Carry On: Stan Zuray's Journey from Boston Greaser to Alaskan Homesteader

I gladly accepted an advanced copy of CARRY ON, primarily because I love true stories that don't shy away from harsh realities and yet manage to celebrate life's triumphs, no matter how few and far between they may seem.Stan Zuray seems to be one of those guys you bump into now and again and think, "He seems like an interesting fellow." What an understatement. Stan has been on a death defying journey of self-discovery and survival for most of his life. His desire to repurpose/recycle the resources around him (earned, gifted, or stumbled upon) is an apt metaphor for his own ability to personally evolve in order to survive the challenges that life throws his way.The story can at times be difficult to read due to the content as Stan had to make some tough choices along the way, but Attewell has done a commendable job of getting us inside Stan's head so that we understand why these choices are being made so we can empathize rather than judge.All in all, an entertaining read I was able to get through in about 3 or 4 hours of casual reading.

I am a fan of the show "Yukon Men" and a big fan of Stan's. So my 5 stars might be a bit biased. But this is great story of survival, perseverance, conviction and fortitude. Like in some small way the journey of Earnest Shackleton through Antarctica. But instead a story of a man who did what all of us dream about doing. Dropping out of society and living off the land. The difference is, this guy really did it. I met Stan one day on a train ride from Connecticut to New York City. Stan was heading back from Boston after a visit to his family. I approached Stan and he was very humble and very gracious. I sat down an talked to Stan. We talked about the show very little, we talked about him very little. I have always felt odd asking celebrities about themselves. Instead, I asked him about the salmon and he gave me a great education on the salmon run or the lack there of these days. I hit a nerve. I did not realize how involved Stan was in the tracking, and fighting to keep the salmon running. He was excited to talk about it. Before I left for my seat, Stan asked if I had any children. I said yes, and he proceeded to give me signed fan photos for my kids. He said, kids really loved the show. The guys passion for everything was incredibly. I felt like I could sit there for hours and talk to this guy. I returned to my seat with regret, because there was so much more I wanted to hear. But, I did not want to be that creepy stalking fan. The bottom line is. By now reading his book, I was able to hear a lot of the stories I didn't get to hear on that train ride that day. But again, I still want to hear more. Hopefully there will be Part 2 of this book, because I know there is still more stories to tell about Stan Zuary. "Hip Hip Zuary"

The incredible story of a juvenile delinquent from Boston who makes the unlikely decision to homestead in the roadless wilderness of Alaska. He starts on the journey without any wilderness skills or experience and overcomes the tremendous challenges. Not only did he survive to tell the tale this former budding criminal develops into a honorable person and an obvious asset to the village of Tanana. I had always liked Stan's character in the TV show and confess to being a bit of a fan. This book reinforces my prior impressions of him.Stan, I'm guessing you read these reviews so I want to encourage you to write a sequel or two. Forty three years of your Yukon adventure is too much to try to condense into a single book!

I was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks of winter in Tanana,Alaska. This is back in the late 70's, and I got to ride in Stan's dog sled back to the cabin he and his first wife built about 8 mi from Tanana. We went during a white out, which is exactly what it sounds like, The dogs were fast and you could see absolutely nothing. There's no way to explkain that ride, you really just have to live it. Stan is an incredible human being and if I could have done anything to stop that damn road they put in, I would have. These wonderful people both homesteaders and native Alaskans have such a unique way of living. They live and help each other because otherwise you die. Now strangers drive up and steal from their trap lines and wantenly destroy what they do not understand. Alaska, blow that road up or keep it impassible for anyone who doesn't live there. Tanana needs the road but not the new people. My heart goes out to all of the villagers who can still make a living there. God bless.

I bought this book because I enjoyed Stan Surat so much while watching "Yukon Men." Stan has truly lived an incredible life during some very turbulent years in our country's history. How he and his wife managed to survive in Alaska, especially the first few years, is truly amazing. I personally found the back and forth between first and third person narratives a little difficult to follow but the amazing story just keeps pulling you on and on until the conclusion. Thanks for sharing, Stan, and, as a veteran, thanks for appreciating my service and recognizing what a horrible a a welcome home our Viet Nam vets were given despite serving their country to the best of their ability.

I am an avid viewer of Yukon Men which airs on Fridays at 9 p.m. in Baltimore, Maryland. Stan Zuray is my favorite on the show. It was interesting to read about his travels from Boston to Tanana. I learned a lot about this man who I have come to admire. His life shows that any of us can change the direction of our lives if we choose. He is also brutally honest about the challenges one faces when they decide to live and trap for a living in Alaska. I have visited Alaska three times. It is my hope that I will visit that beautiful place again. To Stan I say thank you. By reading your book, I was able to once again travel to what I consider my second home--Alaska.

I was once asked who I would most like to spend an evening with. My answer? Stan Zuray.Whilst it is unfortunately unlikely that I will ever meet Stan in the flesh, this personal and touching autobiography gives us a small glimpse into the life of everyone's favourite Yukon Man. His story at times verges on unbelievable and is often brutal. This, however, is the reality of life in the far north. Yet throughout, it retains a warmth and humanity so often missing from modern life. It is the only autobiography I have read that has moved me so much.This is a book for lovers of wilderness, simplicity and for those who believe that their future is in their own hands. Perseverance Furthers.

I purchased this book after watching the series of Yukon Men on television to read on my recent holiday. I can honestly say I found it extremely hard to put down, Stan Zuray is an inspiration to anyone who feels lost or broken in society, he proves you can transform your life to live happy and at peace with yourself if you are prepared to focus and work hard.Stan, thank you for a great read.

I enjoyed this book. Its a really interesting story about Stans journey through his earlier life but with scant reference to the here and now. For example I believe he is an ordained minister surely an important part of his life. Although the mushing race where he was best newcomer was exciting it could have been precied down a bit and therefore room for more detail about his family / work life and the harshness of living in Tanana. I do however recommend this book to all of Stans fans. I just hope that another volume is forthcoming.

What a fantastic life Stan has had, if I hadn't seen him on Yukon men you would think this book was a work of fiction. I loved the way the author and stan worked together on this book. Some people in life will always succeed at what ever they do and Stan is one of these lucky people. Loved this book and read it in two days. Thank you for letting us into your life.

Absolutely loving this book. I have been a Yukon Men fan since watching the first episode. Stan is my favourite character in the show. What a guy and what a story - inspiring and immersive - read it and see for yourself!