North of Ordinary

By: Sue Aikens, Michael Vlessides

Narrated by: Sue Aikens

When the wild strips everything away, what’s left is who you are.
In the raw, untamed wilds of Alaska—where the wind howls, predators hunt, and the sun disappears for months—only a rare few figure out how to survive. Sue Aikens, the breakout star of National Geographic’s long-running TV show Life Below Zero, is one of them. At her remote outpost 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, she weathers more than just brutal winters and hungry bears. Sue battles isolation, injury, and the ghosts of a turbulent past, forging a life in a place most people wouldn’t last a day.
Left to fend for herself as a child, Sue’s fight to survive began long before she ever set foot in Alaska. In North of Ordinary, she tells the unforgettable story of abandonment, grit, and fierce independence—from navigating deadly storms and surviving a horrific bear attack to learning how to build a life, a home, and a sense of self where most would see only desolation. With her trademark wit, fearless honesty, and an indomitable spirit, Sue proves that the toughest terrain isn’t always on the map. It’s the one we conquer inside.
Unflinching and inspiring, North of Ordinary is a memoir of resilience, reinvention, and the extraordinary power of choosing your own way through the world.

Perseverance

I loved hearing Sue's story. I remember watching Life Below Zero but didnt realize she was the same person. Sue is a true wonder.

Overcoming Abandonment at 12

I watched Life Below Zero for years and have been in awe of what Sue has done for herself and by herself. To learn the back story of how she got there is even more awe inspiring.

Amazing Story

Life Below Zero inspired my first trip to Wiseman, Alaska. It’s hard to put into words how much Alaska has an impact on you, but Sue did it. This is an incredible story of resilience and perseverance. Thank you Sue for sharing your story.

beautiful

it was beautifully written. I loved her voice and her story. it moved me to tears. thank you for it.

Strong woman with a beautiful story

Loved every minute. Sue is what I would love to be. Intoxicating vulnerable true to herself.