The Great Outdoors
For many, Alaska remains the final frontier in adventure travel. Striking but humble, peaceful yet wild, this northern-most point of the USA is undeniably breathtaking. The uncharted wilderness has created a lifestyle for locals who can speak to the experience better than most. We got recommendations from Juneau’s favorite bookstore Rainy Retreat Books on what they’d recommend for this grand escape.
Juneau by Ernestine Hayes
“A beautiful collection of historical Juneau photos accompanied by the writing of long-time Juneauite, author, and all-around lovely person, Ernestine Hayes. An absolute must-have if you are interested in Alaska history!”
-Tori
Two in the Far North by Margaret E. Murie
“Double the gumption and pioneer spirit of Laura Ingalls Wilder, add the wilderness ethic of John Muir, and mix them well with an adventurous love story to describe the life of American icon Mardy Murie.” -Pam
The Island Within by Richard Nelson
“Enter the world of Richard Nelson's SE Alaska. At once soaked in fog and marine mist and bathed in light reaching from the forest canopy to the mossy undergrowth. This is a book so rich in its descriptions and one may call it a 'poetic memoir' or simply a meditation on all things before you. Absolutely one of my all-time favorites.”
-Garrett
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
“Magical, yet realistic story of a childless couple homesteading in Alaska in 1920. Based on a Russian fairy tale about a snow child who changes everyone's life. Pulitzer Prize finalist for this wonderful first novel by Alaskan author Eowyn Ivey.”
-Toni
Raven Stole the Moon by Garth Stein
“Suspenseful mystery. Poignant story of grief/healing. SE Alaska Native mythology in a modern setting. This book has all the elements of a perfect Alaska vacation read.” -Sara