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The Blue Bear

The Blue Bear

988490
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988490

    Feb 25, 2018#1

    I posted this on the climbing forum I also use but, as it was recommended to me on this forum I thought it worth re-posting.
    [FONT=&amp]Every now and again a read a book that touches my soul and this is one of those books.[/FONT][FONT=&amp]The Blue Bear by Lynn Schooler[/FONT][FONT=&amp]https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/167 ... _Blue_Bear[/FONT][FONT=&amp]I stumbled across the book by accident having a different book of Lynn Schooler's (Walking Home) recommended to me on a different forum and then following on from that with "The Blue Bear".[/FONT][FONT=&amp]I'd never heard of the author before, nor of any of his books, but his writing is eloquent and detailed and I find myself a little jealous of his ability to describe every day activity in such a way that couldn't possibly be from memory and leaves you feeling that it must have been written at the exact time the events took place.[/FONT][FONT=&amp]The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure, describing the building of friendship over a series of trips taken around the Alaskan pan handle in search of the elusive blue bear (or Glacier Bear as it is also known).[/FONT][FONT=&amp]If you find yourself with the need to try to make some sense out of both the tragedy and joy of life in a way that is perhaps spiritual rather than religious then I recommend this book.[/FONT]

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    1261

      Feb 25, 2018#2

      Good to hear that you enjoyed "Blue Bear" so much, bobt, Lynn Schooler is certainly a gifted writer.

      If you haven't already come across it, then "One Man's Wilderness" by Sam Keith is another favourite of mine, about the years that Richard Proenneke spent living in the Alaskan wilderness, studying the wildlife. Not a lot about canoeing in it, although a canoe does feature as a convenient means of transport on Twin Lakes, but much about how to build, and fit out, a log cabin using just hand tools. I read it at least once a year - generally when it is too hot here in our part of Spain to step outside into the midday sun. Makes me feel a little cooler reading about someone who spent a large part of a year in sub-zero temperatures!

      The book was once so popular in America and Canada that it rather spoilt things for Richard Proenneke's life-style - people kept flying in to visit him!

      988490
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      988490

        Feb 25, 2018#3

        I'll give it a go. I always struggle a little to find something to replace a book like the "Blue Bear". I always feel a little sad, like when a good friend has left after an excellent visit.

          Feb 26, 2018#4

          Sorry Nick

          Missed that you were the guy who originally recommended the Lynn Schooler books. I have to say that they have been well worth the read so thanks for that. I hope Spain isn't too cold for ya :-)