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A Great Book about a Great Man

Tales of Alaska's Bush Rat Governor by Jay Hammond Who must have this book: Anyone who is interested in the politics of Alaska. Who should have this book: In all honesty, everyone should read this book. ISBN: 0945397437

Besides being an absolute joy to read, this book is an eye-opener for anyone who is unfamiliar with the history of Alaskan Politics. Only in Alaska would a reluctant fishing guide/bush pilot/fish and wildlife professional hunter be pushed into the state's highest office. And in the end, Alaska was lucky they chose Jay Hammond who led the state through some of the most pivotal oil and land issues the state has faced yet.

For those of you who didn’t have the privilege to watch Jay Hammond while he was in office, he was one of the most loved leaders of the great state. This book captures his personality and humility (He may not have been that humble, but he was always quick with a self-critical humor.) His down to earth approach to governing and humor leap out of each page as he jumps from anecdote to anecdote. Perhaps the best endorsement for this book is that it even makes government and politics interesting.

This autobiography is filled with photographs of Hammond from his upbringing in New England to his return to his cabin in Lake Clark National Park. The text is easy to read and engaging, despite, as he puts it, “Using many words when a few will do.” I often found myself reading parts of this book to my wife and retelling parts of the book for months after reading it. I wish all politicians had Hammond's common sense, humility, and sense of humor.

Overview

This book follows Jay Hammond’s life from his birth in New England through to the retirement from Alaskan public office. In the first chapters he discusses his childhood with some wonderful stories as well as a sobering touch of personal tragedy. From the first chapter you get a sense that he often just lets go of the reigns and finds himself in all kind of situations, ending in the Alaska Governor’s chair.

There are several chapters talking about Jay Hammond’s war career where he learned how to fly and fought the Japanese “sort of” with Pappy Bowington. From there his story finds himself in Alaska trying to scrape together a living from guiding, piloting, and hunting professionally for the state.

The last half of the book describes how he kept winning elections despite his best efforts. Perhaps the quote he mentions in the book is right, “He leads best who would just as soon not. These final chapters go through many of his trials and tribulations and the powers he fought for and against. It makes great reading. Strangely, after I finished this book, I really felt fortunate to get to know Jay Hammond in this way and to know his side of the story.

Author

Jay Hammond was the Govenor of Alaska from 1974 to 1982. His books include Tales of Alaska's Bush Rat Governor and Chips from the Chopping Block.