Blizzard Cooks Up A Storm
By Alaskat on March 27, 2015
Hurrah! A book about a woman who comes to Alaska and learns to not just survive but to thrive in this challenging (but never boring) environment. Kat gets to be her own hero. Armed with only her wits, using the strength of her character and the wisdom of her “elders,” she gets to save her own life. She proves (to herself) that she is worthy. She makes herself useful. She embraces her happy ending, although she left this rapt reader wondering What Next?.
Blizzard takes us on a whirlwind trip through a time of cataclysmic change in the history of Alaska and allows us to experience that process up-close and personal. The author’s anecdotal story-telling style allows the narrative to unfold naturally, as easily as the seasons slip from one to another in our Great Land. This tale speaks as much about the times as it does the people.
It is refreshing to read Alaskan stories that nail the experience bang-on without hyperbole. This is not a tale meant to sensationalize the Alaskan bush experience but rather to allow tiny nestled glimpses that educate and instruct.
Is there a sequel?
You will cheer as Kat learns and grows, and you might just find out how to make some pretty good
pancakes.
This reads like a memoir
By avidreader on December 21, 2015
This reads like a memoir, or a series of vignettes, rather than true fiction, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find that a lot of elements from the author’s life had been included in many of the stories. It alternates between 1978, when Kat gets stranded in a major blizzard, and the early ’70s when she first arrives in Alaska as a cheechako (newcomer) with her baby, Amanda. The story progresses through the next few years, revealing Kat’s new life in entertaining stories as she settles into her new life on The Last Frontier.
It’s clear that the author is a sourdough (AK oldtimer), as Blizzard is rich with authentic Alaska detail.
This is a story meant to be savored a few chapters at a time in front of a warm fire. High recommended. 5 stars Of note: Remarkably free of editing errors.
Enjoyable Read
By januarie on April 14, 2015
Blizzard is longer than most books I usually choose to read but I’m fascinated by stories of Alaska and frigid winter survival. This book gave me so much more! I loved reading about Kat, how she evolved and gained the respect of those around her. I also appreciated learning about the tumultuous effects of the building of the oil pipeline in the 1970s. There never seems to be a dull moment in the day to day lives of each of the characters in Blizzard. I tried to savor each storyline as the book became more like my companion instead of simply a novel. My review doesn’t even do the story justice. For those of you with kindle unlimited, snatch this one up!
Very good reading.
By Maury on July 12, 2015
Excellent page turning adventure that made me feel like I had visited Alaska in the 1970’s. The character development was so good, as the reader, it felt like I was an integral part of their close-knit mining camp family. I will definitely read this novel again!
True Alaskan Adventure
By Harvey W. on June 21, 2015
I have lived and worked in Alaska since 1965, I’ve hunted, fished, and camped all over the state, so I can relate to NN Stoelting’s book “Blizzard” in many ways! I can appreciate Kat’s struggles and dedication in coming to Alaska with her child alone. What also impressed me was Kat’s ability to break into and maintain her position as a mining Geologists in a male dominated field, in a male dominate state. Which would become even more male oriented because of the building of the Alaska Pipeline.
It is a must read! If you want to get a taste of how Alaska was back then, I highly recommend this book to you ! Harvey W
Five Stars!!!!!
By Dbell57 on August 15, 2016
Sometimes a book just grabs you and won’t let go. I will never forget this one. The characters are either lovable or detestable, in turn, but they are unforgettable. Now I’ve got to try to find another as good as this, but I know I won’t. This kind only comes along once every few years.