Books Like...
'White Sky, Black Ice' by Stan Jones follows the story of Nathan Active, a young Alaskan State Trooper who is assigned to a remote town in Alaska where he was born. Nathan navigates between two cultures, the Inuit culture and the white man's culture, facing challenges such as alcoholism, environmental issues, and mysterious deaths. As Nathan investigates a series of deaths, he uncovers the dark secrets of the Grey Wolf mine, the impact of big business on the community, and the struggles of living in a harsh, isolated environment. intricately weaves together themes of cultural identity, environmental activism, and the complexities of rural Alaska, providing a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The writing style of the book is praised for its authenticity in portraying the Inuit culture, the Alaskan landscape, and the challenges faced by the characters. Readers appreciate the rich sense of place, the well-developed characters, and the nuanced exploration of cultural politics and community dynamics. Stan Jones skillfully captures the essence of rural Alaska, creating a setting that feels vivid and atmospheric, while also delving into the personal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Nathan Active.
If you liked White Sky, Black Ice, here are the top 7 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"The Woman Who Married a Bear" in the Cecil Younger series by John Straley follows the life of private investigator Cecil Younger, who resides in Sitka, Alaska. Despite his struggles with alcoholism and personal demons, Cecil is driven by a sense of justice and curiosity to uncover the truth in various cases. When an elderly woman asks him to investigate the murder of her son, Cecil finds himself entangled in a dangerous web where he becomes the hunted. The Alaskan setting, complex characters, and poetic writing style create an engrossing and atmospheric tale that delves into themes of identity, redemption, and acceptance.
I had botched my seventeen syllables, my money was gone, and my only credit card was missing. The worst of it was I didn’t remember if it was stolen or given away. I sat on the green bench in front of... - #2
Save:In "Murder on the Iditarod Trail," the story unfolds as top Iditarod mushers meet gruesome deaths on the trail, shaking the race that has never before claimed a life. Jessie Arnold, a determined female contender, aims to win despite the murders of her friends, while State Trooper Alex Jensen investigates the mysterious deaths. Sue Henry vividly brings to life the struggle and danger of the iconic Iditarod race, intertwining the thrill of the competition with the suspense of a killer on the loose. The book immerses readers in the freezing Alaskan wilderness, where man and animal battle against nature in a high-stakes race for survival.
The Iditarod Trail follows the checkpoints along the southern route every other year, as I have described. Aside from artistic license in creating the story, every attempt has been made to keep the de... - #3
Save:Sue Harrison's 'Song of the River' is a character-driven historical fiction novel set in the harsh Alaskan world thousands of years ago. The story follows K'os, a young girl who faces violence and revenge before finding an abandoned baby, Chakliux, whom she raises to become a gifted storyteller. As Chakliux navigates an arranged marriage to bring peace between tribes, the narrative unfolds with murders, family secrets, and inter-tribal treachery. The book delves into the struggles of two tribes fighting for survival amidst the challenges of resources, tribal cohesion, and desires in a time where peace and war hang in the balance.
CHAKLIUX’S THOUGHTS WERE LIKE the bitter taste of willow bark tea, and he shook his head, suddenly impatient with his self-pity. At least she was beautiful. He could console himself with that. If he d... - #4
Save:'Mother Earth Father Sky' by Sue Harrison is a prehistoric fiction novel set in ancient North America, specifically around the Aleutian Islands in 7000 BCE. The story follows the protagonist, Chagak, a young woman who witnesses a massacre that destroys her village. She embarks on a journey to reach her mother's family on another island, facing unexpected challenges along the way. The novel delves into the culture of the First People, portraying a believable society with well-drawn characterizations. Despite the historical setting, the book weaves in elements of love, family ties, and community amidst the harsh reality of the time.
The writing style of Sue Harrison is described as easy to read, compelling, and well-researched. Readers find themselves invested in the characters and their personal stories, making it difficult to put the book down. The author skillfully brings to life the ancient Alaskan culture through a smooth narrative that seamlessly integrates details of daily life, myths, and customs of the era.
Six days. Too long, Chagak thought. Too long, yet she sat on the low mound of her father’s earthen ulaq and waited, watching the sea. She smoothed her hands over the dark feathers of her suk. Her moth... - #5
Save:'A Cold Day For Murder' by Dana Stabenow follows the story of Kate Shugak, a native Alaskan ex-policewoman who is enlisted to help find a missing park ranger and investigator in the icy wilderness of Alaska. As Kate navigates through the Alaskan landscape, interacting with the natives, oil workers, and other characters, she unravels a mystery that involves family ties, hidden motives, and the harsh realities of life in the Alaskan wilderness. The setting of the national park in Alaska adds an intriguing aspect to the story, with a mix of cultural references and a list of interconnected characters that keep the plot engaging and the reader on their toes.
The narrative style of the book is described as smooth and easy to read, with a focus on character development and the Alaskan setting. The protagonist, Kate Shugak, is portrayed as a strong and appealing character with a brusque nature, making her interactions with others and her investigative journey through Alaska both compelling and enjoyable. The plot unfolds with red herrings, unexpected twists, and a unique ending that leaves readers intrigued and eager to delve into the next novel in the series.
They came out of the south late that morning on a black-and-silver Ski-doo LT. The driver had thick eyebrows and a thicker beard and a lush fur ruff around his hood, all rimmed with frost from the moi... - #6
Save:In the book "Drop City" by T.C. Boyle, a California commune of hippies in the late 1960s decides to move to Alaska to live off the land, only to find challenges with the harsh Alaskan environment and clashes with the local residents. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of various characters, highlighting the struggles and interactions between the two communities. The author captures the essence of the counter-cultural '70s, exploring themes of communal living, freedom, and the complexities of idealism versus reality.
The morning was a fish in a net, glistening and wriggling at the dead black border of her consciousness, but she'd never caught a fish in a net or on a hook either, so she couldn't really say if or ho... - #7
Save:'Arctic Dreams' by Barry Lopez is a captivating exploration of the Arctic region, blending nature writing with philosophical reflections and historical accounts. Lopez delves into the unique landscape of the Arctic, discussing its wildlife, indigenous people, and the impact of human exploration and exploitation on the environment. The book is structured thematically, with chapters focusing on species like polar bears and narwhals, as well as historical narratives of Arctic exploration. Lopez's writing style is described as evocative, sensitive, and detailed, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the Arctic's beauty and challenges.
One summer evening I was camped in the western Brooks Range of Alaska with a friend. From the ridge where we had pitched our tent we looked out over tens of square miles of rolling tundra along the so...
