Customer Reviews

Walking Home: A Traveler in the Alaskan Wilderness, a Journey into the Human Heart

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read all three of Schooler's books. And, of the three, this one is my favorite. Schooler has already proven to be a descriptive and effective storyteller, yet in this book, he shows the reader more of himself, his motivations, and his human side. His story is one of how a man can cope with loss and transition. And, Schooler is a man's man who has depth, insight and humility.

I recommend "Walking Home" to any man who is in transition; who is moving into that real or metaphorical wilderness of the soul. Who becomes aware of the unknown parts of the world, and of himself. I recommend Schooler's book to any woman who wants to better understand a man's journey of moving "into" a heavy heart, walking "through" the heaviness, and, ultimately, getting "beyond" the old story and accepting "the next" one.

I love a good self reflecting, sould searching journey, walk in the woods book. This isnt it. Yes, he is a good writer, yes, very descriptive. Bottom line, if you are looking for a descriptive book on Mr. Schoolers' epic walk through the Alaskan wilds, then its in there but dont get your hopes up. This is what I was looking for, this is what all the other reviews on this book that I read exclaimed it was. There are 260 pages to this story, and by 115, he hasnt even started the walk. What you do get is a LOT of history. Almost everytime he starts talking about his journey, he takes you back into time and tells you in detail, about what French captain landed here back in the 1700's an this goes on for about 3 pages. The whole book is like this. It actually got quite frustrating. He gets to the shore of where he is going to start this epic journey, and you wait 3 chapters for him to get off the boat and stop talking about the first people to discover the cove.

Ill admit, im not one for history and you can fault me if you want. I like a good true account story of someones adventures in a time that I can relate too, thats just me. Take "Planet Walker" by John Francis. Now there is a story! He had the reason, he had the motivation, he walked. And thats the story, all of his adventures and the amazing things he accomplished while he did.

Maybe I am being a bit harsh on Mr. Schooler, it was a pretty good book. But I am writing this to warn those of us that are looking for what we are led to believe this book is, a good journey. If you like history, and learning about the discovery of Alaska in detail, and some of a mans chosen struggle through the wilds of Alaska, then this is for you. My advice if you dont want to take my word for it, by it used at half price.

In walking home Schooler writes a fascinating narrative weaving together the story of his own journey and search for wholeness with the stories of the places through which he is traveling against the back drop of his marriage which is on the rocks. It is a story about mid-life crisis and questing in search of meaning and understanding. It is a very well written and thoroughly researched book, a fascinating read throughout, but it left me wanting something more pithy from the ending.

This book held me captive the entire time, from the amazing description of the earthquake in 1958, to the historical information about the Lituya Bay area and the Tlingit traditions and the excruciating detail of being stalked by a grizzly, I was loath to put it down. Anyone from Southeast Alaska will enjoy this book but it's great for any adventurous spirit. I am amazed at the lifestyle Lynn enjoys and the talents this man has in so many fields, fantastic storyteller and his research for information to complete the story is exceptional. I hope there is another book in the works!!

As Author Lynn Schooler walks alone along one of the most inaccessible stretches of Alaska's coast, he skillfully weaves together captivating information about the area's natural history, intriguing stories about historic events, descriptions of building his dream home while his dream marriage was falling down around him, and his perceptions on aging and mortality in a way that fascinates and touches the heart.

Having grown up in Lynn's adopted home town of Juneau, I have heard stories for years about the legendary area where he walked, but his writing brought it to life like never before and introduced me to characters and events I had never heard of.

I had just read WALKING HOME when some friends and I were deciding on a route to take during a two-hour flight seeing trip. We chose Lituya Bay, the starting point for the author's walk and the site of the largest recorded wave in history as the pivot point for our flight. You can see photos on my Facebook page at:

[...]

I have read all three of Lynn's books and loved them all.

...while carrying all of us readers along with him?

An excellent read that filled me, at first, with a sense that I was a spirit moving along the trail with Schooler. I was there with the boulders, the weather, the bear. I even kept a watchful eye on his boat he left anchored in the bay.

When I finished the book, a part of its spirit has remained with me, and I find myself re-living parts of that important walk home.

I have just finished reading Walking Home. Not unlike his book, The Blue Bear, he has the magical ability to take me right to where the events which he desribes have happened and I often find myself holding my breath, chuckling, weeping, etc... He is among if not my favorite author and storyteller. I recommend this book to every and anyone who has an ounce of booksense!

I read "Walking Home" last weekend - I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the description of the Alaskan wilderness and the mix of history, adventure and personal introspection. The bear added an element of suspense. I watched for it around every bend in the trail.

There's a review in here that says precisely what I would say, but I won't reiterate. This book isn't about walking anywhere. It's a great book but all about Alaskan history and Schooler's personal life and feelings. I have to say I'm disappointed. I'm on page 105, where Schooler's talking about the construction of gardens and buildings. I wish he'd start walking.

This author can write! Having spent the better part of his life living and working in Alaska, he is no stranger to the area. A few years back, dealing with physical and emotional stress in his life, he decides to take off on a solo adventure along the coast of that State. In his book, along with describing his journey, he shares some of the region's fascinating history. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hermits, Indians, explorers, shipwrecks. In addition, the author has a keen eye for nature and wildlife. He has a way of writing that transports you into the moment. After reading this, you will be left considering how terribly small and insignificant man really is, and how ancient and "alive" the mountains, glaciers and rivers are.

I couldn't put this book down. Really good read.