Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival

Rating:
Summary: I want my grandmother to read this book.
Review: How many elderly feel useless? Feel like shadows of their former selves?

This is a story of what two elderly women can do. They can save the day. This is a story of true courage, heroism and the fight for survival.

I want my future children to read this book. How many young people don't respect their elders as they should? Wonder why they should bother? Resent having to talk to their grandparents on the phone?

This is a story of two fascinating women who are just as analytical and emotional, kind and vengeful as anyone else. They have cliffhanger choices to make, that would keep any young person in suspense.

And the choices they do make are lessons to us all.

I want North Americans to read this book.

How many Americans are familiar with Native American culture? Traditions, history, diversity, literature? If we are going to LIVE in North America, we have an OBLIGATION to learn about the native people. AND ACCORD THEM SOME RESPECT.

Thank you, Velma Wallis, for this treasure that you share with us.

Rating:
Summary: Thank you Velma for sharing this legend
Review: I purchased this book at a church rummage sale underneath lots of books just thrown on top of one another. Am I ever glad I took a chance on reading this one.
In elementary school we studied how the Eskimos dealt with their 'old ones' and tried to understand their culture. To our cozy lifestyle, it seemed horrible. Now that I am much older and have had glimpses into the lives and struggles of women whom I have admired, I see that we all must have courage or we perish while we still walk around.
This is a powerful though very short book. I will recommend it to everyone who reads - especially my husband.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wallis' writings.

Rating:
Summary: Great Woman Strength
Review: I purchased this book originally because I am interested in the whole idea of living off the land and also of the strength of women overcoming incredible odds. I had given it to my 75 year-old aunt to read first, because I didn't think I could get to it anytime soon. I had told her about this book explaining that I was looking forward to reading it. She was familiar with the ways of the Alaskan natives and their culture, and explained to me what the book description told of the Athabaskan Indian culture. She read the book in one day and loved it, telling me I made a wise choice in getting this book. Well, I read the book today (in one day), and I loved it as well. It's an awsome book of survival, of overcoming adversity, of the strength and wisdom of women. It's a book of human nature, of how when times get tough, it changes people, sometimes NOT for the better. It's a book that tells of how, when you think you have it tough, you don't. And when you actually do have it tough, you will surprise yourself when you find the courage and instinct for survival within. This should be mandatory reading for all women. Mothers should give it to their daughters when they are going through a tough time. It will give them the confidence to move forward, knowing they will come out a better & stronger person for doing it. Great book! Thank you Velma Wallis for writing it!

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Summary: [e-mail] Positive,&inspirational for anyone
Review: I read this story about 2 years ago and recommended for it Ophra's bookclub review. It is so uplifting and shows that someone of age can still be worthwhile and make something of their life, regardless of the situation they might be in. An older person has a lot of worth left to give to themself and others. Reading the story of how these two old women survived against the odds and how they helped themselves and each other to cope was inspiring. How they were left by family and friends and still moved on to survive, it something that happens to some of the aging people today. I reread this book every now and thenwhenever I feel down. The book helps us to remember that we can do anything we want to do, if we want it bad enough. It also helps us to remember that we are never too old to be helpful. An aging person has a lot of widsom to share if they can't share anything else. Talk to an aging person about their life and learn something new and maybe interesting to you.

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Summary: Two Old Women Gone Bad
Review: This book hits on all the majors: being viewed as worthless, abandoned to die, female and I won't tell you the ending.

I left that message and how I thought it was a good book for her book group on my mother's answering machine. Based on just what I've written above and a photo copy of two random pages, they broke two unwritten rules (someone from the group had to have read the book and they only did paperbacks). At that time, it was only in hardback.

One member begins ever session with something about how she just couldn't get into the book but she persevered. This book she could not put down. Others also felt they could not put it down.

Another friend read this with her young daughter. A wonderful bonding moment.

The illustrations are stark, like the land where the story takes place. They fit well.

And, be sure to read the history of the author and the difficulties they had bring this to print. Impressive. I would have given some of my money too if they'd have asked.

I had two sets of two copies of first editions which are lost as each person I lent them to just had to send it on to someone else. So, I no longer lend out any copy I own. Instead, I encourage you to buy your own and see what I mean. Happy reading.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!
Review: This book is one of my greatest finds. I highly recommend it for all women "coming of age". It is a true motivator of what we are and can become. This is one book I cannot part with and lend out with great caution. It's a wonderful gift between friends.

Rating:
Summary: A lesson for all women!
Review: This is a wonderful read. Empowering to women, this is a wonderful story of courage and strength in the face of hardship. It shows why the wisdom of elders is honoured in many cultures. A must read for any woman who in the face of any hardship could use a little encouragement.