Mystery Control
North of Ordinary by Sue Aikens with Autographed Photo
Down to our last autographed photos so order yours now! Get the first edition hardcover of Sue Aikens' memoir! Order the hardcover edition of Sue's exciting new memoir North of Ordinary North of Ordinary: How One Woman Left It All Behind for Wilderness and Wonder in Alaska's Frozen Frontier and get an autographed photo from Sue while supplies last!
-
ISBN:9781464242564
- Publication Date: March 10, 2026
-
Format: Hardcover
-
Publisher:Sourcebooks
-
Page Count: 304
Experience the incredible true story of survival and resilience from the star of Life Below Zero. Sue Aikens shares her remarkable journey living in one of the most remote and unforgiving places on Earth.
About Sue Aikens:
Star of National Geographic's Life Below Zero for 23 seasons, Sue Aikens is a renowned trail blazer living alone full-time 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Now, for the first time, Sue tells her own story of survival, hardship, self-acceptance, joy and living life on her own terms.
Sue Aikens was born on July 1, 1963, in Mount Prospect, Illinois. On a trip to Alaska at age 11, her life changed forever. Abandoned in the Alaskan wilderness, Sue learned how to turn self-doubt into self-confidence, how to reject fear and find freedom. Sue's embrace of the rugged wilderness of Alaska, where survival often hinges on sheer force of will and determination, has allowed her to carve out a life that is as thrilling as it is challenging. Navigating rough country and rough family relationships, Sue created a life for herself at one of the last airstrips before the North Pole, making the most of living off the land, and becoming attuned to the open spaces around her.
News of her triumphs and jaw-dropping near death experiences eventually spread to Hollywood where a succession of shows including Flying Wild Alaska, Sarah Palin's Alaska, as well as various documentaries, eventually landed her on National Geographic's Life Below Zero. Always one to speak her mind, Sue's blunt assessments, sense of humor and fearlessness quickly made her a fan favorite. Twenty-three seasons and nine Emmys® later, Sue continues to embrace new adventures, expanding her home bases in Alaska, traveling, learning to tango and writing her first book, a memoir called "North of Ordinary".
About North of Ordinary North of Ordinary
How One Woman Left It All Behind for Wilderness and Wonder in Alaska's Frozen Frontier
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.
/
Pair well with
This memoir has captivated customers with its powerful storytelling and authenticity. Shoppers praised it as "incredibly hard to put down" and "one of the most powerful memoirs" they've read. The autographed photo is highly valued. Customers appreciated the vulnerable, conversational writing style and found the story of resilience inspiring. No significant issues reported.
The book arrived quickly in Florida and was in perfect condition! The signed photo of Sue is incredibly special, and I’m truly honored to own such a unique keepsake. I can’t wait to give it to my spouse for her birthday, and I’m looking forward to reading the story and learning more through the book.
This is one of the most powerful memoirs I’ve ever read. Sue Aikens is nothing short of extraordinary—her life is filled with unimaginable trials, heartbreak, joy, love, and loss. Through it all, her determination to chase her dream of living in Alaska never wavered. An unforgettable, five-star read.
I read the book a little bit each night. Sue is truly an inspiration she has survived things us in the lower 48 couldn't even fathom let alone probably surving ourselves. From being abandoned at 12 to surving a bear attack and the climate. I loved watching Sue on life below zero she is the reason I watched season after season and I have enjoyed becoming her friend and loved reading her book. Shes truly a bad ass and teaches us not all storms are forever and her story is a good reminder of such.
Just picked it up the other day and not even done, but it is hard to put down! Love Sue’s strength from within… her old soul shone through at a tender age.
Finished it in 5 hours!!
I just received my book and I can’t wait to read it!
I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but the book is absolutely lovely and I love the signed photo of Sue! :-)
It was awesome. Sue overcame a lot in her life.
Wow ! A great read ! I love reading biographies and Love Sue Aikens . Totally interesting book I cannot put it down . Written well . Love the Autographed photo too ! I learned a lot about Sue . She is one in a million
I’ve read this book a little each day,& I’ve watched the show for years and still every chance I get and I watch it for hours on end.
I can never get enough of it.
As I read this Amazing book I find Sue Aikens a Beautiful and Wonderful Person.So Strong and talented.Great hunter/Fisher women.
Congrats Sue we Love Yah! Please make a second book.
We love, Sue!
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!
This book is so good, , I hope she writes another one, If you haven’t bought it, you should .
I'm not normally a book reader, never have been.
But as most of us I love sue, I admire her strength so I bought her book. Before I knew it I was 4 chapters in. Such an amazing story so far and amazing strength. I can’t wait to finish reading.
Love the book
Because I am local to the area, I felt like I knew quite a bit about Sue before opening the book. I did not. I loved this book from start to finish. What she endured to how she got to where she is now is nothing short of sheer willpower.
Love the book
Waited for the book to come in. Love eatching sur
Purchasing Sue's wonderful book was quick and easy! Shipment was made promptly too. Will definitely consider buying from Mystery Control again. LOVE Sue and her book! Sandy - North Carolina
Love love love!!!
Great story, well written. I could not put it down.
Love this book and the autographed pic.
This book is incredibly hard to put down when you start it. I enjoyed every bit of it! What a great insight to her life. Her vulnerability with this book made it an excellent read. 10/10!!
I can say that it truely felt like she was telling me the story of HER! Grabbed me up and I couldnt put it down. I cant wait for the auidable verision. 5 stars
I love the book. You can hear Sue speaking. Its written like she is just talking to you. Very good read.
I LOVE Sue. I hope to be a le to meet her. The book is written well and its like I can hear her reading it aloud. So happy woth this purchase!!
Havent finished the book as of yet, but i need to say that i. Reading so far its an amazing story of Sue's life growing up and the hardships that followed. Sue Aikens is amazing. Also, i took the liberty and used the discount to buy some of Sue's apparel.. Love ya Sue!
So happy i got Sue's book.Going to be a great read.
