The Sun Is a Compass

A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds

By: Caroline Van Hemert

Narrated by: Xe Sands

This gripping true story follows a biologist's human-powered journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic to rediscover her love of birds, nature, and adventure—perfect for fans of Cheryl Strayed.​ During graduate school, as she conducted experiments on the peculiarly misshapen beaks of chickadees, ornithologist Caroline Van Hemert began to feel stifled in the isolated, sterile environment of the lab. Worried that she was losing her passion for the scientific research she once loved, she was compelled to experience wildness again, to be guided by the sounds of birds and to follow the trails of animals. In March of 2012, she and her husband set off on a 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, traveling by rowboat, ski, foot, raft, and canoe. Together, they survived harrowing dangers while also experiencing incredible moments of joy and grace -- migrating birds silhouetted against the moon, the steamy breath of caribou, and the bond that comes from sharing such experiences. A unique blend of science, adventure, and personal narrative, The Sun is a Compass explores the bounds of the physical body and the tenuousness of life in the company of the creatures who make their homes in the wildest places left in North America. Inspiring and beautifully written, this love letter to nature is a lyrical testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Winner of the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition: Adventure Travel

Critic reviews

"What a marvelous book. An enthralling blend of adventure story, insightful memoir, and keen-eyed nature observation. Van Hemert is a fearless spirit and a master storyteller, to be admired equally for her astonishing grit and her elegant, compelling prose."—Jennifer Ackerman, author of The Genius of Birds

"A truly astounding journey, beautifully written. Caroline Van Hemert follows in the tradition of wilderness adventurers John Muir, Margaret Murie, Cheryl Strayed, and Robert Macfarlane, but she is not one to stick to well-trodden trails. Alongside her husband, she faces predatory bears, roaring rivers, and 4,000 miles of the world's most remote, wild country. She also weaves in her doubts, questions, and insights as a woman and bird biologist. An edge-of-your-seat thrilling read, but with a refreshing humility and grace. My favorite book of 2019, and one the best Alaskan books I have ever read."—Eowyn Ivey, author of To the Bright Edge of the World and Pulitzer Prize finalist The Snow Child

"Van Hemert's vibrant and elegant book transports, educates, and inspires. To read The Sun Is a Compass is to be masterfully guided through the wild by an expert not only on nature itself but on the deep and often hidden connections between the natural world and our human lives."
—Barbara Natterson Horowitz, MD, coauthor of Zoobiquity

"Caroline Van Hemert has written a riveting book full of birds, danger, beauty and wonder. Her intrepid travels with her equally adventurous husband left me breathless with awe."—Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus

"I thoroughly enjoyed The Sun Is a Compass. It is an exciting modern adventure story in the far north that will appeal to anyone with a yen for experiencing wild nature."—Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven

"In The Sun Is a Compass, adventure and romance journey hand in hand, covering 4,000 tough miles, reminding all of us that the easy way may not be the best way."—Bill Streever, author of Cold

"Ornithologist and naturalist Caroline Van Hemert has written a thrilling account of an epic journey from the Pacific Coast to the Arctic Ocean. A triumph in wilderness travel, scientific curiosity, and adventure writing that exposes the sublime thrill and loving touch to be found in nature and our fellow human beings."—John Marzluff, Professor of Wildlife Science and author of Welcome to Subirdia

Wonderful adventure with a depth and intimacy that is mixed with natural history information reminiscent

This is an adventure that keeps you on your toes while gently informing you about the natural history of the Alaska area. I loved the intimacy of the authors relationship with her husband, family, and the wild life they encounter. Beautifully written so I felt as though I was there with them.

Well done!

I read a ton of true adventures from the jungles to the poles, on bicycles, boats, skis and crampons, and I consider this book to be one of the best. It's not a super risky, or out-of-this-world, edge-of-your-seat adventure. It's simply a well written, well narrated, intriguing trek by real people (intelligent and talented), stretching themselves to fulfil their extreme dream..... far beyond the imagination of most of us.

Love listening about birds,?

I enjoyed the book. It is always amazing to hear a story of enduring the ways of the wild. This book has a great start, middle and ties it up at the end. Not five star but good.

Captivating Journey

Great story of adventure and exploration of the outback and through life's questions. the narrator's delivery was enjoyable.

Perfect for relaxing on a long drive

While the story was interesting enough to be a page turner, I found myself lingering instead. The audio was so heartfelt, I didn’t want to rush, and I didn’t want it to end.

I usually consume a book in a couple days, but I enjoyed this one for a couple on the instead. Maybe that was the point :-)