Inside Passage: Living With Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians [Hardcover]

Michael Modzelewski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

Inspired by Robinson Crusoe and Jack London, Michael Modzelewski, jettisoned all baggage accompanying life in the comfortable middle class and set out to find raw, unharnessed wilderness. He found it on Blackfish Sound ("Blackfish" is the Kwakiutl Indian word for the killer whale) in the Inside Passage, the rugged coastline between Seattle and Alaska.

Leaving his home in Aspen, which had become a false Shangri-La for him, Modzelewski settled on a desolate island in the Inside Passage, a place which "after seducing you with beauty would shake you with fear. An unpredictable place that kept you always prepared, honed to the keen edge of life." Here he lived alone for months on end.

Inside Passage describes his experiences in this unspoiled setting, where the sky is his ceiling, mountains are his walls, and physical challenges test him down to the marrow. He also forms unusual friendships with passing yachters, salmon fishermen, Kwakiutl Indians, loners, and the owner of the house he is staying at, Will Malloff, a man of oversized personality -- a healer, builder, woodsman, and thinker. Modzelewski writes with a love for nature and gentle humor about his interactions with the native animals (eagles, whales, wolves), local animals (cats, dogs, "tame" wild boars), and other settlers.

Inside Passage is the powerful story of one man learning the ways of self-reliance in a soul-filled search through the northern wilderness.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dissatisfied with his unfocused life and seeking wilderness experience, Colorado freelance writer Modzelewski drifted west. In Vancouver, B.C., he met a larger-than-life character, Will Malloff, who invited him to his island paradise. Modzelewski spent 18 months on Swanson Island (3 miles long, 1 miles wide) in the Inside Passage between northern Vancouver Island and the mainland, renewing his bonds with the natural world and testing himself with severe physical challenges. In the winter months he was alone; spring and summer brought visitors--Malloff and his companion, fishermen, yachting parties. Modzelewski waxes ecstatic about the land- and seascape and wildlife; he enjoyed the company of Kwakiutl Indians and the loners who lived on neighboring islands. His story provides a fine vicarious adventure for readers who cherish the wilderness.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-- For 18 months, Modzelewski followed his dream and lived on Swanson Island in the Inside Passage. Often alone, he experienced a close relationship with the wilderness and its creatures. His awe at the beauty and power of eagles is matched by his fury at finding those wounded by gunshot. He swam close enough to touch the backs of killer whales; he discovered that they distinguish between live music, which they like, and taped music, which they dislike. Throughout the narrative is woven respect for the rich traditions and myths of the native Kwakiutl Indians. Although most of the book recounts the author's experiences, his descriptions of the island and its occasional visitors are wonderful and provide a welcome change in focus. YAs who dream of the adventure of primitive living while matching wits with nature will enjoy this sojourn into the wild. --Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Pub . Lib . , VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Adventures Unlimited; 5th edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966062507
• ISBN-13: 978-0966062502
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,034,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Modzelewski grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where his father played professional football with the Browns. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and a minor in Journalism. On assignment with national publications and as a correspondent for Outdoor Life TV, Michael has visited over 30 countries, specializing in the subjects of wildlife and adventure travel. He is a roving correspondent for the national radio show: "The Good Life," reporting on his adventures all over the world. Michael is the author of ANGELES CREST, about ultramarathon running and metaphysics; NORTH THROUGH PARADISE, describing varied adventures in Alaska; and INSIDE PASSAGE: LIVING WITH KILLER WHALES, BALD EAGLES, AND KWAKIUTL INDIANS, based on his experiences living on a wilderness island in the Inside Passage to Alaska.

After living "date-less" on the island, upon returning to civilization, Michael was startled to find he was chosen Cosmopolitan Magazine's "Bachelor of The Month" and AlaskaMen Magazine's centerfold story. After receiving 5,000 letters from women around the world, he married one of the correspondents. Michael's latest book, WILD LIFE, is about his dating experiences.

Michael is an inspiring and entertaining speaker, with his presentations receiving rave reviews and standing ovations from international audiences. He was chosen "Speaker of the Year" by Sharing Ideas Magazine. Michael is a Guest Lecturer on cruise ships and has been featured on many national TV shows, including "A Closer Look with Faith Daniels," Bill Cosby's "You Bet Your Life," "The Dini Petty Show," and has twice been featured on Oprah. His action-packed life was dramatized in the New York City off-Broadway play, LIFEGAME.

When not traveling the world on assignment or researching his books, Michael enjoys exploring his two favorite places in the world: Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Africa. Michael is a mountain climber, ocean kayaker, and marathon runner -- having completed, to date, 71 races around the world.

Michael's writing has received many awards and accolades, including the following two statements: "Michael Modzelewski is the John Muir of our times. Like Muir, he provides quiet and reverential observance of nature and our own humanity, while interjecting riveting narratives of unanticipated death-defying adventures. His writing is visceral and poetic, alternately humorous and heart-rending, able to sweep the reader seamlessly into his world. I have spent happy hours with his writing." -- Amy Tan, author of THE JOY LUCK CLUB

"Shortly after Bill's grandfather was put in the hospital, I spent several long weeks in ICU with Grandpa fulfilling my promise not to leave him alone. When I ran out of things to reminisce about I began to read INSIDE PASSAGE to him. For over a week the doctors had been telling me that Grandpa was unaware of anything and incapable of any response. He responded to this book. He would open his eyes, sometimes reach over and take my hand and try to smile. I wouldn't trade those hours for anything. Grandpa died less than an hour after I finished reading him INSIDE PASSAGE. I know his last hours were spent sharing a great adventure, not dwelling on the pain or fear of dying. He slipped away with a squeeze of my arm and tears in his eyes. We buried him with a copy of INSIDE PASSAGE. What this book gave Grandpa and me will be cherished; and the author has made himself a member of this family forever."
-- A reader from Tulsa, Oklahoma

The author's website: www.MichaelModzelewski.com has won over 100 awards for content and design. TV interviews and Film excerpts featuring Michael can be viewed at: www.YouTube.com/AdventureM

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Affair With The Wild, August 2, 2002

By 

Donna Jaeger (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside Passage: Living With Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians (Paperback)

In "Inside Passage", Michael Modzelewski bounds bravely into adventure in a way many of us have merely fantasized about. Living on a remote island in the inner corridor of Alaskan wilderness, Modzelewski pits himself against Mother Nature, not as opponent, but with reverence and great humility at heart. Having the courage to endure and survive "outside the box", Modzelewski's impassioned and inspired stories communicate a spiritual depth, awareness and understanding that nourishes the soul. With the wonder of a child and the wisdom of a warrior, we are taken on a journey that awakens all our senses, leaving us with awe and respect for a rugged and unrelenting land overflowing with magic and mystery.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars INVIGORATING AND INSPIRATIONAL!, July 28, 2002

By 

Kathy Lashchuk (San Diego,CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside Passage: Living With Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians (Hardcover)

I'd like to start out with my favorite quote from Michael Modzelewski, "Sometimes you have to lower your standard of living to reach a higher level." I have sailed the inside passage via cruise ship 5 times and every time I read "INSIDE PASSAGE" brings back all the wonderful memories and magical moments I have experienced in this wild and untamed wilderness.
Michael lived with killer and humpback whales, bald eagles, Kwakiutl Indians on the surrounding Islands, Tuffy the cat, Cottonwood the ridgeback dog, and my favorite raven named Blackie! On page 59 is a hilarious story about Blackie!! Michael lived in Will Malloff's 12x34 ft. home with no t.v., indoor plumbing, electricity,no car or grocery store. No traffic jams,pollution or noise of any kind, and all you can eat fish in the sea was the trade off! You will learn what Michael needed to do to survive 18 months on Swanson Island.
This is one of those books you read over and over and underline everything. I'm going to close with another of Michael's quotes,
"I touched the whale; she touched me; and what passed between us changed me forever." Reading this book and meeting Michael changed me forever. This book inspired and motivated me to take some risks in life, to travel, and to dream big because dreams do come true,look at Michael's!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life Enhancing Adventure, October 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Inside Passage: Living With Killer Whales, Bald Eagles, and Kwakiutl Indians (Hardcover)

When I first read INSIDE PASSAGE it touched my heart. After reading it cover to cover I sat and stared at it for over an hour -- then read it again. The book felt very personal -- I didn't think I'd ever share it with anyone. Even when my best friend came to town a few days later. We talked about INSIDE PASSAGE but I wouldn't give him the book. Shortly after that Bill's grandfather was put in the hospital. I spent several long weeks in the ICU with Grandpa (14 years of friendship earns family status) fulfilling my promise not to leave him alone. When I ran out of things to reminise about I began to read INSIDE PASSAGE to him. For over a week the doctors had been telling me Grandpa was unaware of anything and incapable of any response. He responded to this book. Despite the respirator, heart monitors, IV's, etc. he heard every word. He would open his eyes, sometimes reach over and take my hand and try to smile. I wouldn't trade those hours for anything. Grandpa died less than an hour after I finished reading him INSIDE PASSAGE. I know his last hours were spent sharing a great adventure; not dwelling on the pain and fear of dying. He slipped away after a squeeze of my arm -- he had tears in his eyes. We buried him -- with a copy of INSIDE PASSAGE and the well-worn copy of ILLUSIONS that he gave me 14 years ago. In it he had highlighted the lines: "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each others life. Rarely do the members of one family grow up under the same roof." What INSIDE PASSAGE gave Grandpa and me will be cherished; and the author has made himself a member of this family forever.