If you’re searching for books about Alaska to gift this holiday season, here are five excellent choices that capture the spirit, adventure and culture of the Last Frontier.
These selections range from memoirs to historical accounts and environmental explorations, offering something for every type of reader.
“Homestead”
By Melinda Moustakis
This evocative novel, selected as Alaska’s adult book for the 2024 National Book Festival, follows the journey of a young couple trying to stake a homestead in 1950s Alaska. Through lush prose, Moustakis captures the beauty, challenges and emotional pull of life in the rugged wilderness.
“Eagle Drums”
By Nasugraq Rainey Hopson
Perfect for younger readers, this book is rooted in Iñupiaq traditions and mythologies. Hopson weaves a story of resilience and heritage, showcasing the cultural richness of Alaska’s Native communities
“A Thousand Trails Home”
By Seth Kantner
Kantner combines his stunning wildlife photography with essays reflecting his life in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic. It’s a deeply personal look at the relationship between people and the land.
“Two Old Women”
By Velma Wallis
Although not a 2024 release, this timeless story based on an Athabaskan legend continues to resonate. It tells of two elderly women abandoned during a harsh winter who rediscover their strength and survival instincts, making it an inspiring read.
“All the Land’s Surface is Medicine”
By Ann Fienup-Riordan,
Alice Rearden and Marie Meade
This collaborative work explores the use of edible and medicinal plants by Yup’ik communities in Southwest Alaska. It’s an enlightening blend of cultural preservation and practical knowledge.
These selections highlight Alaska’s diverse literary voices and the compelling stories tied to its landscapes. Perfect for holiday gifting, they provide a window into the Last Frontier’s unique history, culture and environment.
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