Rating:  Summary: Good, Odd, and Lotsa Fun Review: "The odds are good, but the goods are odd."When Peter shares this quote, heard by Alaskan women referring to the choice of available males, he encapsulates so much of the Alaskan spirit found within his book. From the humorous segments of "The Police Log" to the gripping drama of the 1200 mile Iditarod race, Peter Jenkins helps us find Alaska. In his easygoing style, he takes us behind the doors of everyday Alaskans, as well as some very influential ones, and lets us taste, smell, and feel the adventure of northern life. He also reveals the tedium, the loneliness, and the dangers. At moments, I found myself awed by the grandeur and scope of this great state; at other times, I laughed out loud--in public, I might add--at Peter's candid storytelling. Who, after reading this, could forget the bachelor auction? Or the toe-numbing descriptions of the winter trail? Or the sorrowful Tina, as she struggles with her heritage and her future? This is what Peter does so well: he tells great stories. I can almost imagine, as I read his books (all of which I've enjoyed), that he's telling me the accounts over a campfire. He comes across in an honest and unaffected manner. He wears his heart and his spirituality on his sleeve. He lets us see behind the facades of capitalistic life in America. On the other hand, his writing is downright clunky at times. I have to force myself to "hear" him tell the story, as opposed to editing the numerous odd sentences and wasted words. In fact, I wish a thoughtful editor had waded through here sentence by sentence. At certain points, Peter jumps from past to past perfect tense to present perfect all in one paragraph. It's the way people talk, yes; however, for me, it was a constant distraction. Don't let my comments turn you away. "Looking for Alaska" is everything I expected and more. If people and places fascinate you, Peter will not disappoint you. Cuddle up with this book and discover new things with a man who writes from his heart. The book is good, a little odd, and ultimately lotsa fun!
Rating:  Summary: Seen on The Best Books of 2001.Read. Loved it. Review: **Where have I been.** This man has written several best sellers that I had not even heard of. Bought this because of seeing it on a Best Books of 2001. I love Travel books, and Alaska, and this caring, thoughful, hilarious, wildly adventuresome person, and fine writer and photgrapher, is now my favorite writer/ traveler. He makes fun of no one, he lifts people and places up, makes people into glowing, realistically portrayed inspirations that we all can be at our best, even when our `worst' is showing. I NEEDED to read this book about these fantastic people of indomitable spirit. This is a must read if you ever wondered about the future of our world, or you just needed to get far, far away and feel far better upon coming back home. I hated to have this book end. I loved traveling with Peter, I would go anywhere with him. I will be reading all his other titles.
Rating:  Summary: Alaska Passion Review: Peter Jenkins brillantly written book "Looking For Alaska" takes the reader deep into the heart of Alaska. Through his own moving experiences, he takes you side by side with him and his family to explore the wonder and beauty of this huge state. He shares the Alaskan people,their art, history, culture, literature and the humorous side of the Alaskan people. His book is very detailed and full of thrilling experiences.In my opinion,Jenkins book is the next best thing to actually sharing this cold, rough, tough and beautiful land. Each chapter is loaded with grit, stamina, and the real art of living in the wilderness. I never found a dull paragraph within this book. In fact, it was difficult to put it down.
Rating:  Summary: Looking, but not seeing Review: Peter Jenkins is like the annoying travel companion who attaches himself to you and is impossible to get rid of. Like other annoying travel companions he talks nonstop about himself, providing endless boring details about his favorite coffee brand, high school prom, etc. Also he claims to be an authority on every topic, though he clearly knows nothing about the issue, and provides a stream of incorrect 'facts.' This is very unfortunate, since the book takes you to the most interesting places, and introduces you to some amazing people. Though I tried to ignore Mr. Jenkins and just enjoy the travel to Alaska, it was impossible. Go looking for Alaska, but do it without Peter Jenkins.
Rating:  Summary: A Grandmother's View of Alaska Review: I just finished reading Looking for Alaska. My husband and I have been to Alaska twice, once in May where moose stop traffic, and the second time in September where color does the same. We flew into Anchorage, rented a car and saw Homer to Fairbanks. No group ships/buses for us. For anyone who has been to Alaska for short visits but wished for the complete adventure, then this book is for them.
Rating:  Summary: Looking For Alaska Review: Peter's best book to date. Peter leads you into the heart and mind of individuals like he did with "A Walk Across America". I can't wait for Peter (and his family) to go on another adventure. Will Rebekah Jenkins become a second generation Jenkins writer?
Rating:  Summary: Fabulous Book Review: A great book, I read the library's copy and will be buying a keeper and undoubtly sending it as gifts. Mr. Jenkins not only does a fabulous job of describing the incredible beauty of Alaska but also gives very funny insights into some of the citizens of that state. It is a fascinating book and you literally won't be able to put it down.
Rating:  Summary: Absolutely Excellent Reading Review: The absolute best book that I've read in a long time; Mr Jenkings gives a very balanced look at Alaska and its fascinating residents.
Rating:  Summary: Alaska Found Review: Peter Jenkins went looking for Alaska and he found it. He does not just write about it. He first explores it, personally experiences its inseparable risks and rewards (bears, moose, whales, ice, cold, wind, remoteness, wild, free, majestic, and occupied by brave and fearless residents)and then describes his adventures and the people who occupy this land. His narrative is first hand and exciting. He takes us with him (usually accompanied by a guide)kayaking within 75 feet of a 50,000 pound breaching humpback whale,60 miles into the "bush", and to the edge of the land-fast ice with Eskimos waitng to harpoon a 100,000 pound bowhead whale. If you have never been to Alaska, the book makes you want to go there. If you have been there, it makes you want to go back.
Rating:  Summary: He was "looking for Alaska" and he certainly found it. Review: I read a lot, particularly about my favorite part of the world- Alaska, and I am so pleased that I came upon this one. To me, Peter Jenkins really captured the essence of Alaska and the draw that it has for people like myself who just have to make return visits, again and again. If you have visited Alaska, you'll appreciate what he has to say about it's scenic beauty, it's wonderful wildlife and, most importantly, the people who call this home. If you haven't yet visited Alaska, this book will serve as a great "first course". For me, a good book is one that ends too soon. This one ended way too soon.
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