North of Ordinary

“Anyone would enjoy this book, whether they’re attracted to or mystified by the allure of life in the Arctic.” – Library Journal
“Conveys intelligence, strength, and determination…” – Booklist
“Highlighting both the beauty and the heartbreak of bone-deep solitude, Aikens’s account captures the rugged appeal of life off the grid despite harrowing challenges, including a near-fatal bear attack (“Nothing on this earth can prepare you for the sound of your own skull cracking in the jaws of a grizzly”). Readers will find this exciting and uplifting.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“The book combines intimate auras of self-discovery and recovery with a strong sense of humor and descriptive powers that will amaze and enchant readers across a wide spectrum.” – Bookreporter
“North of Ordinary is a memoir of grit, wilderness, and the unforgiving North. Sue Aikens’ fascinating journey is part survival manual, part personal testimony, and all heart. It’s about making choices when there’s no safety net, no lifeline, and no way out but through. It’s about resilience that isn’t pretty, but somehow works. If you want the truth about what it costs–and what it gives back–to live a life where comfort is never guaranteed, this is it. Raw. Relentless. Real.

Sue doesn’t just tell survival stories, she lives them. From the Alaskan tundra to the courtroom of public opinion, she’s built a reputation on grit, scars, and her uncanny ability to say what others won’t. North of Ordinary is her no-spin testimony of what it takes to live beyond the safety net. I have met Sue in the high arctic tundra, and I interviewed her there in Kavik. But after reading this book, I feel like I know the depth of her, too.” – Greta Van Susternen, journalist and news anchor

“North of Ordinary is a page-turner of a memoir, a stunning portrait of Alaska, and an adventure story unlike any other. Sue Aikens’s grit and determination shine through, lighting the way for anyone chasing resilience against the odds.” – Mariana van Zeller, investigative journalist for National Geographic
“I met Sue Aikens thirteen years ago, and what began as a working relationship quickly grew into a bond that went far beyond co-workers–we became family. Over the years, I watched her journey from living alone nine months out of the year in the remote Alaskan wilderness to becoming a television icon, with our show earning twenty Emmy nominations and nine wins along the way. Through it all, Sue never changed. People often ask me, ‘What’s Sue really like?’ and unlike most reality television personalities, I can honestly say she is exactly the same person you see on screen: tough, funny, fiercely independent, and deeply true to herself. This book is Sue–unfiltered, unflinching, and unforgettable.” – Joseph Litzinger, Emmy-nominated TV producer
“I’ve spent over a decade telling stories on camera with Sue in her home of remote Alaska. Over the course of these adventures, I was often convinced I knew where they were headed. And more often than not, those expectations were diverted by surprising and uncanny events–usually for the better. I had the same experience reading North of Ordinary. Sue is a one-in-a-million kind of person and I consider myself lucky to have shared part of life with her. I hope you feel the same way as you read this book and she shares her life with you.” – Daniel Epsy, Life Below Zero producer
“If you’ve ever wondered how it would feel to take on a life in remote Alaska with the ‘real world’ far away, read North of Ordinary. This ain’t some polished-up, made-for-TV wilderness tale; it’s the raw, bloody, bone-deep truth. Sue Aikens lays it all bare–grit, grief, guts, and grace–in a voice so honest it’ll chill you like an Arctic wind. This book isn’t just authentic… it is Alaska.” – Roland Welker, winner of season 7 of Alone
“If Sue’s life were the standard for which an autobiography could be written, not much else could ever be justifiably penned, I’m afraid. A term she uses only once I this book made me chuckle–‘Alaskan easy.’ It’s likely you already know her life is anything but easy. However, once you complete this dive into the testimony of her days, you will think of her in two ways–as a sister in brokenness and joy to whom you can relate, and as a winter warrior who will leave you in a state of awe.” – John Paul Bensley, author of Finnegan
“Reading North of Ordinary offers a rare perspective into the extraordinary and unusual life Sue has lived. An unforgettable journey that resonates beyond Alaska. I have known Sue for over a decade and have witnessed the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ element of the Alaskan wilderness. Reading the details and picturing the moments will put any reader straight into the many stimulating adventures she has gone through. North of Ordinary reveals the essence of her personally and the tenacity of her soul in a memorable and unforgetting life’s journey.” – Michael Cheeseman, Life Below Zero cinematographer
“Sue Aikens doesn’t just survive–she thrives. North of Ordinary is a fierce, deeply human reminder that life is lived one step at a time, and that the wildest journeys begin with the courage to seek more.” – Luke Neumayr, owner of V8 Ranch
“Sue’s story is a blueprint of how hard-work, determination and sticking to your values will overcome the very toughest of challenges in life. She makes you believe that you are right there with her as she navigates her extraordinary story. Reading this book has made me want to take on life’s biggest challenges right now! It’s a book for all age groups and should be in every school in the nation.” – Cara Darmody, Irish disability rights campaigner