Alaska Reading List

Before my first trip to Alaska I definitely hit the bookstore for some extra excitement and information and I still love to savor the spirit and lore of the North. Whether you’ve experienced Alaska before, are planning a trip for next summer or have it on your bucket list far off in the future, we think you’ll really enjoy these reads. They will also give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of all the amazing people, places and animals that make up Alaska’s past and present.

Some of these books you have probably heard of and some, perhaps not. This list was compiled from multiple top titles lists and then pared down to the highest rated of those, so they are just the cream of the crop. What is your favorite book on Alaska, or even your favorite travel book in general? I’m still working my way through the list myself, but I definitely enjoyed Into the Wild (and I thought they did a fine job with the movie as well.) Christopher McCandless lived his life with such abandon and yet with such presence and appreciation. I love how it teaches that you have to reconcile your romantic notions of a place with the reality of it, especially when it comes to a place like Alaska. It’s hard not to develop a great respect for the lore, the spirits that still live here, the impenetrable forests and fog. It’s sometimes a dark place, but it has a beauty all it’s own. Often it is the vastness and harshness, the danger and wild nature of the terrain that attracts people. Of all the people I’ve met in Alaska, only a few were born here- some came here running from something; some came to visit and never left. This place has a draw that pulls you in and sometimes it never lets go.

If you’re a book lover, please share your opinions with us below in the comments- maybe your suggestion will show up on our next list! This also gives you locals something to do over the long, cold winter- grab your favorite mug, fill it with hot coffee, and curl up in a warm spot to enjoy a few of these amazing stories.