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

by Michael Modzelewski (Author) "I surfaced from sleep breathing with the surf..." (more)
Key Phrases: killer whales, Blackfish Sound, Freshwater Bay, Alert Bay (more...)

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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Adventures Unlimited (FL); 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 (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #715,484 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 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

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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.