The Blue Bear: A True Story of Friendship and Discovery in the Alaskan Wild

I rarely find a book that I have to force myself to read slowly so that it does not end too soon. This book was one of those rare ones. The book is written with humour, and great detail. I felt I was able to learn a great deal about the Japanese culture based on the author's interactions with Michio. The only jarring note was when the author got to the chapter about the ***SPOILERS*** serial murderer in Alaska. Initially I wondered why he was including all this information about a serial killer/rapist. Then there was the big reveal and it made sense. However, it is still a horribly jarring chapter after reading about the beauty of Alaska, humpback whales bubble feeding, and Michio's lessons in photography. If you have ever wanted to know more about Michio Hoshino, this is the book for you. And even if you are "Micho who?" but have a love of Alaska, this book will still be worth your time.

Every so often you come across a writer whose stories come across so effortlessly, that it's like you are sitting down with an old friend you have known all your life. Lynn is such a writer. His stories are beautiful, engaging, and penetrating.If you love stories of mountains, seas, bears, and Alaska, this book is a great choice. Lynn's intelligence and humility gives his stories an extra layer of polish and depth that makes this book all the more enjoyable.I picked up the Blue Bear right after I finished reading Walking Home, Lynn's other book. I would highly recommend that as well.It's been a year since I read both these books, and I just searched him to see if he had written any more, which is when I decided to write this review (his stories will remain with you for a long time).

Lynn Schooler is one of America's great living authors. His work, set in Alaska, is beautifully crafted. In reading this book there are many times when one has simply to stop and re-read a sentence or whole paragraph to enjoy the beauty of such crystal clear writing and structure. I often wonder, "How many hours did he labor to get exactly the right combination of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs to make this master construction of a sentence?" The Blue Bear is non-fiction at its best. It tells of the friendship between the author and a Japanese nature photographer, Michio Hoshino. Hoshino wants to get a picture of a rare glacier bear or blue bear. Schooler and Hoshino spent more than a decade looking for such a bear and their friendship grew and flourished during that time. As you follow Schooler and Hoshino through their ventures, you are treated to wonderful stories about Alaska from millions of years ago to the modern age. You can come to understand a lot about Alaska and what brings fascination to so many people by the largest of US states. I have been traveling to Alaska for over a decade in pursuit of salmon and halibut. I have traveled over a bit of the waters of Southeast Alaska - they are so huge that it would takes months, if not years, to explore them all. The Blue Bear will be with me on all forthcoming trips so that I can dip into it to enhance my understanding of and love for Alaska. But the value of the book with respect to Alaska is only a portion of what a reader will receive. The book is really about life and renewal, about seeking and losing, about loving and needing, and much more. Please read this book. You will be forever grateful you did.

This is not a page turner, but it is a heart warmer. A mix of history and story of friendship.

I rarely take time to read a novel preferring to use my time to find out how to grow something or understand a complex tool or program. I was encouraged to read the Blue Bear because it might relate to some of my background and interests. Lynn Schooler has an incredible and unique ability to describe his world and experiences. The rich use of vocabulary and perception literally paints the landscape on your mind. I had to have a copy of this book on my shelf to remind me of the Alaska I know and I have pre-ordered his new book based on his writing and introspective skills. I suspect his lonely life style gave him time to see a rich complex life that most of us rush by ignoring the relevance in our own heritage. There is something for every mind in this book.

This was recommended to me by a friend. Beautifully written. It's definitely one I'll pass around and read again.

Very enjoyable read about friendships, adventure, love and loss. Captivated me and lost sleep for a couple of days until I finished it. Of course, when it was finished, I wanted MORE! Excellent job.

Schooler covers quite a bit of territory in this tight book. I enjoyed the accompanying map that I could use to follow all his adventures. His writing, above all else, is honest and at times gut-wrenching. Many of the awful experiences he suffers through are relatable. If anyone has ever unexpectedly lost a loved one, for whatever reason, can relate to the personal devastation he goes through. On the other hand he survives. This book is intimately involved about that survival. It's also about the art of the naturalist photographer and the endless beauty of the inland-passage of Alaska. I couldn't put this book down.

I am so happy with the book, looks like new, came in time but had no time to read it yet. I just finished walking home from the same auteur and I loved it , could not put it down.I am sure I will en joy this one too. Thank you so much

A must read for the lovers of nature, and wildlife photography.

Wilderness account backed up with fact upon fact....this is not a 'story' or gentle read. Found the detailing of this area so engaging I went on to buy Walking Home.

Bought as a a gift for friends going to Alaska's DEnali National Park. I read it first found it fascinating

Really liked Lynn Schoolers book Walking Home and so I got this. Thought it was great though Walking home is my favourite and I think its a better book. I love his voice, honest and straightforward. A great writer. Well worth a read if you're into the outdoors and adventure.