This could have been an interesting book: the description of the characters who chose to live in the middle of nowhere in the early 20th century.

However, unfortunately, what we have ended up with is simply a travel journal that consists of a list of a number of individuals.

These individuals are not given any real life or depth.

It feels as if one is reading a telephone book, where there is no real story or connection to the people listed.

The potential for an engaging exploration of these unique characters and their lives in the remote areas has been completely missed.

It is a disappointment that the author did not take the opportunity to bring these people to life and share their experiences in a more vivid and interesting way.

Perhaps with a different approach, this could have been a truly remarkable and captivating read.

It seems a bit of a long read at times, hearing so many similar accounts of life in BC. However, I believe this speaks volumes about the author's thoroughness.

One can't help but come to the conclusion that although the country was expansive enough to have accommodated some white homesteading immigration, the arrival of miners, mining companies, whiskey, and missionaries marked the end of the First Nation social order.

The influx of these elements brought about significant changes that disrupted the traditional way of life of the First Nations. The miners and mining companies exploited the land and its resources, often without regard for the rights and well-being of the indigenous people.

The introduction of whiskey led to social problems and the breakdown of community values. Meanwhile, the missionaries, with their own cultural and religious beliefs, tried to impose their way of life on the First Nations, further eroding their traditional social structure.

In conclusion, while the initial homesteading immigration may have had some impact, it was the combination of these other factors that ultimately proved to be the death knell for the First Nation social order in BC.

This writing truly grew on me.

It is presented as a daily journal, chronicling Mr. Hoagland's journey from the moment he leaves NYC all the way through his 1966 summer in Telegraph Creek, northern British Columbia.

The land there is wild and untamed, boasting mighty mountains, the powerful Stikine river, a diverse range of animals, and crusty old men.

The author spends his days engaged in conversations with these people and closely observing the land. Along this path, we come to like the narrator due to his genuine interests and unwavering perseverance.

The extent of trapping that is described seems brutally harsh, and the condition of the First Nation people is rather sad. However, it is likely that these observations are accurate reflections of the reality at that time.

I discovered this book because its forward is written by Krakauer and Quammen, two renowned authors whose works I have also admired.

Overall, this book offers a unique and captivating look into a particular time and place, filled with vivid descriptions and interesting characters.

Hoagland writes in a way that I truly aspire to. His writing style is captivating and engaging, making me feel as if I am right there with him. Not only does he write like I want to, but he also lives a life that I envy. He seems to have experienced so much and has a wealth of knowledge and stories to share.

I think of Roth and Updike, two writers whose styles I'm not particularly fond of. However, when it comes to their opinions, I do take them into account. One of them said something along the lines of "he shoulda won a Nobel." Others have even gone so far as to call him "America's greatest essayist alive." I wholeheartedly agree. In my opinion, he is hands down the best.

The question isn't what he writes about, but rather what he doesn't write about. His topics are vast and diverse, covering everything from the natural world to human nature. This particular book is one long essay, but it reads like a novel. The characters are well-developed and the descriptions of the natural world are simply breathtaking. They rival those of Annie Dillard and even Whitman.

Every word that Hoagland writes makes me want to explore the world. Even places like Africa, which I don't particularly like because of the bugs and diseases, sound appealing when he writes about them. His essays on South Sudan and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa had me craving to go and experience it for myself.