Point Last Seen

I loved this book immensely. Loved how she wove her two tales into one, loved how she unflinchingly followed her heart, loved that she had the courage to finish her journey despite the immensity of the obstacles. The most important point this book brought out was how the legal system adresses domestic violence. Hannah and her children received little or no protection from the law. When women tell the truth about their lives it may increase our awareness to the point where women and children will no longer have to fight such lengthy, grueling and lonely battles. Hannah was fortunate and strong, were it not so her story would not have such a successful outcome. As she says, "As we track we too are being tracked. Every action, every inaction, every word and every silence leaves clear signs for the next generation....By learning to really see and listen to one another...we can overcome what would destroy us"

Point Last Seen is a fantastic story of one woman's personal survival, growth and finding strength within herself. Hanna Nyala, after escaping a young and very violent, sadistic marriage, compounded by the loss of her children who were kidnapped by their father, goes into the desert to find some peace and refuge. She becomes a tracker at a national park, searching for lost hikers, children at peril, and in the process finds strength and comfort for herself. Nyala's calm, non self-pitying rendition of her story is powerfuly affecting, for this reader at least and likely many others. The story was recently made into one of the better made for tv movies starring Linda Hamilton. Nyala's quiet but powerful use of words, and her comparisons of the methods used in tracking as a metaphor for finding one's own path are uniquely expressed and inspiring. This is an unforgettable book.

My mom is starting to make me read more books. I don't mind, personally I love to read. When I frist started reading this book I thought she was a little whiny. But as I read on and on I started seeing she had alot of reasons to. I thought it was a very good book, and I congratulate the author for writing this book.

I read this book in one sitting, my heart in my throat, anxious to know if everything would turn out all right. The author has done a masterful job of constructing the narrative in such a way that you are constantly picking up her tracks, following them for a bit, losing them only to pick them up at a later date or place. Her prose is deeply moving without being overwrought. Some will be disappointed that there is not more here: there was clearly more story that could have been told. Yet in keeping with the central metaphor of the book, Nyala's story must be reconstructed by the reader based on the tracks she has left behind.

A wonderful story about a remarkable woman. I found this book deeply moving and inspiring. Highly recommend this book!