In 1976 Yukon Territory, two very different women join forces. Jesse–a lone female scientist at an arctic outpost, single and pregnant–now on the run. Kara– an earth mother song writer–heading to the remote northern wilderness for the Alaskan winter, her daughter on her lap and gold-mining husband at the wheel. Join them at Whitey’s Roadhouse, where they first meet. Journey with them as they head their own ways, connected by the empowering forged bond of female friendship, and rising determination to pursue their dreams despite daunting obstacles. This is the powerful journey of Bear Woman Rising.
This is a powerful book about women, nature and the strength of both!
"This was an amazing book detailing the strength of women, their relationships to each other and themselves and the broader "mother nature"/Earth strength. Primarily set in Alaska and the Alcan highway in the mid 70s; this book examines women's limitations (from themselves, from society and from their families) and their ability to move beyond any limitations and find their greater purpose. Truly a powerful examination of women's roles and being set in the mid 70s gives voice to the rising women's movement that was brewing at that time.""The integration of nature, animals and the Eskimo native village ties in to both of the main characters and takes us "full circle" as we watch our characters grow and develop.""Highly recommend this well researched and personal account of Alaska, women, and the power of Nature."
What was Life Like Back in the Day
"Two Woman, One Journey--What could this mean, I wondered as I started reading. This fascinating tale of two woman who meet challenges and become friends under unusual circumstances kept me wanting to know more about them and the Alaskan Far North. The author weaves stories of the two into a magic carpet that brings the reader into aspects of life seldom experienced first hand. The author's conversational style kept me reading to stay with her in that cold land, inhospitable land. Bravo, Dorothy Staley for writing such an interesting and engaging book. Let's have more."
A beautiful tale of life in the Arctic!
Life, love, research - you’ll enjoy the story of Bear Woman."
Great read for all.
"This is a great read. Keeps you enthralled to see where the character development will take them and has great references to Alaska. Totally enjoyed this book and recommend it to all who love adventure. 🥳"
A stunning debut!
This is a fantastic book, written by a woman who clearly knows her subject: Alaska and the people brave and/or brazen enough to live there. Dorothy Staley has a remarkable talent for painting vivid and convincing word pictures, as well as for weaving gritty naturalism with evocative magical realism. Strongly recommended."
Loved it!
"Bear Woman Rising is one of the few books I’ve chosen to read twice! I felt I was learning so much while really enjoying the characters and their life challenges. It’s a remarkable book about friendship, growth, Eskimo culture and myth, and even scientific research. So many aspects captured my interest—the underlying meaning of bear woman rising, the varied characters and their development, the wonderful imagery and the realistic dialog. There was hope, perseverance, tension and grief. In short, I loved this book!"
Two women wrestling with life
"A chance encounter between two young women at an Alaskan diner sets the story in motion. From that point on we see how each wrestles with very different challenges. An unexpected bonus for me was stepping into life at an Arctic research base - research projects, daily life, challenges, and, of course weather!! I liked how the author's easy dialogue helped create complex characters."
