5 Books to Read Before You Travel to Alaska
I love reading books about places I'm going to visit. It helps stoke my excitement for upcoming my travel, of course, but more than that, it brings so much more perspective to any place I visit. And isn’t that the main objective of travel? To bring us new perspectives.
If you’re heading to Alaska, or if you’re just an armchair traveler looking for an escape “North to the Future”, below is my recommended reading list. It’s separated by fiction, non-fiction, and travel guides.
Fiction
The Great AlonE
By Kristin Hannah
This was my first book by the popular author, Kristin Hannah, but it will certainly not be my last. "The Great Alone" tells the story of the Allbright family, who move to remote Alaska in the 1970s for a fresh start. The story follows as they face the harsh realities of Alaskan life. This book shows a side of Alaska that we, as travelers, will most likely never see. It’s a tough, formidable, unforgiving landscape that only the toughest can survive. Alaska is the setting, but in another way, it’s effectively the main character of this book. Fair warning, there is a prominent amount of domestic abuse in this book.
Alaska: A Novel
By James A. Michener
Oft imitated but never duplicated, the reigning champion of the historical sweeping novel, James Michener, brings history to life in Alaska - A Novel. It's a beast of a book, but well worth the read.
Non-Fiction
One Man’s Wilderness
By Richard Proenneke & Sam Keith
A fantastic memoir by Richard Proenneke, detailing his life living alone and building a cabin by hand in the Alaskan wilderness. Imagine being dropped in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness with essentially nothing but a few tools and the clothes on your back. It’s a fantasy that all of us have likely secretly yearned for when the world is overwhelming. But, reality sets in and we think better of the idea, knowing that most of us wouldn’t last more than 48 hours. Proenneke made it happen, and chronicled his entire journey. This is one I recommend getting a physical copy of so you can see the incredible photographs he took in 1968. It would have been an interesting read either way, but the spectacular photos really made his quest come to life.
Travel Guides
The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises
By Fodor’s Travel
I love a good guidebook, and Fodor's hits the mark with this one. The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time on an Alaskan Cruise.
National Geographic Coastal Alaska - Ports of Call and Beyond
By National Geographic Traveler
This guide book came out in 2016, so I hope they come out with an updated one soon. That said, this is still a fantastic guide book and it will complement your research well prior to heading to Alaska.
Heading to Alaska?
Check out my Alaska Destination Page for travel tips, must-see sights, and hidden gems in the Last Frontier. You can also check out my Curated Tour & Activity List for Alaska on Viator. Start your Alaskan adventure today!
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There is no shortage of books written about and set in Alaska! What are your favorite Alaska books? Comment below!
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