By William L. Iggiagruk Hensley (Sarah Crichton Books, $24)
The blurb: "In 1971, after years of Hensley's tireless lobbying, the United States conveyed 44 million acres and earmarked nearly $1 billion for use by Alaska's native peoples. The law insured that all the American Indians of Alaska would be compensated for the incursion of the U.S. government upon their way of life. ... The landmark decision did not come overnight. Neither was it the work of any one person. But it was Hensley who gave voice to the cause and made it real. Fifty Miles From Tomorrow is not only the memoir of one man; it is testament to the resilience of the Alaskan -- and American -- spirit."
Excerpt: "And I began to realize that someday, somewhere, somebody was going to try to tell my story -- and through it, our story. So ultimately I decided I might as well try to do it myself. The Inupiat sense of propriety includes a strong taboo against blowing your own horn. I didn't want my people to think that I was trying to elevate myself; we all know that in life, it takes many people to create success. So when I made up my mind to do my best to shine some light on the Arctic and on the story of a people most Americans barely know exist, I didn't hesitate. I immediately called my relatives to let them know what I had in mind so they wouldn't be surprised. They unanimously encouraged me."
Finesilver's Gold
By Ruth Shalett Littman (Micah Publications, $18)
The blurb: "In 1894, 19-year-old Jacob Finesilver plans to escape poverty and conscription into the czar's army by walking from the Ukraine to the Klondike and across the frozen Bering Sea, where he almost dies. Rescued by an Inuit Eskimo who nurses him back to health, Jacob makes it to the Klondike."
Excerpt: "Jacob grinned. 'I apologize for the outburst. I'm not usually temperamental. But this is my life we're talking about and the lives of my family, still living, if you can call it that, in Russia with the Cossacks breathing down their necks. So, what do I need for the gold mining here in Alaska?' "
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