In this lively and sometimes poignant collection of essays and autobiographies, nearly fifty Alaska Native writers tell of their unique way of life and bear witness to the sweeping cultural changes occurring in their lifetimes. They explore a range of experiences and issues, including skinning a polar bear; traditional domestic and subsistence practices; marriage customs; alcoholism; the challenges and opportunities of modern education; balancing traditional and contemporary demands; discrimination; adapting to urban life; the treatment of Native peoples in school textbooks; and the social realities of speaking standard and “village” English. With its fresh perspectives and unfailingly authentic voices, this collection is essential for an understanding of Alaska Native peoples today.
Into the Wild meets Helter Skelter in this riveting true story of a modern-day homesteading family in the deepest reaches of the Alaskan wilderness—and of the chilling secrets of its maniacal, spellbinding patriarch. When Papa Pilgrim, his wife, and their fifteen children appeared in the Alaska frontier outpost of McCarthy, their new neighbors saw them as a shining example of the homespun Christian ideal. But behind the family's proud piety and beautiful old-timey music lay Pilgrim's dark past: his strange connection to the Kennedy assassination and a trail of chaos and anguish that followed him from Dallas and New Mexico. Pilgrim soon sparked a tense confrontation with the National Park Service fiercely dividing the community over where a citizen’s rights end and the government’s power begins. As the battle grew more intense, the turmoil in his brood made it increasingly difficult to tell whether his children were messianic followers or hostages in desperate need of rescue. In this powerful piece of Americana, written with uncommon grace and high drama, veteran Alaska journalist, Tom Kizzia uses his unparalleled access to capture an era-defining clash between environmentalists and pioneers ignited by a mesmerizing sociopath who held a town and a family captive.
Chronicles a family's efforts to build a home near the Arctic Circle in Alaska, depicting their moving discovery of love and courage in a land of modern-day outlaws, feuds, grizzly bears, and unbelievably harsh winters.
"As the days get colder, I watch the world from Mama's shoulder." Rural Alaska is a playground for children who are discovering and learning every day. Read with your baby and join this whirlwind tour through Alaska's seasons in a four-book series created by Alaska Native authors and photographers.
"There are folks in Alaska who claim the staff of life in their sourdough pots is more than 40 years old or date it to the time when Fairbanks was a mining town. Handwritten to match the old-timers' recipes, this book includes directions for several starters that can ripen in varying times, three days to one year"--Amazon.com.
The Frozen Toe Guide to Real Alaskan Livin' both embraces and instructs readers on everything one needs to know to be a true Alaskan, or at least to look the part. Combining both handbook format with anecdotal bits about the author’s own experiences moving to the state, the book advises readers on such topics ranging from winter survival skills to regional fashion to Alaskan dating advice to extreme sports. Learn how to make ice cream from snow, or how to seek out a career in dog mushing. Find out where to travel for weekend trips, and what Alaskans do for entertainment.
Alaska Thunderfuck spills the tea on her meteoric rise from timid Pennsylvania kid to drag superstar in this intimate photographic memoir that will appeal to diehard Alaska admirers and broader drag fans alike. Before RuPaul's Drag Race became a worldwide phenomenon, Drag was mostly an underground art form, performed by the daring and the quick-witted, with maximum energy and a minimal budget. This is the story of one of the galaxy's greatest queens, Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, as she transforms from wearing dresses made of trash bags because she has to, to wearing dresses made of trash bags because she wants to. Finally coming clean on her home planet (earth), this dishy, visual memoir tells the stories that shaped Alaska into an All Star: from prom king to the House of Haunt, to the very public breakup that almost destroyed her. Intimate and alluring with exclusive photography throughout, and illustrations by the author, My Name's Yours, What's Alaska? is the ultimate backstage pass. UNIQUE & PERSONAL: Chronicling Alaska's journey from small-town kid to drag superstar, this memoir stands out for its emotional resonance, distinct humor, and unapologetic realness. Filled with compelling personal stories told in Alaska's unique voice, it gives fans an exclusive look at Justin Honard the person, not just Alaska Thunderfuck the drag queen. LGBTQIA+ REPRESENTATION: LGBTQIA+ consumers will see their experiences and passions reflected in Alaska's authenticity and openness about her childhood struggles, and will be excited by a drag memoir that celebrates the whole story of queerness, not just the sassy, shady highlights. GREAT GIFT FOR FANS OF RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE: Behind the scenes stories of Alaska's journey to RuPaul's Drag Race fame, alongside full-color photography of Alaska's iconic trash-glam looks throughout her career, will deliver the exclusive content fans crave. Perfect for: • Diehard drag fans • Fans of Alaska Thunderfuck, RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Trixie Mattel, Bianca del Rio, Sharon Needles, Magnus Hastings, Cherri Baum, Veruca, and more • RuPaul's Drag Race enthusiasts who want to deep dive into a famous queen's rise to stardom
Baked Alaska presents 72 recipes for favorite home-baked desserts enjoyed by people living in the North Country. Readers will discover a rich variety of recipes for muffins, cookies, steaming berry pies or cobblers, and much more. The book is highlighted with colorful illustrations and delightful Alaskan anecdotes.
A friendly travel guide that makes preparing for an Alaskan adventure easier than ever Alaska has 100,000 glaciers and 10 million lakes. Wildlife roams freely across vast spaces, unfettered by fences or roads. With so many opportunities to experience real wilderness and enjoy outdoor activities, you can’t see or do it all, but you can make the most of your time with Alaska For Dummies, an accessible yet comprehensive guide to America's Last Frontier. Inside you’ll discover: Anchorage and road trips from Anchorage Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka Bush Alaska, with coverage of fascinating places in the Arctic Options for visiting by cruise ship Ways to travel to Alaska and how to get around once you’re there Tips for booking accommodations and finding the best deals Five great itineraries that touch on Alaska’s best destinations The best places to see marine mammals, birds, humpback whales, black, brown, or polar bears, and other wildlife The best gold rush towns, including Fairbanks, Juneau, Skagway, and Nome, where the free-wheeling frontier spirit abides today Ten questions to ask an Alaskan (like, “Why is the capital in a city you can’t drive to?”) And lots more Alaska For Dummies contains down-to-earth trip-planning advice, what you shouldn't miss (and what you can skip), the best hotels and restaurants for every budget, and an appendix with a directory of facts, phone numbers, and website addresses you’ll want to keep handy. Get your own copy to plan the adventure of a lifetime.
