On the Edge of Nowhere

My dad read this book to me and my brother when I was 8 years old. We would come home from school and plead for him to read more about the Edge of Nowhere and adventures of Jimmy Huntington. We could have read it ourselves, but it was just that much more real when we heard the words aloud. I now read "On the Edge of Nowhere" every couple years to remind myself of what it means to be a real Alaskan and a good human being. The reading is fast-paced and it's easy to get caught up in. I still smile, laugh, and cry right along with Jimmy when I read about his triumphs and losses. People of all ages - whether Alaskan or not - will thoroughly enjoy this exciting and masterfully written account of the life of Jim Huntington. Anyone who enjoys this book would do well to read "Shadows on the Koyukuk" by Jim's brother Sidney Huntington. There are some of the same stories with a different perspective, plus a lot of new stories from Sidney's own exciting life.

I love this book. It was a very quick read and kept me interested at all times. As one reviewer noted, it is like listening to an elder relative recounting their life story. After spending 3 weeks around Alaska, it was just wonderful to hear about the author's experiences in the wilderness. I can't say enough about this book. It really brings home how the "simple" but not "easy" life can be more rewarding and enriching than our current fast-paced lives.... I highly recommend this for a weekend read!

This is a great read. I read it in two sittings because I couldn't stop. Jim Huntington's brother Sidney also wrote a book many years after this one called "Shadows on the Koyokuk" which was as good as this and in fact has a bit more details of their shared youth. Jim Huntington's story was terrific. Lot's of bush adventures with attacking Bears, Wolves, Injuries, etc. Did you know that the Eskimos and Indians of Alaska hated each other so much prior to American Law and Order that they killed each other on site? I didn't. I really liked the admission that sometimes he succumbed to his human desires. In his circumstance I might well have done the same. If this was written now, this sexy morsal would surely have been ommitted for the sake of political correctness. If you are a stickler for chronological stories, this may try nyour patience. It's more like your Grand Dad sitting by the fire recounting the days of yore. The Dog Sledding adventures were very good too and kept me on the edge of my seat. His contributions to his village and eventually the state of Alaska are well worth knowing about (especially if you are an Alaskan). If I was going to read this and his brothers book, I would read this first. However, if I were going to read one or the other, I would favor Sidney's book. Though they aren't the same story, many parts are. I highly recommend this.

Considering the few reviews this book has received, and the long wait to get the book if you order it (one-two months as of now), I have to say this is a very overlooked book. If it had the right marketing and promotions I could easily see it becoming a bestseller. If you like true life adventure, than this book is for you. The first chapter is about Jim's mother's 1000 mile trek on foot by herself from Nome to her home to be with her children. Her incredible spirit and drive is so inspiring--you have to keep reminding yourself this is a true story. If it wasn't, you would never believe it. Jim's story of his own life is just as captivating. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, true stories, tales of Alaska and frankly, anyone who likes to read! Order the book now and even if it takes two months to arrive, it will be a treat when it does.

Jim is my uncle and unfortunately he passed away a several years ago; I didn't know him as well as I would have liked but heard much about him from my mother. Sidney, Jimmy's brother; wrote "Shadows on the Koyukuk" an Alaskan Native's Life along the River by Sidney Huntington as told to Jim Rearden (you'll note he also did Jimmy's book as well); Alaska Northwest Books. another 5 star book and not just because they are relatives; you'll find this when you read them yourself.