So I’ve finished Atlas Shrugged. I think it’s going to be awhile before I process it completely, it causes very conflicting emotions (was it really justice?). This whole thread has made me look up some of the writers I loved so much and I found that Peter Jenkins (A Walk Across America) published a book called Looking for Alaska in 2001, which is about the year and a half his family spent in Alaska and the amazing people they met there. And while I don’t think it is as inspiring as his first book, it is still a wonderful book. Of course, I’m biased; visiting Alaska has always been on what I call my “life goals” list, and I’m finally going to do it in August. After reading his book, I’m considering putting “live in Alaska for at least a year” on my list (I need to add new things, I’ve checked off 6 things in the past 3 years). Part of Peter Jenkins’ talent is inspiring you, not necessarily to have dreams, but to be brave enough to go after those dreams. Most of the people he meets in his travels are not famous, they’re rather ordinary, everyday people, but this does not make them any less wonderful. He tends to be drawn to people who are living their lives the way they’ve always dreamt they should be lived.
I have to admit, I’m a little scared about going to Alaska. What if it’s not as great as I’ve always believed? England wasn’t. Or worse yet, what if it’s better than I have ever imagined, and it makes me unhappy with the life I am now living? I don’t believe in fate and “meant to be” but what if I am wrong and Alaska is where I am meant to be, will I be content giving it up? I’m certainly not ready to move there now, too many ties, too many responsibilities, possibly too many fears… And I shake my fist at Peter Jenkins for showing me more of that wild, elusive spirit that is Alaska, for making me want what I cannot now have, other than a brief touch… but writers and books like this, that draw such emotion and thought are exactly the kind of books I love.
Heidi
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Alaska... say it softly, and it's almost like praying...
