Exploring with Peter Jenkins

My name is Rebecca and I'm an 11th and 12th grade teacher in N ew Y ork . You may have been receiving e-mails from some of my kids! The reason this may sound familiar is because 2-3 months ago you spoke with a woman who was doing her student-teaching in our department. Much to her credit, she taught the book for the first time and contacted you. (We were all so impressed and excited!!!) It never occured to me that when I read your book, 16 years ago during my freshman year at college, that I would be contacting you one day... So, when Karen read us your e-mail and a phone interview was mentioned, we were all extremely enthusiastic!!! Unfortunately, our administration dropped the ball, Karen's student-teaching ended and no one else has taught Walk until me.

There is a long story that goes with the teaching of your book this year....too long to go into. Needless to say, I love it and I have used it with reluctant readers often. IT WORKS! I have turned many non-readers around. I've had kids call my residence after school hours to ask me questions or remind me to bring the next book...:) It doesn't get any better for an English teacher.

I've gone so far as purchasing copies from your site for my nephews as they each turn 17. They loved them!!!

It is my hope to salvage an interview. I know my kids would love it, as would I.

For my 77th birthday in January, 45 of which were spent in Alaska, my daughter gave me your book, "Looking for Alaska" and it has given me the absolutely greatest trip down memory lane. I loved every page and I didn't want it to end.

I arrived in Anchorage on Feb. 28, 1954, age 25, single female and with $37.00 in my pocket, but I had a job waiting and a place to stay, and when I stepped off the old Western Airlines plane after an 8 hour flight, it was love at first sight and I knew I has "home".

A year after arriving in Anchorage, I moved to Fairbanks with my new husband, who was a Territorial Police Officer. Believe it or not, there were only 50 officers for the entire state.

I became the first woman insurance adjuster in Alaska and had my share of interesting experiences in a very chauvinistic world. When I was working in Ketchikan, I too flew on a float plane to Craig, after waiting for the fog to clear. It was the height of the fishing season and I was to investigate the death of a crew member on a high liner boat. They were scheduled for a short stop in Craig to unload and that proved to me how well the Mukluk telegraph worked. No one knew when we would be there, or that we were even coming, but when I stepped off the plane, a native man said "You must be the insurance adjuster." There was a lot more to that story, but I'm sure you have heard enough of them. Suffice it to say, I ran headlong into the brick wall of the native community in Hydaburg and until the cannery told them to meet with me, I was getting no where. But the canneries were the boss and what they said went.

All in all, I had a most wonderful and interesting life in Alaska and feel blessed that I was able to spend the greater part of my life there. After 70, I decided maybe it was time to try a warmer climate where I didn't have to shovel snow, so I retired to New Mexico. It's a very nice place, but it will never to home. I left my heart in Alaska. Thank you so much for giving me a walk down memory lane.

One last thought, my first trip to Homer in 1954 was over an unpaved road with rocks the size of small boulders and it was a 12 hour drive, very, very rough, but when we came around the corner and I gazed down on Homer for the first time, I knew I had found Shangrila - and it will always be my very, very special place.

Bless you, Peter . I hope your daughter turns out to be as great a writer as you and from what I read of hers in the book, she is well on the way.

I was thrilled to listen to your book on a recent Alaskan airlines flight. I went to Seward to get married and fell in love aswell with the beautiful and blessed state. The whole time I was listening to your book, I was thinking how much my great-grandma would LOVE it. She is really "into" books on tape as she is blind now. I was so happy to see on your website that you offer a special to ship to seniors. How can i take advantage of this offer ASAP? Thank you for your response and congrats on a beautiful book.

From: Anonymous [mailto:srp-----1@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 4:45 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Speaking of seniors...

Howdy, I work in a non-profit nursing/alz/senior/assisted living facility in Newberg, Oregon. I've been reading your books to a 100 year old ex-librarian who can't see well enough to read herself. Just so you know, you're a much better author than Charles Kuralt (as least as far as A Life on the Road is concerned). We began with Across China and have worked backwards to A Walk Across America , which we're working on currently. Your descriptions of nature and the people you've met have opened new horizons to a woman who has little else to do but worry and sleep. God bless you for that, and know that whoever and wherever you are your life has accomplished much for people you may never meet.

I've just read your book "Looking for Alaska"...it's simply wonderful!
Thank you! Grazie, grazie, grazie.
Best greetings from Rome (Italy)

I do not know what to say because I am not a writer. But I learned about you first in a magazine excerpt of your first book. Then I did get to read your two books The Walk Across America and The Walk West. I always admired you for doing that and never have forgotten those stories.
Today a friend at work told me about her daughter and her going to Paris and back packing for a week. It reminded me of your stories and I told her about you and ask if she read or went to the library, she said she did.
So I pulled up your name on the computer and sure enough you were there. I had no idea you still wrote and am looking forward to getting another book or so. I hope she will get some of your books because I am sure she will enjoy them as much as I did. In fact I think I am going to buy them again to read them.
I am from a small town in Pennsylvania and lived there most of my life, but have moved to Kansas City MO five years ago. It is amazing the difference in people. So I can imagine all the differences you have experienced.
I was sorry to read about you and Barbara but I understand because I have been divorced to and remarried now. It is not easy.
I just was amazed that I could still touch base with info about you, I should have tried along time ago.

Joe here, from NW Indiana (near Chicago) by way of Cleveland, TN. I just finished reading "Across China" that I borrowed from a friend. I just went to Hong Kong, Guongdong Province, and Beijing in April 2005. I am returning to southern China in March 2006.

I suppose I was saddened by the realization of what China was like back in the eighties as evidenced by your observations. It's easy to forget the iron rule of the Communist government there in all the recent excitement about the Chinese economy and it's role in the world. It seemed weird there were no McDonald's around then when we saw several American fast food restaurants and Starbucks in our visit. A lot has happened in just 20 years.

I appreciate the "sobering" effect your book had on me. I had read "A Walk Across America" right after it was published and really enjoyed it. Growing up on a farm in East Tennessee, I appreciated the insight you provided on Appalachian life.

My purpose for writing is to say I enjoyed "Across China" even though I found it sobering and somewhat sad. Shattered temples, shattered lives, lost childhoods--all very depressing. Like you, I loved the food and the people. We were cautious about what we said on the phone and among ourselves when in Beijing. China is undergoing an incredible "coming out"
that will create a better future for its citizens than the past described and lived by Ran Ying and her friends.

I met a guy on the plane flying from Shenzhen to Beijing who works as a quality control manager for Smart Union, a toy company that makes toys for Wal Mart. I guess I followed your model of just trying to get to know him.
He was practicing his English on me. We have been emailing back and forth all year. I plan to hook back up with him in Guongdong Province.

I appreciate what you do. Keep up the good work. Let me know if I can do anything for you in China.

Just finished reading Looking for Alaska and I want to say thanks for taking me there..
I am a widow who has always had a desire to go to Alaska. Unfortunately will not be able to take the trip now. Even if I could I would only go the "tourist route". Your book has taken me to the real places in Alaska. I used a map to trace your journeys and felt like I was actually there. With all the junk on TV today I wish your books could become a series. What a great adventure for those of us who are not able to travel. Yes, I have read most of your other books. What a great family you have.

I was very fortunate to hear you speak in Greensboro a few years ago....right after I had read your first book - A Walk Across America....it was great....since then I have picked up most of your other books; however, in my spare time, I have been rearranging my books and find I have only the paper pack of three that I would dearly love to get hard backs as well as your other three new books....could you please advise me the cost in order that I may send check to cover the following: and it would be absolutely great if they were autographed.....I would like to get the following:
Hardbacks of A Walk Across America, The Walk West 2, and Across China.
These I have paperback but I would really like to get the hardback....also, I would like to order (2) copies of the Looking for Alaska on tape as well as the hardback copies of Along the Edge of America, and The Untamed Coast .
I have looked for the hard back in stores locally however, have been unable to find them....I never was able to travel until the past three years and it is so wonderful...your books just make it even more enjoyable. Thank you very much for your reply to this.

From: glenn r--- [mailto:ghr---@verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 8:56 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Hobo Jim

Mr. Jenkins,

Just finished reading your book about Alaska and really enjoyed the chapter on Hobo Jim. During the summer of 2003, I saw Hobo Jim perform at the Yukon Bar in Seward. It was an amazing scene as it was a bunch of free-spirited guys and gals just dancing around. Hobo Jim picked me and some girls to help him sing James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend." During my trip, I also went to Homer, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Coldfoot, Denali, Talkeetna..it's a great state and hope to return one day. I also wanted to say that I also read Walking Across America and it's one of the greatest books I've ever read...

From: Dennis B--- [mailto:B---db@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 10:06 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

Hi Peter I bought your book in Juneau in mid July. We were on a cruise to Alaska (the ones where you never get past SE Alaska). I decided to buy a couple of books that were somehow related to Alaska. The cover of your book caught my attention. I wanted to share that I enjoyed reading the book very much. It really made me feel like I was actually there. Just this week I saw a map of Alaska and when I saw Coldfoot on the map, I instantly came back to your book. I thought hey, I was there if only in the book. Thanks for an enjoyable read.

From: Michelle Brock H--- [mailto:Mcbrockh---@wowway.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 12:32 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: loved your books--thanks

Dear Mr. Jenkins:

Hi! I was checking your web site to get the titles and the order of publication for the rest of your books. I really enjoyed your stories and you write in a way that makes the reader feel like "you are right there" with your vivid descriptions. Your adventures in the outdoors resonate with me --and my husband and I hope to instill that same love of nature and for appreciating the gift of creation through our camping adventures with our 4 kids for many years to come. Will you be writing a new book? Any more walks planned? I think Walking Across America would make a great movie. Seriously! America needs some inspiration and a great family-friendly film would be welcome by many. Think about it.

Mr. Jenkins:
Just finished your most recent book, "Looking for Alaska"
Our family just returned from spending two weeks in Alaska, and I agreed with the last sentence in your book "No one is ever the same after coming back from Alaska".
I purchased your book at the Denali Princess Lodge prior to leaving for Fairbanks.
We had a great time, and we visited many of the places that you mentioned in your book.
Would like to read your first book " A Walk Across America, but it is hard to find. Live in the Chicago, IL area, so perhaps you can advise me where I can purchase it.
Again, It was a great book.
Dave

From: L---, Cat [mailto:catl---@LineberryResearch.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 8:30 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Question for our son's upcoming birthday
Importance: High

Peter - I have recently completed Walk Across America . My stepson loved it and recommended that I read it too. His recommendation was dead-on - I loved it and consider it to be one of the best books I've ever read. You really made the journey come alive for me. I especially loved Cooper - and was saddened when he died. As the owner of a 12 yo black lab and 3 cats (not to mention the new parent of a small stray dog that showed up at our doorstep a few weeks ago), the friendship between you and Coop was something that I could especially relate to as I read about your trek across America. I wanted to ask you for a recommendation. Our son's b-day is coming up on August 29th. I wanted to get him something special autographed from you. I noticed The Untamed Coast on your website and wondered if that was something I could get (with your inscription) by the 29th. If not, I can work on something for Christmas but I'd really love to make this happen for his upcoming 31st birthday. I'm also trying to get the two issues of National Geographic in which your story was published. Interestingly, my stepdaughter is a staff writer for NGS so she is working on acquiring those issues (please let me know if you have extra copies on hand)! If you have other ideas for a special gift based on your journey, please let me know. I can pay any required overnight charges in addition to the costs for the item(s). Please advise when convenient. Thank you for your attention to this request. Also, congratulations on achieving so many of your dreams and for touching so many lives along the way.

From: stuart e--- [mailto:manifeststeel@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 5:26 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: thanks

hello mr. jenkins my name is stuart e--- , and i recently read your book LOOKING FOR ALASKA. i have always been in love with alaska and have wanted to live there ever since i heard of the place. i'm now thirty-five and single and moving to alaska. i had been thinking seriously about it for a couple of years now, and after reading your book i finally started saving money. my alaskan malamute denali and i have a one way ticket to anchorage. so i just wanted to say thanks. p.s. i hope you aren't checking my punctuation skills

From: Nicole B--- [mailto:nicolehb---@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 9:04 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Across Vegas

If you head towards Pahrump where Prostitution is legal, pass the gun range and the place where they sell rocks, take a left towards the gypsum mines and cross a flash flood zone, you can find me, my husband, baby girl and two dogs.

The community is called “Interlude”. Before you puke, it gets worse. We chose the “Serenity” model when we decided to build. “Harmony” and “Tranquility” were the other two choices. At least we didn't move into the community named after Italian shoes. Living on Prada street would've been a bit much.

You wouldn't know it was Vegas at first glance. But then...there's the stripper across the street. I haven't asked, but she has a stripper dog, stripper shoes and stripper boobs. If all have rhinestones or are grossly under (the dog) or over (the heals and the boobs) -sized, then my guess is stripper. Naked pictures adorn her garage walls and her hours are odd. She and her boyfriend drive the best cars in the neighborhood, so go figure.
Next door is a baccarat dealer and a real estate agent. Duke and Ginnie are so sweet. In October, they disappear from sight to run the Halloween fright shows around town. Our neighbors to the south are currently laying all of the concrete to complete the highway through Truckee near Lake Tahoe in California. We're a diverse bunch.

My husband Dave and I moved from Ventura, California to Vegas to buy our first house. Ironically, our first kiss was in prison, outside of Vegas.
Our MBA school field trip was to Nellis Prison where we met with white-collar criminals. I guess it was the shrimp salad and lush grass lawns of the camp that brought us together. We just never thought that we’d live here. In Vegas, not Nellis, I mean. That is, until we tried to buy a home in California. I grew up in the Northwest. Dave grew up in the small town of Ojai. The move to the dessert shocked us and our families.

It’s been three years and we’re still the luckiest folks on earth to own a home. Shortly after moving in, the dogs were adopted, the monster family car purchased and the baby arrived. One thing just was another step towards the next. Our miracle baby Alyssa was a planned surprise. A planned conception, but a surprise success. My husband had testicular cancer when he was a teenager. We weren't sure if we could have a baby. Like Lance Armstrong, Alyssa, LIVESTRONG for both of us.

Finding work for me wasn’t easy. I left biotech in California and had to convince the Gaming industry that I was employable. For two years, I worked in Direct Marketing for all three of Harrah’s southern Nevada properties. It was my job to send up to 200,000 letters a month to invite the loyal casino customers back. The technology behind tracking and then projecting customer needs was fascinating. The walk across the casino floor at 8AM was not.
Well, fascinating to see that slice of America, but not a pretty side of vice.

That’s our story. We’re pretty predictable – house, dogs, kid, barbecues with friends. Except, it all happens in Vegas. Come stay with us. It’s just a short drive to the Valley of Fire and Red Rocks to show you dessert beauty.

More than anything, I’d like to walk with you down Charleston Avenue. It’s not Las Vegas Boulevard, but it tells more of a story about this town than "The Strip". It starts out very commercial and low income. I wouldn’t walk there at night, but I’m dying to see why they have so many donut shops. One has got to have the best maple bar in town to best the competition. The street passes the place where the Valley keeps its ice cream trucks, the biggest hospital, a Water District outpost and ends in the hoity toity part of town with the construction of a new casino at the base of the entrance to Red Rock Canyon. It represents the meteoric growth of this town. Most buildings weren’t there two years ago. It shows you what it takes to support a community. How do you match explosive water demand in the dessert? It takes you from one end of the socioeconomic spectrum to the other. Can one really be measured by the pomp (the bronze statuary of Western Charleston) and circumstance (the barbed iron works) fences to each community?

P.S. Attached are pictures of the family: Husband Dave, daughter Aly, dogs Abby and Toby

From: Jessica D--- [mailto:ckyfan---@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 11:19 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Hello!

Mr. Jenkins, My name is Jessica and I am in the ninth grade, I recently read your book, A Walk Across America , for one of my summer reading books. I have never read a book like yours. Usually with school books I don't enjoy them as much as a book that I would select myself, but your book was byfar the best book I have ever read. I really mean it. When I started school just this Monday, my english teacher told the class about your website and I knew I had to take a look at it. Then I noticed that you were looking for new places to visit. Well I doubt my hometown would even come close to comparing to the places that you have been, and I only live 40 miles away so it't not really one of your famous cross country hikes. But it would be wonderful to meet you because you have become my favorite author. Yes I enjoyed your book more than all the Harry Potter books put together! While reading your book I realized that i felt simalar about the country like you first did. I wanted to move to Europe because I was so uncertain about how I felt about this country. After reading your book I realized that there is so much more to this country than politics. Thankyou so much for helping me realize that.

Some of the things I wondered after reading A Walk Across America were if you went back to see Homer, or How Barbara is? Just things like that.

I am one of the most emotional people you will ever meet, after reading the part about Cooper I cried for at least an hour. I felt like I knew you and Cooper while reading that book that it just broke my heart. I am really sorry about Cooper, he seemed like a dog of my own. Sorry if that brought up any bad memories. That is how powerful your writing is. Then there was the part about Barbara which I was very emotional at to, it was just so sweet. I loved this book so much and am looking forward to getting Looking For Alaska and all the other books. I have heard that Looking For Alaska is one fo your best and can't wait.

Well I must be going now. I will talk to my parents and see about inviting you to come and see us, it will probably be a no but it's worth a shot. And if you do come out my grandma is a fabulous cook. All the good southern cooking that you seem to like.

From: B M--- [mailto:b---@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 7:15 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Alaska

Dear Mr. Jenkins, I just finished reading your book Looking for Alaska . What a wonderful chronicle of the people you met and many of the incredible places one can find in Alaska! I lived in Talkeetna for a summer two years ago- sort of a post-college find myself thing. My experience in Alaska left a deep impression on me that will never be forgotten. I found the Alaskan people unique, diverse, incredible! I was most impressed by the genuine live and let live feeling that one gets from Alaskans. Even as an openly gay young man in a masculine state I never felt challenged or excluded. Currently I am teaching high school English in an underprivileged school in Los Angeles. It is the fulfillment of a dream for me with its own unique challenges, a dream my time in Alaska helped me pursue. Thank you for this wonderful reminder of a place special to my heart and for your constant encouragment to live.

You have been a part of my life for many years. After receiving encouragement from my dad, I read "Walk Across America " and was hooked from that point on. I have had a bi-vocational career. I am now retired from education after serving my community as a school principal for 25 years. My other field is church music where I have spent 44+ years serving our Lord.

You came into my life shortly after I became a principal when I had the opportunity to hear you speak at the University of North Alabama . I was so impressed with your life and writings that I required my teachers to read your books for part of their teacher improvement credit.

One Saturday afternoon (when my parents were still living) I drove from Florence , Alabama to Franklin , Tennessee just to see if I could locate you and say hello. I went into a nearby country store to ask someone of your location and was quickly told, by the person behind the counter, that they were not allowed to give out this information. I was convinced that I would never have an opportunity to speak to you.

Upon leaving the small store, a lady who was stocking down one isle, got my attention and motioned for me to come to her. Hidden behind the shelves, she whispered for me to take the first right down the next road and look for the blue house on the right which would be your office building. My family was with me and everyone had read "Walk". We all felt as if we knew you. Filled with awe and excitement, we peeped through the windows to see your memories displayed on the walls and sitting around the edge of the room.

I had to let you know I had been there. I can't remember what I used as paper, but I think it was the back of a deposit slip from my check book. I left you a note. The lady at the store who revealed the community's "top secret" also told me how far I would have to drive up the road to see your home. Over the years, I have made this same trip to your office and home many times. I wanted to see what was going on in your life. Trying to see if the "building up" of the community had made a difference in your life. I often wondered how your family, Barbara and the children, were doing.

Since that first visit, I have lost all my family. Now I have retired from school, but I have taken on the leadership of a 180+ voice community choir www.shoalspraisechoir.org . I had the opportunity yesterday (Saturday, August 20 th ) to visit your place again. I was saddened to see the office had a new name and the Jenkins Farm was for sale.

I would love for you to hear our community choir.. no try-outs, just great singing. We sing to the heart more than the ear. I also cook a great pot of "chicken and dumplings". If you know you are going to be in the area or you would make a day trip sometime, I would be honored to have you in my home.

I am sure there are many of us who feel the same way I do about your books, life and testimony. We share the same love that you have for our country. I will be forever grateful to you, Peter, for sharing your life with me. I never make this trip that I don't have a short talk with my dad and say, "Thanks dad, for encouraging me to read Peter's book". I somehow feel that our Lord is as close to you now as He was the day you finished your walk.

From: Stephen --- [mailto:S---@ASchgrossbardt.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 11:45 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Question

I read your book, A Walk Across America, and loved it! While riding the Bullet Train in Japan , I finished it with tears in my eyes!

I think you wrote another book about the trip from New Orleans to the west coast, but I cannot seem to find the title of that work. I leave again for Japan on Friday and would love to be able to read it during my trip. Please advise the title of this book.

From: m---100@comcast.net [mailto:m---100@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 8:48 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

As I near the end of Looking for Alaska , a birthday gift from my best friend in Anchorage, I find myself reading more slowly and putting down the book more often. Although I am a lifelong reader of nature adventure stories, few if any have captured my attention as much as Looking for Alaska . Whether it is because Alaska has always held a special mystical place in my heart, or because you seem to look at the world through its true prism, I don't know, but you've taken me on a journey I will cherish.

Last summer I was fortunate to spend three weeks traveling through Canada and made my way through Tok and into Anchorage for a trip beyond words. As I sit in my house in Florida, watching the cycles of blistering sun and rain, I know that I can transport myself to my magical place each time I pick up your book or remember one of the experiences you and your family enjoyed.

I know that I will return to Alaska, hopefully many times before I leave this beautiful place called Earth, but while I work toward that goal, please know that your stories will travel with me always.

Thank you does not seem sufficient to impart to you what a great joy you have given me, though I guess it will have to do.

This is the first time I've written an author even though I've read thousands of books.

My daughter was assigned your book, `A Walk

Across America' for summer reading. She is a Junior in high school. Being a "good mother" I bought two.
So we could discuss the book. Of course, I finished mine before school was out and she finished hers after school started.

Having enjoyed your book so much that I bought "Along the Edge of America."
Once again another keeper. Now I am ready for the Alaska adventure. I live in California so I think I enjoyed this book so much was because of the water.

When my friend suggested that I read "Looking for Alaska," I ordered it. As you probably know, when you order a book they suggest other books to you by the same author. Naturally, one of suggestions was "Along the Edge of America." I love the Gulf Coast, and I've spent a fair amount of time in the Florida panhandle over the years, so I thought I'd enjoy it.

I told my wife when I finished it that it's a great "guy's book." Traveling from one end of the Gulf to the other, by boat, alone--I don't know, it just seemed to tap into that "Huck Finn" side of me, and I remember thinking, "I would really love to do that." Plus, for a guy who's never been East of Destin, you really opened my eyes to the fact that there's a whole world in Florida, and all along the edge of the Gulf, that most people will never see. When I used to think of Florida, I thought of high-rise condos, tourist-trap stores, and crowded beaches. I had no idea that people like the Parker brothers, and places like the jungle-woods still existed down there. It heartens me to know that they do, I guess.

And I was also struck by your reasons for wanting to make such a trip--your need for another adventure after your divorce. I've never been divorced, but I do know what it's like to get gut-kicked by Life, and spend the next few years reeling from it (I'll tell you how, exactly, I know this some other time, if you're really curious). In a lot of ways, it's similar to what made me decide to pick up my wife and kids and move to Alaska. Anyway, it all combined to make "Along the Edge" special to me. I'll probably read it again in a year or two, when the memory of it starts to fade.

As for what I'm doing in Kenai, I'm a lawyer. I spent the last couple of years working in the legal department of an insurance company in Chattanooga. It was a good job, and I worked with good people, but it wasn't something I could see myself doing for the next twenty years or so.
My wife has been fascinated with Alaska for years. She'd read tons of books about it.

So one day, I'm complaining to my wife about my job, and how now that we have three kids, we'll probably never get to have a great experience like exploring Alaska, and she tells me that she had been feeling kind of the same way. She's a nurse, and she loves what she does, but she's also seen a lot of people die over the years, from newborn babies to octogenarians, and just about every age group in-between. It had more than once been driven home to her that life is short. So we decided to make a leap of faith, of sorts. We figured that she would get a job as a travel nurse, and I'd find work doing something, and we'd come up here, and spend a year or so looking around. Maybe we'd decide to stay when it was all said and done, maybe not.
But we'd at least get the wanderlust out of our systems. Anyway, I spent the next several weeks papering Alaska with resumes, looking for a law firm that maybe had a big case going on that they needed some temporary help with. I got a few responses from firms that said they were looking for people, but on a permanent basis, not temporary. We talked about it, and we both knew of people who had taken jobs and moved to places they had never been to. Was this any different, just because it's Alaska? We decided it wasn't, and now here we are.

From: Ian Beam
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 2:45 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Hi!

In response to your website ad, my wife and I would like you to feel free to drop in a while at our place in Woodbine, MD. You mentioned on your website that you were looking to explore some of the dichotomy that is prevalent in America today. I'm 29, she is 24, I work for the Department of Transportation, she

works as an aide to the founder of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. We are both committed Christian believers, married June of '04, both into volunteer fire fighting, living in Carroll County Maryland (very conservative county), in the basement apartment (1200 sq ft.?) of an Islamic farming family on their sheep and goat ranch in a rural setting resembling Appalachia, but only 40 miles from the capital of our nation, bordering on two of the highest income per capita counties in America (Howard and Montgomery Counties; not so and very not so conservative counties) and 20 miles from where HBO films "The Wire" in downtown West Baltimore. How's that for a run-on sentence? :-) More to the point, how's that for an different and interestingly weighted life stage?

Oh, and my wife is by far the best cook in our house. Unless you want fried goat. That you have to go upstairs for.

NOTE: From Peter Jenkins:
I recently spent ten days at my alma mater, Alfred University. I graduated from AU in 1973 and shortly thereafter began my walk across America. I went back to attempt to re-create my formative years there in the tumultuous and amazing early 70's and to get to know the students of today. I was doing this to prepare for my next book, another exploration of America. I spoke many times to the students in their classes and gave larger lectures open to all. The following e-mail is from an art student who, with friends, helped me to blow glass again, something I had not done in 30 years.

The following e-mail is from an Alfred University Art Student

Hey, Peter, I 'm glad you had some fun glassblowing Alfred-style! I was worried you would have to return home before getting your chance, and was relieved when everything worked out. We all had a great time helping you out, by the way. There 's something special about showing and helping someone you admire and look up to, and I think we all felt it.

Your artwork came out of the annealer in one piece, so we 'll be sending it to you J. As soon as I have a computer that works again (could be awhile), I 'll have to send you the great pics I took of you glassblowing. You look almost like a pro gaffer ;).

The lecture you gave was definitely a success, and more engrossing and entertaining than I knew talks could be. After hearing you speak and rereading A Walk this week, I seriously feel more inclined to move about the country when I get a chance. Your driven desire to meet our diverse population and learn their unique American lives is infectious, and the way you reach out of your comfort zone challenges me.

I feel that if everyone could see how everyone else truly lives, we might give up the bigotry and prejudices we have acquired along the way. But I also have concerns that the modern rapid spread of this sort of information promotes a loss of a culture 's individual identity. I have a real loathing for our pop culture 's endless drive for conformity, especially through advertising and the media (and in regard to social views and ethics). One thing I appreciate about you is the way you inspire people to explore their world, not by TV, but in a personal, time and self-invested way. In this way, people can find themselves and the spiritual and human links that live in everyone and connect everyone together.

Thank you again for the great experience you gave us Alfred students, and me personally, with your well-timed visit (before I graduated!).

Dear Peter,
I just finished you book, "Looking for Alaska", and felt compelled to drop you a 'fan letter'..............something that I am not in the habit of doing. However, your way of looking at your travels and life has brought me much enjoyment and has caused me many moments of reflective soul searching.
In fact, your first book played a role in my present occupation. I was a political scientist, working on my doctorate and also working as a government consultant (you know, an over paid person in a three piece suit, leather attaché, and 30 miles from home). But, I always wanted to be a physician............we all have our respective crosses to bear I suppose. I read your book during while my first wife was pregnant with my son. It caused me to look closely at my dreams and then, the night that my son was born, I decided that I wanted him to have a father who was not afraid to dream and to work toward that dream. I have to confess, however, that there have been those moments when I curse all of those who told me to follow my dream, but in the end, it was indeed the right thing for me.
I have always had this distant love affair with Alaska. Due to the constraints of my practice (Emergency Medicine), I have always put off going up there and experiencing its wonders first hand. I have now made a commitment to myself that once I am finished with the 'remodeling' of my home thanks to the assistance

of Hurricane Ivan, I will go to Alaska...........thank you for again forcing me to set my priorities straight.
Should your travels ever bring you down to the Gulf, I would consider it a pleasure to fill you full of good gumbo, shrimp, and crab.
Take care and know that your words do bring not only enjoyment to your readers, but your books cause us to look at ourselves, something we do too little of in this modern world.
Best Regards and Happy Holidays.
Darryll

Darryll W. Barksdale
Mississippi

Dear Peter,

I am writing concerning your book " A Walk Across America". You have such a impact on my life. Your book is the best that I have ever read. My mother died of lymphoma cancer in 97. Her eye sight was very poor. I was able to read your book to her in the evenings after the day was done. She looked so forward to the evenings. I am so glad that I was able to finish your book for her. I just would like to say Thank you for the nights that we shared cuddled next to each other engrossed in your walk. It is a blessing and one of my most precious memories of my mother. Thank-You Mr. Jenkins. God Bless you.
I would love to see your books become Movies. Is there any chance of that ever happening?

Sincerely,
Billie Jo

I picked up your book "Looking for Alaska" while in Anchorage this summer. This was after we had driven the Seward Highway to Seward, hiked Exit Glacier, and did a small boat trip (57 people) for 4 days around Prince William Sound - including Cordova. As you can guess, your book is a forever memory book for me. Thank you for your journeys, for making Alaska come alive in so many ways. I read the book in small pieces, savoring each adventure.

I've lived in NY since 1972 after a rather nomadic life, moving every 2 or 3 years with my dad & family in the Navy and his wanderlust after that. Thanks to him, Alaska was my 49th state, Hawaii being last. I graduated from Danbury HS after moving to CT. from Las Vegas (talk about culture shock!), and went to UCONN (when my guidance counselor suggested UCONN< I thought she meant YUKON and didn't understand why she thought Alaska was the right place for me).

Alan & I live in a log house on 6 acres abutting the old Eric Canal - equidistant to Albany & Saratoga Springs. It's our sanctuary. I'm a nurse practitioner working both in an inner city clinic and at Skidmore College; he's in advertising. Like you, I usually take back roads and love to explore and meet new people in the most unlikely places. It's a very good life.

Best of luck in your travels, and if your journeys take you this way, please feel free to stop in.

Hi Peter, my name is Harold Niver, and I am a huge fan of your books, particularly "Looking for Alaska." I have dreamed of going to Alaska for a number of years, and plan to go in the future with my wife. In the meantime, I have your books to get me through. I have read "Looking for Alaska" many times and I get something new out of it everytime. A different story intrigues me each time i read the book, and I really appreciate the fact that I can use your book as a kind of reference. Everytime I talk about going to Alaska, my wife insists that we take a cruise there, which I'm sure would be a great deal of fun, but my desire is to see the interior. She also wants to go during the summer, while I would prefer to go at a colder time of year. I'm not really an "extreme" kind of guy, but I feel that going to Alaska just to see the summer would be something of a waste.

Anyway, I anxiously await your next project, and hope that you and your family are well.

Yours truly,
Harold Niver

P.S. Here's a question - I am a practicing Buddhist and wonder if there are any Buddhist centers in AK?

I'm not sure you will ever read this but I had to say thank you for the book "Looking for Alaska". I know that you have received many accolades over your lifetime but I'm grateful for a reason you could not expect. My lifelong dream has been to go to Alaska, see the whales, bald eagles, and hear the silence. I've been bedridden for a long time with illness and your book transported me to a place I can only go in my mind. I never disfigure books but

the picture of Stony River and the breaching whale now are taped to the wall next to the bed where I can look at them. I keep your book within reach all of the time as it seems to help through the long nights when the pain is overwhelming and it seems pointless to go on with life. Your book gave me a new appreciation for continuing life, whatever the quality of that life. So thank you, I have been traveling with you for many years through your books but this one has saved me at a time when I had lost hope and the basic will to continue. Perhaps at some point I can if nothing else see my dream from the deck chair of a cruise ship. I will never be able to have the experience that you had but it would be enough.
If you are ever in the vicinity of Waco, TX please feel welcome in our home. We live in probably the most misrepresented city in the United States and one of the loveliest spots in Texas. Please continue to travel and be the legs and eyes for those of us who can't get out. Continue to have a great life, I think heaven will be somewhat of a disappointment after the life you have had! Sincerely, Janet Smith

Janet Smith

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Ferguson
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 10:45 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Frequent reader contest

Peter:

I had never heard of you until about six or seven months ago, when I confided to a friend at work that I was thinking of moving to Alaska. He suggested your book. It took all of about seven pages, and I was hooked.

In addition to "Looking for Alaska," I have now read "A Walk Across America," and "Along the Edge of America" (my favorite one, by the way). My wife has read them as well, and she recently finished "The Walk West." That one is next in the hopper for me. And I hope to get a copy of "Across China" soon.

I've found that almost every writer of nonfiction has an agenda of one kind or another, that's fairly apparent as soon as you start reading, and only becomes more obvious as the book goes on. Your writing, as far as I can see, is refreshingly agenda-free. You seem to be all about the experience, and I haven't known you yet to try and pigeonhole anyone into your preconceived notion of what they should be. In fact, when you've met people who didn't square up with your expectations, you've admitted it almost gleefully (I'm mainly thinking of your encounter with George Wallace in your first book, but there are other examples).

You've said on your website that you respect people on the highest level, and it shows. And it keeps me reading your stuff. You really seem to take people as you find them. That's a gift. I hope you appreciate it. I know I do.

Sincerely,
Doug Ferguson
Kenai, Alaska, formerly of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

-----Original Message-----
From: will1296
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2004 9:30 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: a fan from Wisconsin~sorry for the long e-mail

Get Jenkinized...

Dear Mr. Peter Jenkins, Trailblazer!

Well, we're probably well past 100 for the book signing contest, but I was going to send an email one of these days anyway. I'll give you the skinny on me and why I have become a fan of yours.

I started reading A Walk Across America this summer and fell in love with it. Why? Well, as you have mentioned on your website, the U.S. is once again in a state of flux and I for one am fed up with America-not just foreign policy, but American pop culture and how ridiculous it has become.
So honest to god, the only reason I checked out your book with its old tattered cover was because you mentioned something in the introduction about American politics circa late 60's/early 70's and the

Vietnam War and your disgust with the big wigs.

BINGO! I checked your book out....I didn't even know what it was about, I thought you were going to rant about American politics which I was ready to join in!

HOWEVER, this book was about getting away from it all, and discovering that maybe people aren't so bad and that outside of the money, fame and fortune, there are really people out there that don't care about materialistic America, they are just trying to get by and live a decent life. Which makes me laugh when I watch "reality" tv because it seems so far from actual reality...I don't know about you, but I don't spend my days trying to come up with a scheme to backstab my opponent so he/she will get kicked off an island.

ANYWAY, I will give you some background...I'm a 23 yr old recent grad from the U of Minnesota with a BA in Geography and Psychology (coincidentally, two fields that won't get you a job!) But I've fallen in love with geography, mapping, traveling, people and places, etc. etc...I love the Pacific Northwest and want to move to either 1) Washington, 2)Oregon, 3)BC or 4)---you guessed it, ALASKA (are you serious--no roads out of Juneau!) something about the Pacific Northwest has captured my mind---probably the same feeling you had about (was it Utah and Wyoming?) However I'm 23 and who knows what I want--I'm still trying to find myself. But I am in Minneapolis right now and I'm getting tired of city life...I feel suffocated by billboards and office jobs and traffic and "THE MAN"...I grew up 10 miles outside Mineral Point, WI--a small farming town of 2500 people (3rd oldest town in Wisconsin). By the way, I had a siberian husky named Buck (my dad was a Jack London fan--remember Call of the Wild?)..yeah, when Cooper passed I thought about Buck and how he ran away when I was six. Back to Mineral Point, its located in southwest Wisconsin, a very white, family-oriented, church-going part of the state where people like to farm, fish, hunt and be outdoorsy. Look it up on the map, it's FUN, that's how I found Spring Hill! After high school, I went to UW-Whitewater for two years and then...it wasn't until I was 20 and transfered to the U of MN that I had friends that weren't white (I couldn't wait to get out of the country and into a bustling city)...we never traveled much so I had a fairly shelterd life out in the sticks! However, in reading AWAA and LFA, I have a much greater appreciation for the country life. One of my favorite parts in AWAA was Homer's mountain--people may scoff at how he lived, but at least he lived the way he wanted to...which is true of the people where I'm from, at least they seem content, more content than people here in Minneapolis, despite all their shopping malls and nightclubs, skyscrapers, and highways.
In reading that chapter, it reminded me of home, not having anything to do because we lived so far from the nearest mall or taco bell, but only in coming to Minneapolis do I realize that that can be a good thing. I guess that's what I took home from AWAA, you had a blank slate ahead of you, not knowing what to expect, not expecting anything, and it turned out to be a life-defining moment. Perhaps maybe you were trying to find yourself but instead somthing finds you, a wife, kids and a career in writing---hopefully I will find my direction too!

I just finished Looking for Alaska and liked it almost as much as AWAA--my favorite parts were Tina in Hydaburg, Jeff and his huskies and Eric? and the interior of Alaska--the whole book was great, the people seemed very real and very in control with their lives (perhaps minus Tina), something that I yearn for.. I plan on reading your other books too, perhaps The Walk West will be next. I have my mom and dad reading your books too--I'm trying to get them Jenkinized! I'm not sure where you can go now....how can you top Alaska!! Maybe if we settle Mars or the Moon? The trip back across the eastern U.S. will bring back a lot of memories, have you stayed in touch with the people you met 30 yrs ago? Can you give me any updates--I'm sure a lot has happened in 30 yrs.

I do have one burning question I would like answered. Why live in middle Tennessee? Does it have anything to do with Cooper and/or "The farm"?

I honestly don't have the best perception of Tennessee (or any southern state for that matter) but my dad is a big blues fan and wants to travel to Memphis and Nashville sometime in 2005 so I guess that will be the test for me. We just got back from the southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico in one week)...I had never seen cactus or yucca plants before, or Mexico for that matter)...before that I was in Colorado in July (first time on top of a mountain) and Washington state in April (first time at the base of a mountain-Mt. Rainier)--3 trips in 2004...Pretty good considering that before a band trip to Virginia at age 17 I had never been more than 4 hrs from my home.

Ok, I think I'm done rambling on for now--I feel like I just wrote a book myself!! Thanks for answering this email, I know I'm not the only one emailing you and just a short paragraph will suffice. I've been meaning to write this for a few months now! I would like to occasionally email if that's alright, I promise to keep them much shorter in the future and only email once in a blue moon...but as I read your books I always come up with questions in my head to ask you, I'm sure I will think of more after I send this.

From: Karen Thibodeau
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 6:54 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: A note for Peter

Dear Peter,
I was introduced to your books by my daughter, Katie, who is currently a student in the school of School of Ceramics at Alfred University. She heard you speak at the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2003 and told me, "You've got to check this guy out. You'll love him." I went out and bought Walk Across America and was hooked.

First of all, your descriptions of the town of Alfred seemed so familiar to me. Not much has changed in that town in twenty-five years! What really endeared me to that book and your subsequent books is how you are able to relate to people, get them to tell their story and how well you are able to see the best in most everyone. So much is written about famous people and practically nothing is written about the common man and woman. These people are the backbone of America.
They quietly work hard, raise their families and carry on traditions passed down through the generations. You have the wonderful talent of being able to weave their stories into beautifully written books. I can't wait to read about your next adventure.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Seivers
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:01 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: How your books inspire me

Peter, I have been wanting to send you a message for a long time. I was just on your site and saw that I might have a chance at winning a prize so I figured now would be as good a time as any.

I first learned about you as an author in 1991. I was browsing the Huntsville, AL public library looking for nothing in particular.
The jacket of A Walk Across America caught my eye. I checked it out that day and read it at work over the course of a few days.
At the time I was new to Alabama and the scenes of traveling through the deep south opened my eyes to the kind of people I was now living and working with. I grew up in Florida, but never really felt the sense of southern hospitality that you were able to portray in your book. When I was finished with A Walk Across America, I read The Walk West, which brought back many memories of traveling with my parents the summer of 1977. I was ten years old that summer and my dad bought a motor home and we hit the road for three weeks. The memories from that trip still occupy a special place in my heart. I was exposed to the different types of terrain, people, cultures, etc. that make up this great nation. To this day I have constant urges to just pack up and hit the road to see something new. I am trying to expose my son to other areas of this country so he won't grow up with pre-conceived ideas of how people speak, act toward others, hold prejudices, etc. I want him to be able to see this nation as something to be very proud of, as you were able to do as you walked across it.

I had gotten away from reading for reasons I can't remember. It had been something I enjoyed, but with being married and having a small child, and working lots of overtime, I guess I had other priorities like everyone else. I did not read any more of your books until I served on jury duty in the fall of 2003.

During this boring week of my life, I read Along The Edge of America, Close Friends, Looking For Alaska, and Across China. I quickly remembered how your first book made me feel. The way you meet people and see how open and honest they are really amazes me. It seems as if we all have the same common goals, to be good to our families, be kind to our fellow man, and to do what is right. The qualities you saw in the people you met along the way are qualities that I try to keep in mind when I deal with people I work with and meet along the way. One particular place you stayed in North Carolina taught me a good lesson: Be able to see the absence of color. The way you described your first night in Murphy, NC came across initially as fear, but as you learned a little more about the people, they were really no different than you.
Yes, the obvious difference in skin color, but they were just people trying to make things better for their family. They willingly accepted you into their home. They made you a part of their family and after some time you forgot your own skin color.
All of this came back to me as I reread A Walk Across America last month. There was so much that I did not remember, so it was almost as if it was my first time reading it.

I try very hard to keep an open mind and see people for who they are and not so much as what they are.
You taught me that through all of your travels that there are many more good people out there than there are bad. I honestly believe that to be true. Since leaving Florida in 1986, I've lived in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Washington state, and now Alabama.
I have come to the conclusion that Americans are really no different from each other. Yes, we might speak differently or eat different foods, but deep down we are all looking for the same things. We want to be treated with dignity and respect, we try to be kind and loving to our families, and we try to make a decent living so we can make the next generation better off than we were.

Thank you for being an inspiration to me. I hope to have the honor of meeting you some day.

Bill Seivers
New Market, Alabama

-----Original Message-----
From: lmschwartz
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:51 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: A New Fan

I am not sure how to start this letter without sounding like all new readers to your books but, here goes anyway. I just finished Looking for Alaska and was enthralled from the beginning because I love reading about other people's travels. It could also be because I myself am headed to Alaska for vacation in two weeks and wanted some inside and off-the-beaten-track places to visit. Although, now is a good time to admit that I am not a great outdoorsman and enjoy others' escapades in extreme climates without running water. Showers and toilets are too important to my happiness. I should also admit that I have never written to an author before and especially not offered more information about myself that you could

probably do without. As I began reading about Alaska , my affinity for your writing was not about the locale anymore but your spirit for getting out of your own world and experiencing others. And more specifically, your relationship with your children. I also come from a divorced family where my brother and I are from the first marriage and my younger (10-15 yrs. difference) sisters are from the second. The paragraph you mentioned about your children, Rebekah and Julianne, connecting despite their maternal situations and years between them is precisely how my youngest sister and I relate. Even more uncanny is that we too have a father whose work takes him all over the Globe. And we are better for it because we have had the wonderful opportunity to see some of it with him. Some people do not understand the need to always be planning your next travel excursion months, if not years, ahead of time. I am a teacher in the Boston area and make the best use of my free time and minimal salary to get out and visit many places on the US and European maps (I realize there are other continents but I am not as intrigued yet).

Thank you for taking the time to read my sincere reaction to your (and that of your family's) story. I was wondering if you ever make appearances up North? I would enjoy hearing your tales in person. Lastly, thank you for putting up Hobo Jim's schedule on your website because I want to ensure I see him while in Alaska .

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruno Renon
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 10:52 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: compliments for "Looking for Alaska"

Hello, I'm reading your book "Looking for Alaska". It's wonderful!
Actually I'm reading the chapter 15: "The winter trail" and I am enthusiastic about the trip to Chandalar Lake.

I'm a meteorologist and I like places with very cold climate. The tale about the trip between Coldfoot and Chandalar Lake is fantastic!
Before I red your book I didn't know the area of Chandalar Lake. This place has enchanted me, also for meteorological point of view (see attachment).

Do you have some photographs about this Lake to send me?
I want to thank you endeed, anyhow.
Regards.
____________________________________
Mittente:
Bruno Renon
Belluno - Italy

-----Original Message-----
From: Robby Baker
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 6:16 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: just some more praise...

Peter,

Hi my name is Robby Baker; I am a recent graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville , NC . I have started my first real job and just can't seem to shake my innate sense of wanderlust in dealing with the newly acquired constrictions on my free time. I have just finished reading you book Along the Edge of America , and I have to say that this is one of the best books I have ever read. Not since Jimmy Buffett's A Pirate Looks at Fifty have I sat down to read for hours at a time.

I have a friend who has a 55' Hunter sailboat, and we have dreamed for years in school about taking a trip like this one. See the plan was that we were going to take a year after I graduated and sail his boat back up from the British Virgin Islands and do nothing but explore and hang out with my best friend. Well as you know, LIFE GOT IN THE WAY!!! Thank you for helping me to realize that a dream like this is not so far fetched. Oh and I must say, you could not have chosen a better boat that the 25' Grady to accompany you on your journey. I have owned a couple of Grady-Whites and being fresh out of Greenville , NC , a town which no one could loathe, it was refreshing to read about a little piece of home. Thank you so much for your time and please keep exploring. Oh and if you ever go on another boat journey and you need a mate. I am only an e-mail away. Wouldn't be the first time I have dropped everything to go hang out on a boat for a while. Thanks for keeping the dreams of so many alive in your works.

-----Original Message-----
From: JCS3862@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 11:03 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Walk through Amish Country

Dear Mr. Jenkins,
I wanted let you know that I am something of a fan of yours. I have read several of your books (A walk across America, Across China and Looking for Alaska). Not only did I enjoy reading these, they have also served as an inspiration to me. I read Looking For Alaska just before a trip there in 2003. Having gotten so much from the book made the trip all the better. I even picked up some Hobo Jim on your recommendation and was not at all disappointed.

This past weekend I thought of you quite a bit. I made an impromtu foot tour of the Amish country of south western New York. I was feeling restless but also very interested in seeing the Amish at their own pace (maybe even a bit slower as I had no horse-drawn buggy). Not only did I get to encounter a different culture in a different way, I also met several kind people from my own culture. I was offered rides repeatedly (which I politley turned down as cars were not to be part of the trip). I was saved from a dog attack when a passing truck driver blew his airhorn to frighten off a charging dog.

The tired muscles and sore feet (admittedly I have let my walking muscles go a little in my 30's) were well worth it. As you learned long ago, life is different when seen on foot. It seems no wonder that we appear to be so much more angry, anxious and depressed as a people than we were 100 years ago. We experience so little of life and the world when we are whipping by at 65 MPH. Everything is a blur like our lives become.

I have been a walker and hiker since adolescence. I have gained a great deal from it. I wanted to let you know that years ago Gandhi and his Walk to the Sea were my only role models. Today, I have added you, Colin Fletcher and a few others. Thanks for the inspiration.

-----Original Message-----
From: DeBolt, Wade
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 2:21 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: I gotta stop reading

I am currently reading "Along the edge of America" - the first book of yours I have read.

I currently live in San Diego, CA but I am from the Texas gulf coast (near Seadrift). We just got back from vacation in Destin, FL.

I believe reading your books will be bad for my career because all I want to do now is quit my job and move back home to the Gulf coast and fish. Why have you done this to me?

-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Friday, August 06, 2004 7:12 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Hey!

Dear Peter, I feel like Rip Van Winkle........How is it that now, in 2004, I am just hearing of your walk across America? I live here in Brentwood, TN. I grew up in Lawrenceburg, Tn. But, this summer in Colorado was the first time I ever heard your name or the name of your book. My family, my husband and four sons, ages 7 to 13, took a trip to Colorado. It was my first time to see the Rocky Mountains, and the desire to go overwhelmed me this spring, out of nowhere. Anyway, I met a 70 year old man, who was vacationing with his wife and 2 grandchildren. He was from Massachusetts originally, now living in Arizona. I told him about my need to go to the Rocky Mountains this summer and how it almost caused my husband and I to separate ( just kidding). And so he told me that he understood the "call" of adventure, the "longing". He had answered the call himself 23 years ago, and it was because of reading your book, A Walk Across America. He made me promise to read your book before we went our separate ways later that day. I assured him I could not wait.

Once, I got back to Tennessee, I ordered a used copy from Amazon.com. I haven't been able to put it down. I love it! I had no idea you had been to Summertown, TN. to The Farm! When I asked my parents, lifelong Lawrence Countians about you and the book, my dad couldn't believe that I hadn't read it. He remembered almost the entire book and was so excited to talk to me about it. He told me you live in Spring Hill. I just want to say thanks and see if maybe you would be interested in speaking to my book group here in Brentwood. Our group is 11 years old, 13 very interesting women from all over. Only 2 of us are native Tennesseans. Over the years we have read such wonderful books and spent many hours discussing them. I know you are extremely popular, and a distinguished speaker. We couldn't pay you, but we would feed you, and hang on your every word. We are nothing if not attentive. We are flexible as far as dates, locations, etc. We have done a couple of teleconferences with authors promoting their books. You probably get a dozen of these emails every minute, maybe more. But, just think about it, please. The date you started your walk, October 15, 1973 was my birthday. I took that as a good sign to contact you by email. I felt like you just might be interested. No matter your answer, I am thrilled to correspond with you, grateful for your words and eager to read more of your adventures. Sincerely, Caren Teichmann

-----Original Message-----
From: HTC Richard Romito
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:22 PM
To: 'peter@peterjenkins.com'
Subject:

I just finished your book Looking For Alaska. It was great. I am in the Military in the Arabian Gulf. I am 40 and have a wife and three kids. I read your book Walk Across America about 21 years ago when I was in Beirut. Both times your books help me forget about the war going on and reminded me America is truly the greatest nation in the world. Hopefully I will make it back home and be able to take my kids to Alaska. I sent My oldest daughter (9th grade) your books in case I don't make it back so she can see America through you writing like I did.

-----Original Message-----
From: Graham & Dale Sussex
Sent: Monday, August 09, 2004 12:23 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

Congratulations Peter on a wonderful and enthralling

written picture of Alaska. 'Looking at Alaska' was sent to me by my daughter Andrea, from Juneau, recently. Andrea with her 'skipper' husband are on a luxury motor yacht taking parties of guests up and down the 'Inside passage'. New Zealanders enjoying a small part of beautiful Alaska. Great opportunities that have to be grasped. Thanks for a wonderful book. Have today booked your 'Walk across America' from our local library. Graham Sussex Dale & Graham Sussex
92 The Bullock Track
Mahurangi West
RD3. Warkworth. 1241
New Zealand Ph/Fax 64 + 9 + 4220612
email: graham.sussex@xtra.co.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Campbell
Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 7:29 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

I recently read Looking for Alaska while deployed with my

Air National Guard unit to Thailand--those trips are usually good for catching up on my "books to be read" pile. Really enjoyed the book and wanted to let you know it was a great reminder of home while braving the heat & humidity of SE Asia. I've lived in Anchorage since 1998, and I had fun with your book since it was a mix of familiar and unfamiliar. I've been able to visit some of the same places you did and had similar experiences, yet you discussed enough places I haven't been to keep my interest. There's at least a hundred places in Alaska I still want to see, and I had to add a few after reading your book.

I'll have to wander down to Title Wave (where I purchased your book) and see if they have a copy of A Walk Across America...

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhea Holms
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 1:51 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

Peter
You are the greatest writer. I can visualize each of your experiences in Alaska. You learn so much about each persons life experience through your eyes. I could not put this book down. I look forward even more now to the trip we are taking to Alaska. Thank you for
the great read I look forward to each book you write.
Rhea

-----Original Message-----
From: Billy Williams
Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 3:28 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: "Looking For Alaska" *****

Dear Peter,
Just had to offer my compliments to you on this great book. While I don't consider myself among the "well read", I have to say that Looking for Alaska is one of the most enjoyable and interesting books that I have ever read. It has intensified my interest and enjoyment of touring Alaska. My wife of 41 years and I made our first visit there last summer, while only half way through your book. We have fallen in love with all that Alaska has to offer and are currently preparing for our next visit for over two weeks in June. Your book full of adventure stories, descriptions of the people, climate and terrain are priceless. I especially enjoyed the warm stories you shared of your family relationships. We look forward now to listening to the audio version, as well as getting into some of your other books. We send our best personal regards from deep south Texas.

Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Billy Williams
U.S. Marine Corps, (retired)

-----Original Message-----
From: Spooner1J@stlucie.k12.fl.us
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 10:34 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

Mr. Jenkins,

I had written to you previously about having you come to my school. As you can tell, things didn't pan out in the manner I would like. However, I would like to let you know that we are reading portions of your book in my class right now. My student's are creating a mythical culture/country and have several decisions to make in regards to their "country". They will be reading "The Winter Trail", "Life at the Homestead", and "On the Edge of the Land-Fast Ice." I just felt these were good depictions of variations to one's life. I am really interested in their reaction to those living by means of whaling, especially the portion about the rescue to the land when it separates. I hope you don't mind if I share with you some of their reactions to the chapters.

I am still working to get the money for you to attend our school. I had funds allocated from a local library, but they resigned from their promise a few days later. Another fund location that was to help with furthering education by means of arts said they didn't have the appropriate funds in our area. Head high, I will prevail. My students are still asking if the guy who walked across the country is ever going to come see our school. Hopefully so.

Thank you for your time,

Jamie Spooner

Mrs. Jamie Spooner
7th grade Gifted Language Arts
Lincoln Park Academy
Ft. Pierce, FL

From: harry lindstrom
Sent: Sunday, April 04, 2004 5:07 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: "Looking for Alaska"

Years ago I started with "A Walk across America" and I have since read most of your works and enjoyed every one of them. I just finished "Looking for Alaska". I believe it is your best work to date. I learned more history and geography than any book(s) I've read and all in you're easy-to-read style. Thank you for your fine work---keep up the good work. Harry Lindstrom Port St. Lucie, Fl

Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 12:13 AM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking For Alaska: Wow!

You don't know me, but I just finished your book Looking For Alaska,
and my review, for what it's worth, can be summed up in one word: Wow!
Well done.

Although I presently live in the Phoenix area, I still consider myself
an Alaskan, having lived there for 22 years, having graduated from
Dimond High School in Anchorage in 1973, having been a journalist and
TV newsman at KIMO-TV in Anchorage, news director at KATN-TV in
Fairbanks and a roving bush reporter for Alaska Statewide News. (I
really consider Fairbanks my home town more so than Anchorage, even
though I lived only six years in the former. I left Alaska in 1988.)
I'm also a multi-engine pilot, having my first article published in a
1976 issue of the periodical Plane & Pilot, written when I was 16 about
an experience I had as a student pilot in Alaska.

I mention the above only to reinforce my thoughts that, in a very short
period of time and with an economy of words, you managed to capture the
very essence of what Alaska is all about, what her people are all
about. With Tina, you were able to express the plight of many Alaskan
Natives in a way that I feel I was unsuccessful despite countless TV
news stories from the bush.

'I drive a half hour each day to work and listen to audio books. I love
them. One of the best I have ever listened to is LOOKING FOR ALASKA by Peter Jenkins. When the over twelve hours of it were over I felt like I had
explored Alaska like only Peter Jenkins can. Remember him from his first
best seller A WALK ACROSS AMERICA. Well he is older and wiser, a better
writer and more adventuresome than ever. Some of his amazing adventures in
Alaska were made with his brave and beautiful wife Rita and their young
daughter Julianne. He made other trips to the wild fringes of Alaska with
his inspiring, twenty-something daughter Rebekah, who wrote a portion of the
book. Her insinsights are wonderful and she is a gifted writer. This is read by
Peter and Rebekah and they use high quality sound effects from Alaska, like
the passing of a dog sled, the breathing of a whale and so on. Never have I
listened to a book on tape and been so transported to the place as I was
listening all week to LOOKING FOR ALASKA. A couple days I even sat in my car
and listened longer, I could not stand to wait to hear what happened.'

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 4:29 PM
To: peter@peterjenkins.com
Subject: Looking for Alaska

I'm about half way through the audio book of Looking For Alaska. A friend
from work gave it to me. I am thoroughly enjoying it although it makes me
homesick at the same time. I was born in Anchorage and grew up in Kenai. I went
Outside for college, got married, went to graduate school, and except for a
short period in between, I never made it back to live there. I'm now a
displaced Alaskan living in Seattle although I visit my family in Alaska
often. You've done an incredible job of conveying the essence of Alaska and
Alaskan culture. My dad's a general contractor and has done projects all over
Alaska. I had the pleasure of working for him in many locations around the state
until after college. I've covered a lot of the same territory and had some
similar experiences. My most memorable experience was working on the Dalton Highway
rebuilding an 11- mile section of it halfway between the Yukon and Coldfoot.
I've had the rare pleasure of using the outhouse at subzero temperatures
while up there in April. We used wool socks on our seat cover instead of fur.
We also thought nothing of driving 60 miles to the Yukon or Coldfoot to have
some creature comforts like hot showers, real food, or a flushing toilet. When
it warmed up, we enjoyed black clouds of mosquitoes, gnats, etc. while trying to
finish our work. I won't bore you with any more details, since you appeared
to have crammed a lifetime of experience in a year living in Alaska. I just
wanted to tell you that your writing moves the heart of displaced Alaskan
and I appreciate your work. Keep it up.