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a_a_ron3891's review against another edition
4.0
This book is wonderful, even better if you've had a chance to see the companion piece, Proenneke's self-filmed documentary "Alone in the Wilderness" where he just sort of casually erects a log cabin in the mountains of Alaska. Through both works he shows himself a deeply practical and capable man, and one who espouses a simple but deep appreciation of and enthusiasm for the natural beauty around him.
zo277's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while to read this book. I wanted to take this book in for the imagery given and really it's mostly journal entries, as well as some spectacular photography, rather than a typical nonfiction piece.
Dick Proenneke lived a life that is truly attractive to a dimension of myself. There are definitely days I long for the fresh air of mountain passes, wildlife and my tent much more than buzzing cars, tar snakes and overgrazed pastures full of fat cows for profit.
This book is not about a life everyone enjoys, and this writing is equally as niche, the commitment to nature would puzzle most rural folks and Proenneke's pragmatism and simplicity would bore most urban folks. That said, I love this book. I see myself revisiting this one near the fireplace on the coldest of evenings.
Dick Proenneke lived a life that is truly attractive to a dimension of myself. There are definitely days I long for the fresh air of mountain passes, wildlife and my tent much more than buzzing cars, tar snakes and overgrazed pastures full of fat cows for profit.
This book is not about a life everyone enjoys, and this writing is equally as niche, the commitment to nature would puzzle most rural folks and Proenneke's pragmatism and simplicity would bore most urban folks. That said, I love this book. I see myself revisiting this one near the fireplace on the coldest of evenings.
jryanlonas's review against another edition
3.0
A fun, quick read I picked up after traveling to the Lake Clark area of Alaska this summer.
Proenneke's 30 year experiment at wilderness life (though with semi-regular contact with the outside world through Babe Alsworth's flights) is intriguing, but, more than anything else, jealousy-inducing for this "weekend warrior woodsman".
Some of his daily diary entries are tedious, but the sum of his experiences give a great picture of life in bush Alaska. His "reflections" at the end of the book are almost Wendell Berry-esque, and worth considering in the hurly-burly of modern life.
Proenneke's 30 year experiment at wilderness life (though with semi-regular contact with the outside world through Babe Alsworth's flights) is intriguing, but, more than anything else, jealousy-inducing for this "weekend warrior woodsman".
Some of his daily diary entries are tedious, but the sum of his experiences give a great picture of life in bush Alaska. His "reflections" at the end of the book are almost Wendell Berry-esque, and worth considering in the hurly-burly of modern life.
andjhostet's review against another edition
3.0
A memoir of Dick Proenneke living in the remote Alaskan mountains, building his own cabin, hunting, growing, and foraging his food, and appreciating nature for 16 months with limited human contact.
I found the beginning (building his cabin) incredibly boring. However once his cabin was built it was much more interesting. There was something incredibly satisfying and inspiring to hear about his daily life. The amount of joy he could get from something simple as chopping wood, making himself a tool that works, or meeting a new animal was pretty inspiring.
I found the beginning (building his cabin) incredibly boring. However once his cabin was built it was much more interesting. There was something incredibly satisfying and inspiring to hear about his daily life. The amount of joy he could get from something simple as chopping wood, making himself a tool that works, or meeting a new animal was pretty inspiring.
take_that_hike's review against another edition
5.0
The combined work of Richard Proenneke and Sam Keith create extraordinary imagery of the Alaskan wilderness. This story details what an appreciation for nature and pure human will can accomplish. 5/5
noisy_math's review against another edition
5.0
Best book on the subject. I have read this many, many times.
jedimasterjrock's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
joelmontana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
paigeandpages_'s review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
rrrraaayyyy's review against another edition
5.0
Paperback | An important and yet simple pleasure of a book.