2,000 years ago an itinerant Jewish preacher was condemned to crucifixion. A man named Simon, from Cyrene, was compelled to help Jesus carry the heavy cross. What did he and Jesus talk about? Eager to learn more about this “rabbi,” Simon returned to Jerusalem the next day. What he learned changed his life, and gave his descendants an incredible secret.
"A poignant story of colonization and assimilation, something I know a little bit about. A masterpiece."—Chinua Achebe"One of our most brilliant writers tells a harsh truth about American history."—Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States Praise for Edge of Nowhere :"Smelcer's prose is lyrical, straightforward, and brilliant . . . authentic Native Alaskan storytelling at its best."— School Library Journal (starred...
"Smelcer clearly knows his way around Alaskan mountains."—David Roberts, author of The Mountain of My Fear Praise for Edge of Nowhere :"A survival story, but one with a strong heart."— ForeWord Reviews "A thought-provoking and moving coming-of-age story."— Publishers Weekly "Another gripping literary triumph for Smelcer."— Midwest Book Review Praise for Lone Wolves :"A beautiful and moving story of courage and love."—Ray...
"A beautiful and moving story of courage and love."—Ray Bradbury Praise for The Great Death: "An amazing story."—Frank McCourt "Gripping and poignant. . . . An unforgettable survival tale."—Horn Book "A beautiful, poignant story."—Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize winner "Graphically illustrates the effects of a plague on isolated peoples."—School Library Journal "An engaging tale of survival."—Kirkus Reviews ...
"Poetry at its most satirical and courageous. A tremendous book."—Seamus Heaney "Few voices in American literature are so honest and daring."—Mark Strand "One of our most brilliant poets."—Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz "I feel the primal grain and temper of the genuine here."—William Heyen "A lament, a protest, an inextinguishable song."—Sherod Santos "Among the best and most original poets in America."—Stanley...
"More psychological depth than Robinson Crusoe."—Frank McCourt Praise for Lone Wolves: "A beautiful and moving story of courage and love."—Ray Bradbury "Powerful, eloquent, and fascinating, showcasing a vanishing way of life in rich detail."—Kirkus Reviews "An adept focus on coming-of-age and an illuminating glimpse of Native Alaskan cultures."–The Horn Book "A gifted storyteller with a unique perspective. . . . A breathlessly paced and...
Written over the course of a quarter century by one fo Alaska's best living writers, these two dozen stories embody the spirit of Alaska—its colliding cultures, magnificent beauty and dangerously unforgiving environment. «John Smelcer is Alaska's modern-day Jack London»—W. P. Kinsella. «John Smelcer's stories are an indispensable addition to Alaskan literature»—J. D. Salinger.
