took. Along the way, Shannon is able to not only mourn properly and come to terms with the tragedy, but she is also able to take control of other parts of her life that were afflicted.
In addition to the main story of Shannon’s journey into the wilderness,
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
North of Hope by Shannon Huffman Polson is a memoir of a time in Shannon’s life when her world came crashing down, and she tried to get it back to normal.
Shannon’s father and stepmother, Kathy, were traveling on an Arctic hiking/river trip. A bear came onto their campsite and killed both of them.
This tragedy was too much for Shannon to deal with, and after a year of trying to do just that, she set out on her own Arctic adventure on her parents’ path.
Shannon, her adopted and troubled brother Ned, and his coworker, embark on this journey that follows the same path that her father and Kathy took. Along the way, Shannon is able to not only mourn properly and come to terms with the tragedy, but she is also able to take control of other parts of her life that were afflicted.
In addition to the main story of Shannon’s journey into the wilderness,
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
matthew_p's review against another edition
3.0
Difficult to read. Polson's grief is raw, intense. But that's what makes it worth reading.
pickettbri's review against another edition
2.0
I think if you are grieving a major death, you will find passages in this book that speak to you. As I am not, I couldn’t really relate.
While the story of a woman tracing the journey her father and stepmother took before being tragically killed by a bear sounds like it would make for a thrilling memoir, I found it quite dull. The story is more of the author’s quest for healing and her path through grief.
Most often, I found Polson to be an unrelatable, arrogant narrator - quick to diminish her trip companions; Sally, from Polson’s telling appears to be naive and ditzy, while her adopted brother, Ned, is dangerous and quick to be violently angered. There is clearly more to the story of Polson and Ned’s fractured relationship, but all the reader is left with is a brief acknowledgement that she was told she “inflicted trauma on Ned as a child”.
Despite the lack of information about her relationship with both Ned and Sally, the reader is overwhelmed with flowery prose about the river they raft, and an unnecessary amount of dialogue about navigating their raft. Oftentimes, I found myself unable to actually picture what she was describing -if you’re a kayaker or river rafter, it may make more sense to you. Mixed in, without really feeling like it fits with the story, is a side story about her healing through music prior to her expedition to Alaska. Personally, I think that part of the story could’ve been left out, as it felt forcefully included and didn’t appear to add much, except a loose thread tying two periods of time together.
Lastly, pictures would’ve been a nice addition. I wanted to visualize who Polson’s father and stepmother were, who her travel companions and partner were. It seems like a typical thing for memoirs to include and it would’ve made visualizing the story easier.
Depending on your life experiences, I think the level you engage with this story will differ. As for me, it didn’t really resonate.
While the story of a woman tracing the journey her father and stepmother took before being tragically killed by a bear sounds like it would make for a thrilling memoir, I found it quite dull. The story is more of the author’s quest for healing and her path through grief.
Most often, I found Polson to be an unrelatable, arrogant narrator - quick to diminish her trip companions; Sally, from Polson’s telling appears to be naive and ditzy, while her adopted brother, Ned, is dangerous and quick to be violently angered. There is clearly more to the story of Polson and Ned’s fractured relationship, but all the reader is left with is a brief acknowledgement that she was told she “inflicted trauma on Ned as a child”.
Despite the lack of information about her relationship with both Ned and Sally, the reader is overwhelmed with flowery prose about the river they raft, and an unnecessary amount of dialogue about navigating their raft. Oftentimes, I found myself unable to actually picture what she was describing -if you’re a kayaker or river rafter, it may make more sense to you. Mixed in, without really feeling like it fits with the story, is a side story about her healing through music prior to her expedition to Alaska. Personally, I think that part of the story could’ve been left out, as it felt forcefully included and didn’t appear to add much, except a loose thread tying two periods of time together.
Lastly, pictures would’ve been a nice addition. I wanted to visualize who Polson’s father and stepmother were, who her travel companions and partner were. It seems like a typical thing for memoirs to include and it would’ve made visualizing the story easier.
Depending on your life experiences, I think the level you engage with this story will differ. As for me, it didn’t really resonate.
More...