At eighteen I sold all of my belongings and bought a one way ticket to rural Alaska. Since then I've fallen in love with this state and its remarkable people and their remarkable stories. Bonnie, happens to be one of those people. But contrary to others who've lived amazing lives, she documented hers- in beautiful wording and vivid description.
The story starts at the beginning. Bonnie and her husband, Sam leave their midwest home and venture into the unknown of Alaska. The story follows Bonnie and her husband Sam's trials and triumphs as they attempt to make a life for themselves in a place so far from their original 'home'. Of course, for the few of us lucky enough to fall in love with this place, Ohio soon seems distant and foriegn (although the people left behind are deeply missed). Bonnie and Sam quickly make peace with the oddities of Alaska and find unique contentment in its surroundings. If you've ever dreamed of running away from the city life and delving headfirst into a homestead lifestyle, then you will absolutely love Bonnie's story- because essentially, that is the path Bonnie and Sam chose.
As the story progresses you find yourself living life beside Bonnie. You get to experience it all. The building of a rural cabin. The gathering, hunting, and raising of foods. The simple events of an everyday wildnerness lifestyle. But, alas, the wildnerness is not always kind. And although you get to experience the utter joy entailed in Bonnie's life, you are also thrust into the many unfortunate events that Alaska bestows upon her. You'll find yourself cringing at the painful injuries Bonnie and Sam face. You'll struggle with the emotions tied to rural living and the sadness and heartbreak that the lifestyle sometimes brings.
The place where Bonnie and Sam make home is amidst the infamous Skilak lake. The waters tell a story of their own, and Bonnie does an exquisite job of bringing their power and peacefulness into her tale. As with many Alaskans- Bonnie and Sam's lives are largely effected by the waters near them. Bonnie's story is no different. In her book you can find both her admiration and respect of Skilak. I find this to be such an intimate detail that can be found not-so-subtly plotted throughout the story. For individuals in Alaska this one small trait of the book will ring relatable and true. Nature is powerful here, and Bonnie chooses not to hide Alaska's harshness. But she also brings fourth Alaska's light- by showing the beauty that can be found amidst Skilak's tough waters.
I found myself experiencing so many emotions throughout this tale. Bonnie's honest humour in many of her upbeat chapters made me feel as though I was chatting with an old friend. I found myself smiling and laughing at many of her uniquely Alaskan experiences. I continually rooted for Sam and her to have a wonderful life, and was always hoping for their success. And when misfortune struck, I was so deeply involved in the story that it actually often moved me to tears.
This book is a beautiful tribute to Alaska. As an Alaskan myself I can truly say this is one of the few brilliant northern-based novels out there. It captures your imagination and fills your heart with the contentment of the wild. I envy Bonnie's life so dearly and will forever treasure her story. I was blessed enough to get a copy of her book signed- and I will hold this specific copy near and dear to me for years to come. It's earned its place on my bookshelf and I will reread it again and again. The Winds of Skilak is an inspiration for those with their heart yearning for this lovely state, and a memorium to those who are blessed enough to already lived here.
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014
- Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
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- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on November 27, 2021
5 stars is not enough! Absolutely Loved this book! Bought the second one instantly!
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