Alaska is a place that defies simple description. Its landscapes challenge people to adapt, its seasons demand resilience and its history stretches from ancient Indigenous traditions to gold rush booms to modern debates over conservation and climate. Writers have drawn from these realities to create work that feels both timeless and immediate.
In this list, you’ll find enduring favorites like “The Great Alone” and “Two Old Women,” alongside newer releases such as Jonathan Waterman’s “Into the Thaw,” a powerful look at climate change in the Arctic, and Tessa Hulls’ stunning memoir “Feeding Ghosts.” From poetry and folklore to thrillers and speculative fiction, these stories offer a rich and varied way to experience Alaska, no matter your reading location.
So grab a cozy spot, maybe even a window seat at a Holland America Hotel, and dive into one (or more!) of these unforgettable Alaska reads.
1. Strong Man: A Tlingit Story by Ishmael Hope
This graphic novel tells the story of the Tlingit hero Dukt’ootl and a modern-day teen in parallel stories. The author told the Daily Sitka Sentinel, “I was trying to find a way of providing traditional Tlingit knowledge to modern life and with integrity.” Read more about how Hope developed the story and then pick up a copy for yourself!
2. The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon
Imagine a world where the Holocaust led to a unique solution — a Jewish settlement in Sitka, Alaska. Michael Chabon’s speculative history takes us on a journey through this alternate reality where a murder mystery plot adds an extra layer of suspense.
3. Flight of the Goose by Lesley Thomas
The first book by Lesley Thomas is a captivating novel that weaves together themes of ecology, Inupiat tradition and war. Set in the Alaska wilderness outside of Nome, the book tells the story of the classic old world meeting the new — confronting the legacy of her people’s history. Ultimately, the story is a powerful exploration of the strong connections between humans and the natural world and the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of difficult times.
4. The Fugitive Wife by Peter C. Brown
This captivating novel dives into the little-known perspective of women during the gold rush era in Alaska. Peter C. Brown transports readers to a time when women were often marginalized and faced with numerous challenges in pursuit of their dreams. The story beautifully weaves together history and storytelling to immerse readers. This book is sure to leave a lasting impact on you, no matter what your favorite genre is.
5. Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis
This touching and powerful novel by Velma Wallis tells the tale of famine, resilience and survival. The novel follows two elderly women who are abandoned by their tribe, but they still refuse to give up. The women’s determination and grit help them not only survive but thrive in the harsh Alaska wilderness, giving testament to their enduring strength and the human spirit.
6. 30 Days of Night: Beyond Barrow by Steve Niles and Bill Sienkiewicz
If you have the thriller kick when it comes to reading, it’s hard to beat this graphic novel about the undead. This novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end and is not for the faint of heart! For those who love a good heart-pounding read that will leave you wanting more, this is the pick for you.
7. The Woman Who Married a Bear by John Straley
Author John Straley is a criminal investigator who writes a mysterious story set in Alaska that revolves around a young woman named Sur O’Hara. O’Hara is involved with a man who is rumored to have transformed into a bear, and it gets more complicated and dangerous as the story progresses. This novel is a great blend of mystery and romance.
8. The Man Who Swam with Beavers by Nancy Lord
Nancy Lord’s book follows a man named Mike who develops a profound bond with beavers and their habitat. Through his journey, the story delves into the intricate relationship between people and the natural world. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone who enjoys exploring the connections between humans and nature.
9. Into the Thaw by Jonathan Waterman
In this powerful memoir, journalist and adventurer Jonathan Waterman reflects on four decades spent traveling through the Arctic. His personal stories intertwine with the alarming realities of climate change, painting a vivid picture of Alaska’s shifting landscapes. It’s both a love letter to the wild and a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand Alaska’s future.
10. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The gripping tale of love, loss and survival in the harsh Alaska wilderness. Set in the 1970s, this novel follows the story of a family trying to start fresh in the unforgiving and isolated terrain. Hannah includes stunning imagery and incorporates complex characters. If you love a good adventure, this story is a powerful portrayal of the human condition.
11. Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls
This graphic memoir spans three generations of women—Tessa, her mother and grandmother—across continents with Alaska as one of the landscapes grounding the story. Hulls weaves illustration with narrative to explore identity, survival, and the search for belonging. The format makes the book both visually striking and emotionally powerful.
12. The Cloud Atlas by Liam Callanan
This enchanting novel written by Liam Callanan takes readers on a journey through time and space. Set in Alaska and exploring the role of the state in World War II, the story follows the adventures of a young pilot named Joe who is tasked with delivering a top-secret package to a remote village. As the story progresses, Joe’s past begins to weigh on him while he encounters a diverse slew of characters and navigates the treacherous terrain of Alaska.
13. Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen
Author Gary Paulsen has competed in the Iditarod two times. His thrilling and humorous memoir follows the journey of training and running the intense race in the bitter cold winter in Alaska. Paulsen takes readers on a wild ride through the stunning wilderness, fierce dogs and the physical and emotional challenges of the Iditarod. Through his triumphs and failures, this is a must-read book for those who love adventure, nature and the bond between humans and animals.
14. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
This cautionary tale follows Christopher McCandless’s journey into the Alaska wilderness in search of adventure and self-discovery. McCandless, who was a recent college graduate, leaves behind his privileged life and sets out on a solo expedition to live off the land. During his exploration, he is faced with numerous challenges and meets a variety of characters who shape his perspective on life.
15. On Heaven’s Hill by Kim Heacox
Award-winning Alaskan author Kim Heacox brings readers a moving story about community, wilderness and the clash between development and preservation. Set on Alaska’s remote coast, the novel follows a family whose lives are deeply tied to the land they inhabit. With lyrical prose and a timely message, this book combines powerful storytelling with pressing environmental themes.
16. Walled-In: Arctic Housing and a Sociology of Walls by Lisa-Jo K. van den Scott
This work of narrative sociology examines modern Inuit housing in Arctic communities. Van den Scott highlights how architecture and colonial history shape daily life and identity in the north. While more academic than some titles on this list, it remains accessible and personal, offering important insights into Alaska’s cultural landscape today.
17. This is Chance! by Jon Mooallem
This story follows one woman named Chance who becomes the voice of her community in Anchorage, Alaska, after a devastating earthquake in 1964. Through her role as a part-time radio reporter, her tireless efforts help bring a fractured city together through hope during a time of great uncertainty. The writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for those who are interested in the power of community and the human spirit.
18. Braving It: A Father, A Daughter and an Unforgettable Journey by James Campbell
Get ready to go on an unforgettable journey through Alaska. In the book, Campbell and his daughter Aidan embark on a daring adventure to explore the rugged terrain and confront their fears. As the pair navigate through the treacherous landscape, they encounter wild animals, harsh weather and unexpected challenges. Through their adventure, they discover the beauty and resilience of nature, as well as the strength of their father-daughter bond.
19. 58 Degrees North: The Mysterious Sinking of the Arctic Rose by Hugh Kugiya
If you’re a fan of “The Deadliest Catch,” you might like this gripping true story written by Hugh Kugiya. Kugiya takes readers on a gripping journey to the cold and unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea where the lives of crew members aboard a doomed vessel are tragically lost. This book sheds light on the dangers of commercial fishing and the bravery of those who bring us the seafood we love and enjoy.
20. The Best of Robert Service by Robert Service
This literary treasure trove is filled with the works of the legendary poet Robert Service. His gift for vivid storytelling can take readers on epic journeys. Exploring the north and capturing the spirit of the land and its people, every word on the pages is inspiring and delightful.
21. Cartography of Water by Mike Burwell
This is a beautiful collection of poems that explores the depth and mysteries of the ocean with vivid imagery and lyrical language. From the gentle lapping of waves against the shores to the violent storms that rage across the open sea, these poems remind readers that nature is in control.
Bring Alaska Stories to Life
Alaska is a bigger-than-life setting for unforgettable books, and a place where adventure, culture, and resilience thrive in real life. From literary journeys through gold rush towns to modern reflections on climate and community, these stories can be your perfect companion before or during your travels north.
Ready to turn the page from imagination to experience? Book a stay at Holland America Hotels and make your own Alaska story part of the adventure.
