I want to thank A. L. Kaplan for participating in my call for readers and writers to become members of the U.L.S.–The Underground Library Society.
Please visit her wonderful site: alkaplan expression through writing
Underground Library Society Post
A. L. Kaplan
I’ve been going back and forth on which book I would choose to become. Two of my favorite books growing up were Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George, and Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O’Dell. Both are about young girls forced to survive on their own. They also both find themselves in their situations because of people not native to their homes.
Miyax, also called Julie, is a 13-year-old Eskimo girl. Forced to marry another teen, she runs away and finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Through observation and the knowledge learned from her father, learns how to join a wolf pack.
In Scott O’Dell’s book, twelve-year-old Karana is stranded on San Nicolas Island for eighteen years. It’s based on the true story of Juana Maria, who was rescued in 1853. Her village was devastated by seal hunters. Those who survived, were relocated to California, where they later died from disease.
These books sparked my love of wolves and nature even though I didn’t realize their influence until I was grown. It’s important that these stories not be forgotten. They are a reminder not only of nature’s beauty, but that all people and cultures have value.
With these influences, I guess it’s not surprising that my writing leans towards young people surviving on their own. The main character in my short story, Wolf Dawn, is sixteen. Maya, from Mark of the Goddess is thirteen, and Tatiana is eighteen.
Island of the Blue Dolphin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038AUY8M/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Julie of the Wolves: https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Wolves-Jean-Craighead-George-ebook/dp/B00X3NIVX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1535746111&sr=1-1&keywords=julie+of+the+wolves
“Mark of the Goddess” In a Cat’s Eye: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M2YXDWE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
“Wolf Dawn” Young Adventurers: Heroes, Adventurers, and Swashbucklers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940758076/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3
What an extraordinary and beautiful way to describe, as this writer did, A. L. Kaplan, of her journey into these two incredible books that changed her life in big and small ways. She saw, deeply, the value of little known and obscure cultures, that to A. L. Kaplan became to her an epiphany that changed her in the most wonderful ways. Congratulations to A. L. Kaplan for a great heartfelt story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Karen, Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Outstanding choices! And, welcome to the ULS.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Did you read “The Hatchet”? It’s another story of a young protagonist surviving on their own. My son had to read it for school so I read it with him. It was rather interesting. I even helped with the book report. 😃
LikeLiked by 3 people
No, I have not, but I will look for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll have to look that one up. I also loved My Side of the Mountain, but he went off on his own by choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of my favourites too. Loved it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on alkaplan and commented:
I had the pleasure of having a guest post with the Underground Library Society this week. Take a look. What book would you choose to become?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
Thanks for having me. It was hard to pick what book to become. There are so many to choose from.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are very welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person