The Call of the Last Frontier: The True Story of a Woman's Twenty-Year Alaska Adventure

"I went to Alaska searching for a job and found an adventure!" —Melissa L. Cook

It’s all here—living in bush Alaska, fighting off men, packing a pistol for bear protection, suffering the ravages of weather, flying with white-knuckled fear, facing down hundred-mile an hour winds as well as fearing erupting volcanoes. And that’s only part of their journey. You had to be there. Oh, wait. Melissa’s book takes you there.

In 1995, Melissa Cook and her young family moved to the tiny village of Nelson Lagoon on the Bering Sea coast and later to Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest, where they measured rain in feet. She discovered humor in unique situations found only in the Last Frontier. Her true story captures the essence of bush life, intriguing neighbors, and life with multiple sclerosis. Historical tidbits are sprinkled throughout this riveting tale where adventure arrived on the Cook’s doorstep daily for 20 years in this world of few luxuries or conveniences. This tale is sure to delight Alaska adventure fans.

"This book helped me live adventures I'll never have but desperately want.” —Aaron Linsdau, Polar Explorer, best-selling of author of Antarctic Tears

“A well-written and accurate description of the raw edge of Alaska. A phenomenal read with a goosebump ending.” —Larry Kaniut, best-selling author of the Alaska Bear Tales Series

“An inspiring story of strength and grit.” —Ann Parker, best-selling author of Follow Me to Alaska

Western Horizon Award Winner
High Plains Book Award Finalist