Book ~ "Never Alone: A Solo Arctic Survival Journey" (2023) Woniya Dawn Thibeault

From Goodreads ~ Woniya Thibeault wasn't looking for an adventure of such magnitude but when the opportunity to participate in "Alone" Season 6 fell into her lap, she couldn't say no. "Never Alone" is the story of that journey.

Dropped into the Arctic wilderness - solo - as winter descended, Woniya intended not only to survive but to thrive. With only a few tools and meager resources, she would need her survival skills, quick wits and whole heart to make it through.

In her debut memoir, "Never A Solo Arctic Survival Journey", Woniya shares how months of starving by herself in the Arctic wilderness brought more healing than suffering and led to a deep sense of belonging and peace. Her story affirms the incredible strength of the human spirit and shows us that strength comes in many surprising forms. "Never Alone"'s message is one of inspiration and learning to trust in ourselves and the land around us; embracing the wild and being wholly and beautifully human, flaws and all.

"Never Alone" will take you on an Arctic journey through challenges and triumphs, joys and heartbreaks, and leave you inspired and wanting more.

Season 11 of Alone just ended a couple weeks ago (congrats to the winner!) and then I came across this book. I watched the season Woniya was on so I thought it would be an interesting read to get a firsthand account of what it was like and what she experienced.

Woniya came in second place that season, lasting 72 days ... she "tapped out" on her 43rd birthday. This book tells of her survival over those 72 days and the things she had to do. She also gives us some background about herself and her beliefs and what took her to go on such an adventure. Throughout her 72 days, she always expressed gratitude to the wildlife, trees, plants, etc. that gave their lives so she could be there and respected the land and those who had been there before her. The last couple chapters were especially interesting as she talked about what it was like making the final decision to "tap out" and her recovery back to reality. She went on to return and win Alone: Frozen (whoever lasted 50 days won $500,000US).

Though the prize money is $500,000US, you'll never see me doing it but it's interesting to see what drives others to.