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A review by jlynnelseauthor
North of Hope: A Daughter's Arctic Journey by Shannon Huffman Polson
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.