Finalist for the 2025 Canadian Book Club Awards
"Richly captures the fascinating life of a caring innovative man"
Kirkus Reviews
"...a compelling portrait of a flawed, eccentric, and virtuous personality. North Star is an inspiring biography about the quiet heroism of a dedicated priest"
Foreword Reviews
"...a remarkable story...It is as much about building self-confidence and pride as it is about grooming champions."
Michael Gates, author/historian
"This is a book for everyone who likes to read...entertaining...brings the past alive in a very enjoyable story of this landmark hotel, which is part of U.S. and Canadian history." Reader Views.
Winner: Reviewers Choice Award, 2020 Reader Views Book Awards.
"...a remarkable history...a great read from start to finish." Yukon News
"Jack London and Robert Service together could not make this up. Whether or not you have been to the far North your impression of it will never be the same after reading this improbably true tale of redefining boundaries, shattering stereotypes and tempting fate." Amazon review
Award winning finalist, 2011 International Book Awards
"...as inspiring a story as you will ever read." Jimmy Buffett, songwriter/author/musician
"A breathtaking journey...the next most vivid thing to embarking upon a Klondike Gold Rush recreation oneself." Midwest Book Review
"Brings to life the vivid scenery of the Yukon and the stark reality faced by three men stampeding from Dyea to Dawson, separated by a century." Vancouver Province
"Both the story of disease and the program of its global eradication and a personal journey in search of identity and meaning in life. Building his journey or family, community and country makes our future look much brighter." David Neufeld, author/historian
"Amazing...the inspiring story of how one individual can make a difference in the world...For anyone that had faced challenges or adversity, this book shows what the difference a positive attitude can make." Amazon review
"Those with an interest in or a passion for one of the last earthly frontiers will find lots here to please them. And those looking for adventure will find it." Linda Richards, reader
"Lively, interesting...beguiling." Canadian Book Review Annual
"A great contribution to the sport...remarkable." Team and Trail magazine
"Sport in the Yukon has a long and colorful history, beginning with the games played by the territory's First Peoples. In words and pictures, this entertaining book captures Yukon sport n its many manifestations, from playground pickup games to Olympic-level competitions, and celebrates the shared values that sport embodies - unity, friendship, commitment, the pursuit of excellence and just plain fun" Whitehorse Star
"In this entertaining, fact-filled compendium, author John Firth celebrates the impressive scope of sport in the Yukon, along with the adventurous spirit of many people who participate." North of Ordinary magazine