Just finished listening on tape to Midnight Come Again, a crime mystery by Dana Stabenow set in Alaska. The main character is Kate Shugak and what a terrific read, if perhaps PG-13. I'm not a huge mystery fan, but I am hooked. Will try to tackle Michener's Alaska, but I am interested in other book recommendations, including suggestions for teens.

Two classics: John McPhee's Coming into the Country and Joe McGinniss's Going to Extremes.

Somewhat dated but both tell the story of Alaska's key period of transformation.

I just read Nora Roberts "Northern Lights". It is the first one of her books I have read and really liked it. I would classify it as a mystery and love story, (set in Alaska) although not sure it is appropriate for teens.

nonfiction Into the Wild. Once you see the area you can see the problems with Chris' ideas. Also Mudhole Smith- interesting story of a bush pilot who started the Cardova Airport. The Skagway Story is a great tour through history.

Sue Henry's mysteries set in Alaska have a famous female musher as the main character. A teen might like them. Tisha, the biography of a young woman who ventured to a remote town in the early 1900s to teach is out of print but available at the Title Wave bookstore in Anchorage. The story is so incredible you might think it was fiction.

A great non-fiction choice is Looking for Alaska by Peter Jenkins. I'll also second BudgetQueen's recommendation for Into the Wild by John Krakauer.

Thanks for all the help! Add to the list Winterdance by Gary Paulsen about sled dogs.

I loved Drop City by T.C. Boyle-- not appropriate for a teenager probably, but a great read for you!

As a teenager, I loved Ice Palace by Edna ferber.

Thanks to all! Great suggestions! I just put a hold on Ice Palace today with our public library...also found 3 videos on Alaska available there so I have those to show the family. No doubt you can tell I'm one of those who likes to "prepare" for a trip!

I'll strongly second "Drop City". You can't do better for a book to get a feel for Alaska. You'll REALLY fell like you're there.

I'll strongly second "Drop City". You can't do better for a book to get a feel for Alaska. You'll REALLY feel like you're there.

My vote is for......."I Heard the Owl Call My Name" by Margaret Craven, a story set in the 70's along the Inside Passage about a priest who goes to live in a remote indian village.A heart moving story about learning/understanding the ways of the true native Alaskans. You can also watch the video,although the book is better,...it was presented on television in the "Hallmark Presents" series.