Rating: 
Summary: A well researched book
Review: A well-researched adventure story. Byron did his research on the history and geology of the region and writes well about. He and Maren are genuinely concerned about the environment. The book was a nice story.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not consuming
Review: An interesting book, but I wanted more detail about the writer's daily life while on the sea. I found it frustrating to be brought to the edge of what appeared to be an exciting passage, only to be let-down by a single non-desriptive paragraph. I may have missed the explanation as to why there were no pictures of the trip, or even a reliable map -- also found this frustrating and confusing as I'm not familiar with the area. A better model for how to write and include the reader rather than only document a journey is Alvah Simon's *North to the Night*.All in all, if one is familiar with the area and concerned with the socio-economic and evironmental issues of such an area, they will find this book an interesting read. But, unfortunately, one that will not keep you enthralled nor stay with you long once finished.
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Summary: It wasn't what I expected
Review: Byron and Maren sound like wonderful people, and I admire thier spirit of adventure and commitment and respect of the land. I think I expected a lot more action in the story. I would have liked this more had they included pictures of the landscape, themselves, some of the people they had met, and a larger map. I understand their desire to protect the places they stopped, but, being an east coaster who "day kayaks" for four or five hours at a time, I wanted a bigger and better glimpse of such a worthy adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: Spritual and thought provoking
Review: Byron did an excellent job of taking the reader along on his paddle....spiritually, mentally, and physically. He appreciation for the land and it's people was quite evident and gives the reader a new perspective and greater understanding of each. I appreciated Byron's honesty about spirituality and his insights. Very thought provoking! Would suggest having a map of the Inside Passage handy to follow their travels as you read.
Rating: 
Summary: Like a Very Well-written Diary
Review: Daily accounts of experiences while kayaking the inside passage. I found the entire book engaging and interesting. However, it does not offer deep or wide coverage of kayaking or the cultures or natural history of the inside passage (fine by me). Little tastes of these topics throughout the book. This surprised me given the length of the bibliography. Many interesting interactions with people living in these areas. I highly recommend this book for those interested in travel/adventure non-fiction. As mentioned by previous reviewers, much text is devoted to descriptions of travel from point A to point B but we have no map.
Rating:
Summary: Like a Very Well-written Diary
Review: Daily accounts of experiences while kayaking the inside passage. I found the entire book engaging and interesting. However, it does not offer deep or wide coverage of kayaking or the cultures or natural history of the inside passage (fine by me). Little tastes of these topics throughout the book. This surprised me given the length of the bibliography. Many interesting interactions with people living in these areas. I highly recommend this book for those interested in travel/adventure non-fiction. As mentioned by previous reviewers, much text is devoted to descriptions of travel from point A to point B but we have no map.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTERFUL ACCOUNT ON AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY - HOME.
Review: Having kayaked a good portion of the coast paddled by the author and his wife, it was a pleasure and an honour, to read about someone else's journey. Ricks thoughtfully describes the Northwest coastline, its geography, its people and its past. Their story eloquently unfolds before you - a magical experience. This is a great read and a truly remarkable tale of two modern-day adventurers. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Insightfully written piece about a beautiful region
Review: Having sailed the Inside Passage a number of times, including the summer of 1996 when I encountered Byron and Maren while aboard "Cecilie" and then reading "Homelands: Kayaking the Inside Passage" this summer past, as I sailed it again, I now see the Passage differently than I did before. Byron's insights opened my eyes wider, while at the same time, made me envious of his and Maren's vision. The book is so beautifully written, it left me inspired to look more closely at my surroundings (not only in the Passage)and think more clearly about who and what has been there before me. Out of hundreds of books read, this ranks in my top ten on any subject and "Homelands" covers many.
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Summary: Great Book!
Review: Homelands gave me a sense of being there as part of the adventure---an extraordinary undertaking which brought the realization that life is an exciting journey. Excellent!
Rating:
Summary: A deft blend of adventure and lyrical voice
Review: Homelands is a wonderful book. While many adventure writers choose to go the He-man route of disaster, mishap and mayhem, Ricks sees fit to pay attention to the subtler events of this journey with his wife. Make no mistake, there¹s plenty of adventure; the narrative can be enthralling; the challenges of embarking on such an arduous journey in tandem are ever-present. Still, what I like most about this book is its fidelity to the landscape, to the seascape, to the people, to the history of the region. The voice is eloquent and full of verve. The story is tinged by a sense of community that drives home the notion of multiple "homelands" in a region still faced with the consequences of a frontier mentality. I hear echoes of Barry Lopez and another terrific writer of place, Wallace Stegner. This book is thoughtful and wise. I look forward to reading more from Ricks. Highly recommended.
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