James Campbell (2) (1961–)

I fell harder for this book than I would have expected. I'm not much of an outdoorsy person, but the thrills that the father and daughter seek in Alaska and the ways that it binds them together and closer to nature, really spoke to me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it makes me want to go seek adventure of my own. I want to cultivate my own "fernweh"(craving for travel) and create travel memories. Fifteen year old Aiden and her father James go on three separate trips to Alaska and in the show more process help build a cabin , scare off bears, hunt caribou, journey a dangerous river, and experience beauty like no other. It's wonderfully written and their experiences will charm you and make you want to get working on an adventure of your own.

I received this book for free from Librarything in return for my honest, unbiased opinion. show less

I didn't not know it, but much like the Afghan and Iraq wars, there was in WWII a lot of National Guard units that were shipped off to a foreign war, much to the chagrin of the unit members. The NG unit sent to Papua New Guinea was mostly Michigan citizens. They were largely from the west side of the state: Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Muskegon, etc.

One that features in the book is Hubert Schulte. I wonder if he is a relation to me?

Any way, it is a fascinating tale of the brutal and overlooked show more chapter of WWII in the Pacific. Beside the privation and horrors endured by the eventually triumphant GIs and Australian AIF, there is quite a case built on an ineffective and out of touch Gen. MacArthur. This is not the first book I have read with that point of view... show less

Although there is NO way I would want to trade places with Campbell and his teenage daughter, his wonderfully descriptive writing about the incredible journeys they took together were absorbing and exciting, with the added mixture of humor and love.The relationship between Campbell and his daughter and Campbell's ability to write about it with such detailed warmth makes this true life adventure book what it is. I almost couldn't put the book down because I kept wondering what would happen show more next and there's enough danger to make you just be glad that you know they made it home again because the result is this book! The book is a special kind of education about the outdoors because there are so few people who would undertake what he and his daughter managed to accomplish. show less

This is the kind of thing I wish I could have done when I was younger. Seeing more of the world, being a little more adventures and taking chances. But, at this stage, I am just as happy to read about others' adventures.

That's the story in Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and An Unforgettable Journey Into the Alaskan Wild by James Campbell.

James Campbell and his fifteen year old daughter Aidan headed to the Alaskan wilds not once, but three times. Winter and Summer. They visited Heimo Korth show more and his wife Edna twice, helping to build their new cabin, hunting and trapping. The third visit was braving and paddling the HulaHula river.

Campbell's descriptions of the land, people and lifestyle of Alaska are vivid and powerful, attesting to his love of the outdoors, notably Alaska. Campbell is an established writer and he knows how to tell a story. I was captivated by the details - what it takes to stay alive in this wild country, the dangers and the simple pleasures.

And while Braving It is on the face of it a travel adventure and memoir, its also the story of Campbell and his daughter Aidan's relationship. Campbell's decision to take his daughter to Alaska was not made lightly. We are witness to Aidan's burgeoning love of Alaska, her growing confidence and her continued love of the outdoors. These trips ignite a sense of wanderlust in Aidan - I would be curious to see where life takes her. Campbell is torn between protecting his daughter and allowing her to grow. These trips are almost a coming of age - for both of them.

I chose to listen to Braving It. The narrator was Roger Wayne. I thought he interpreted the novel really well. His voice is pleasant to listen to and easily understood. His reading depicted Campbell's thoughts and emotions well. His inflection and thoughtful pauses allowed the reader to feel as thought we were having a conversation with Campbell. He provided distinct voices for each person. Wonderfully written and a treat to listen to. show less