Land of the Radioactive Midnight Sun: A Cheechako's First Year in Alaska

Rating:
Summary: Land of the Radioactive Midnight Sun:
Review: As a New Yorker, I was very intersted in reading about a city boy getting transplanted into the harshest wilderness. I was rewarded by a funny tale of what it means to become a man and an Alaskan. Flynn mixes humorous stories in with history lessons, culture clashes and the unending search for a good woman and a better pizza. I haven't laughed while reading this much since discovering David Sedaris. The author and his military buddies are very likable and it is easy to see how his heart can be split between such different landscapes and lifestyles. And he even gets the girl at the end! I highly recommend to anybody who wants to learn while they laugh.

Rating:
Summary: Good History, Great Laughs
Review: As a New Yorker, I was very intersted in reading about a city boy getting transplanted into the harshest wilderness. I was rewarded by a funny tale of what it means to become a man and an Alaskan. Flynn mixes humorous stories in with history lessons, culture clashes and the unending search for a good woman and a better pizza. I haven't laughed while reading this much since discovering David Sedaris. The author and his military buddies are very likable and it is easy to see how his heart can be split between such different landscapes and lifestyles. And he even gets the girl at the end! I highly recommend to anybody who wants to learn while they laugh.

Rating:
Summary: A must read if you get orders to Eielson!
Review: Having been stationed at Eielson during the same time as Flynn, I can vouch for his accuracy in the descriptions of the whole "Interior of Alaska" experience. I'm thankful that he wrote this, because now when people ask what it was like up there, I just tell them to buy the book. Overall I liked his stories and his range of topics, but sometimes they seemed to drag on a bit, especially when they dealt with his lack of female options. He more than makes up for that, with poking fun at a sometimes stuffy US Air Force, and his quest for becoming a sourdough. A great book to pick up when you think life in the lower 48 is tough and you need a chuckle.

Rating:
Summary: A must read if you get orders to Eielson!
Review: Having been stationed at Eielson during the same time as Flynn, I can vouch for his accuracy in the descriptions of the whole "Interior of Alaska" experience. I'm thankful that he wrote this, because now when people ask what it was like up there, I just tell them to buy the book. Overall I liked his stories and his range of topics, but sometimes they seemed to drag on a bit, especially when they dealt with his lack of female options. He more than makes up for that, with poking fun at a sometimes stuffy US Air Force, and his quest for becoming a sourdough. A great book to pick up when you think life in the lower 48 is tough and you need a chuckle.

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating read for a fellow Cheechako
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I am a Cheechako myself, having moved to Alaska recently. I'm also ex-military. I appreciated the frank observations, the humor, and learned a few things about The Last Frontier along the way. This book is a mixture of the author's experiences with military beaurocracy and office politics, his impressions of the locals and their unique culture, diplomatic missions with the natives, Alaskan history, the role of the military in Alaska, and much more. The author just about does it all during his stay including dog mushing, fishing for salmon, and gold panning. His descriptions of these from a beginner's perspective, without much outdoor experience are hilarious and honest. As a Public Affair Officer he is tasked with some unenviable jobs including crash reporting, smoothing relations with the natives over their concerns about nuclear generators, dealing with the base commander over public affairs issues, fighting to keep his column alive after some indelicate (read hilarious) comments about a halibut charter captain's choice of fishing spots, etc. He pulls no punches in expressing his opinions. That's a good quality in a PAO and one that got him in hot water more than once I'm sure. As a Texan, Cowboys fan, ex-Marine, infantryman I was a little miffed a couple of times at some of the smack-talk but that's to be expected from a New Yorker. ;) Great job!

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating read
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the frank observations, the humor, and learned a few things about The Last Frontier along the way. This book is a mixture of the author's experiences with military beaurocracy and office politics, his impressions of the locals and their unique culture, diplomatic missions with the natives, Alaskan history, the role of the military in Alaska, and much more. The author just about does it all during his stay including dog mushing, fishing for salmon, and gold panning. His descriptions of these from a beginner's perspective, without much outdoor experience are hilarious and honest. As a Public Affair Officer he is tasked with some unenviable jobs including crash reporting, smoothing relations with the natives over their concerns about nuclear generators, dealing with the base commander over public affairs issues, fighting to keep his column alive after some indelicate (read hilarious) comments about a halibut charter captain's choice of fishing spots, etc. He pulls no punches in expressing his opinions. That's a good quality in a PAO and one that got him in hot water more than once I'm sure. Great read.

Rating:
Summary: Land of the Radioactive Midnight Sun:
Review: Sean Flynn writes with a wonderful style that reflects a great sense of humor and an intelligence and loyalty that are to be admired. He obviously had a keen interest in learning as much as he could about Alaska and Alaskans during his year with the Air Force at Eielson Air Force Base. His enthusiasm, despite some incredibly cold temperatures and some hair-raising experiences (if your hair could rise in that cold!) is contagious. Also, the book provides an education about the history and culture of this most interesting state! A most enjoyable read!

Rating:
Summary: A smooth, entertaining read
Review: Sean's style and story-telling ability flow quickly, easily and smoothly. You're happy to go along for the ride, and during the trip you learn so much about one of the smallest, most unique cultures in this American sea of cultures, and about one of the most beautiful yet challenging places on the planet. Things you could learn only by living them. But just as importantly, you laugh as you watch him grow from cheechako to sourdough. A must-buy for anyone into reading humor, or about the military, or Alaska. Get it now!!

Rating:
Summary: Puts Alaska on your "must go" travel list
Review: Well-written, insightful, educational, and entertaining. Funny without making fun of people. Really brings Alaska and its residents to life, providing a fascinating glimpse of the state unavailable to most visitors (i.e., way beyond the typical 7-night cruise ship experience.) I began reading it because of my interest in military history (the author was stationed there as an Air Force officer), but the quality of writing and greater focus on non-military experiences was a pleasant surprise. I now want to quit my job, pack my bags, and head immediately to Alaska.

Rating:
Summary: Puts Alaska on your "must go" travel list
Review: Well-written, insightful, educational, and entertaining. Funny without making fun of people. Really brings Alaska and its residents to life, providing a fascinating glimpse of the state unavailable to most visitors (i.e., way beyond the typical 7-night cruise ship experience.) I began reading it because of my interest in military history (the author was stationed there as an Air Force officer), but the quality of writing and greater focus on non-military experiences was a pleasant surprise. I now want to quit my job, pack my bags, and head immediately to Alaska.