This fascinating story of the Hale family homesteading on the Alaskan frontier and the drama it brought to a small and eccentric community was written by journalist and the family's sometime Alaskan neighbour, Tom Kizzia.
What is it similar to? This book reminds me of Jeanette Walls' Half Broke Horses, with the frontier feel and uniquely American flavour. Goodreads describes it as Into the Wild meets Helter Skelter.
Am I in the mood? This book is a rollercoaster, and it is about real people who are currently living their lives in the modern United States. You are in the mood if you want to delve into the lives of others and the disturbed mind of a charismatic leader of people.
Find the book? Got it as an e-book from the library, this book is widely available.
Listen to an NPR interview with the author
Watch the author on Alaska Public Media
Read an article on the New York Times Arts Beat blog
Can't get enough? You can watch the family sing with their friends on YouTube.
Would you recommend this book to a friend? I would recommend this book when you are in the mindset for something disturbing and fascinating. Although non-fiction, this book has a riveting plot line, conspiracy theories, a zany and multi-faceted cast of characters and a distinctive wild-west American flavour. If you like the sound of that, read on.
