North Country: A Personal Journey through the Borderland by Howard Frank Mosher

 

Summary (from the publisher): In celebration of his first half century of life, Howard Frank Mosher set off on a journey he had long dreamed of, following America's northern border from coast to coast. What he discovered was not a border in the conventional sense but a vast and sparsely settled territory largely ignored by the rest of the United States and Canada, a harsh and beautiful region populated by some of the continent's most self-sufficient, independent-minded men and women. In this book he brings the North Country vividly to life, showing how a tough and interesting land breeds tough and interesting people and how this land has shaped his own life and work. 

Review: To celebrate his fiftieth birthday, author Howard Frank Mosher embarks on a journey along America's northern border from coast to coast. He finds a vast and wild territory, home to some of the most independent and self-sufficient people in the country. In this book, he sheds light on the region, its stories, its people, and also reflects on his own life and experiences. 

This novel reads like a travel journal. Each chapter details that particular leg of his journey including the sights, accommodations, previous experiences with the area, and people he meets. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this book were the personal stories Mosher relates. Along his journey, he seeks out long-term residents to talk to them about their lives. Many live off the land and have for generations. Their stories of the changes over time were fascinating. However, many of these stories were quite brief. In many ways, I wish Mosher had given us more from several of these people. 

Overall, my take on this book was that it closely resembled his journey: meandering and lacking a clear focus. The narrative was just too scattered and fragmented for me. I loved the images of the wild terrain and hard-working outdoorsman that Mosher shared, but I do wish the writing had felt more cohesive. 

Stars: 3.5