On the Edge of Nowhere

This is a good story about Rural Alaska during the 1900's. The author/subject was an influential Alaskan from humble beginnings. Good read for anyone interested in what Rural Alaska is really like. Brother Sidney's book Shadows on the Koyukuk is a bit more robust, and a good companion to this book.

James Huntington was the quintessential man of the natural order, living off the earth in the harshest conditions one can find in America - Alaska’s outback. Son of a remarkable young Native American survivalist and a white father, he was raised w/a persevering spirit, taught the skills to enable making a life under the most challenging and primitive circumstances. His stories paint pictures for the reader which brings alive how it was for these pioneers to survive, to prosper, to be overcoming repeated setbacks, to make due with less than the basics, to be determined to prevail against all odds. He used his wits, his determination to overcome his bodily limitations, to keep pushing onward in conditions continually life threatening. He learned how to move beyond his status as an isolated “halfbreed Indian” trapper to engage with the almost always competitive Eskimo and white communities, earning the respect of all, to become a new community founder and councilman. His concerns always to improve conditions for others as well as his own struggling and growing family. An inspiring read about what it means to survive and find meaning in one of nature’s harshest places. Dr Robin Bentel, No Calif

Incredible recall of earlier life events plus a remarkable resilience in the face of adversity physical and mental. And a true inspiration to all players in Alaska’s multi ethnic vast landscapes.

I read Sidney Huntington's book (Shadows along the Koyukuk) years ago, and loved it. When I discovered this one and realized Sidney and Jim were brothers I couldn't wait to read it.In "On the Edge of Nowhere", Jim tells his life's story, starting before he was even born and his mother was a child. She was well known because she walked 1,000 miles across the tundra by herself, to get back to her family. Jim lost both his parents before he was fully grown, and went on to pack more adventure into his life than two or three regular people could do. He hunted and trapped, piloted boats on the Koyukuk river, won the All Alaska Championship dogsled race several times, married three times, founded the town of Huslia and established their school, lost everything to a fire, and in later years served in Alaska's House of Representatives and on the Alaska Board of Fisheries.And despite all of this, he remained a humble man. Throughout the book he comes across as a decent, honest, hard working man who never gave up. Whether it was staggering behind his exhausted dogs in the last miles of a race, or rebuilding after his store burned down, he had the Alaskan spirit of independence and perseverance. Yet when asked on a questionnaire about any notable accomplishments in his life, he simply wrote the word "none".If you're a fan of Alaskan stories like I am, this is a book you will love.

I think James' brother Sidney probablly has better memories of thier early days. Probably because He was a couple years older. I think it is a little disapointing that thier ages were changed in this book (as Sidney shows in his book, Shadows On The Koyukuk) just to make thier story more believable. You really have to read both books. Sydney does a better job of relating thier boyhood days, But I think James had more adventures in his grown up life. His very first time going to Fairbanks is absolutely hilarious! These are both great stories. Young people today need more practical education like thse guys had. Kids today don,t know how to do practical things to solve problems today. They're just taught to go to school make lots of money and pay for everything to be done for you! They can't build their own boat or fix thier own engines, build thier own house, and they certainly would'nt survive on thier own On The Edge Of Nowhere!

This is an amazing story of true life experiences by those who lived in the vastness of the bush with all the joys, sadness, hardships and exultations to be found by those who are strong enough, brave enough and persistent enough to survive the challenges. These are people who lived with and for the land. These are the true conservationists who understand the land, not the ones in an warm city office far away with no idea of such things

I wonder if I could have withstood some of the rigors our ancestors experienced. This book is about the early settlers in Alaska. They had skills that most people don't have today. This man came from humble beginnings and became a champion dog sled racer. You will have to read the book to understand the courage that took!!!

An absolute page turner! Starts out sad but going forward you can’t help but laugh at the way he expresses himself.Jim faces hardships most people will never know. Each one makes him a stronger and more determined individual.This book is one I recommend to everyone and will read it over again from time to time.

Ein unglaublich aussagekräftiges Buch über das Leben in und mit der Natur, welches zeigt dass die besten Geschichten immer noch das Leben selber schreibt. Berührend von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite. Man bekommt ein Gespür dafür, wie wichtig es gerade in der heutigen Zeit ist, diese Vielfalt der Natur zu erhalten und somit den Menschen dort weiterhin ein selbstbestimmtes und unabhängiges Leben zu ermöglichen.

A story of this guys poor decisions and horrible tragedies. Worth a read, but far from the best.

Another good read, amazing how people can overcome tragedy at such a young age. What a life!

Love stories of the north

It was an ok read.