THE GREAT ALONE

by Kristin Hannah

For a first Kristin Hannah experience, I cannot recommend The Great Alone highly enough. Hannah’s ability to juxtapose enormously sweeping imagery of the Alaskan wilderness with an intimate portrait of a teenage girl is breathtaking.

Leni’s whole life has been unpredictable, living with her madly-in-love parents in the early 70’s. Her dad’s moods, drinking and violent outbursts seem to be worsening as he struggles with undiagnosed PTSD from serving in the war in Viet Nam. When he inherits land on a remote island in Alaska, the family packs up their van and heads towards the unknown.

They quickly realize just how unprepared they are, and are grateful for neighbors who step up to help them prepare for a rapidly approaching and potentially deadly winter. As her dad’s issues reemerge and relations with other homesteaders turn sour, Leni and her mom become increasingly isolated and afraid.

Part adventure story, part nature book, part coming-of-age, I never knew what was coming next in The Great Alone. I was so completely engrossed in this Alaskan world I found it very hard to move on to a new book for several days after finishing. This would be a wonderful beach read this summer, especially if you are looking for a great escape. (Lily)