Knowing Sue Personally Didn’t Prepare Me for How Powerful This Book Is
I first became a fan of Sue Aikens watching her on Life Below Zero — her strength, independence, and no-nonsense attitude always stood out. A little over a year ago, I was lucky enough to become actual friends with her, and I thought I had a pretty good sense of her incredible journey.
Reading North of Ordinary proved me wrong in the best way. Even knowing Sue personally, I discovered honest, heartfelt details and stories I had never heard before. She writes just like she lives: straightforward, tough, funny, and deeply real. From her challenging early years and carving out a life alone in the remote Alaskan wilderness, to surviving a brutal bear attack and choosing an extraordinary path over an ordinary one, the book pulls you right into her world. You can almost feel the cold wind and the weight of those hard-won victories.
What I loved most is how Sue shares both the raw struggles and the triumphs with such authenticity. It made me admire her even more — not just as the fierce woman I know from TV and friendship, but as someone who has turned hardship into inspiration and resilience into a way of life.
If you enjoy real-life adventure, stories of unbreakable spirit, or simply getting to know one of the most genuine people out there, grab North of Ordinary. It’s gripping, moving, and hard to put down. Even if you’re already a fan from the show, this memoir will show you there’s so much more depth to her story.
Thank you, Sue, for sharing your full journey so openly. You continue to inspire me every single day. Easily one of the best memoirs I’ve read — 5 massive stars!