Book Review: Call of the Wild

Call of the Wild, by Guy Grieve, is a modern story of a Scotsman who leaves his wife and two young boys to answer this call to the remote areas of Alaska. Spending one year in the extreme wilderness West of Galena, with incredible difficulty Guy built a log cabin and lived off the land in some exceedingly treacherous conditions. Were it not for the help of a seasoned family, Guy would have definitely starved, frozen, or been eaten.

It’s not an unfamiliar story. People have been drawn to experience the untamed Alaskan wilderness for centuries. Guy, like few before him, had no skills that prepared him for what lay ahead. The Galena family's befriending gave Guy the knowledge and skills, and the tools and equipment he needed to survive that year. Often repeated, the only reason the Galena family helped Guy was because he had a family of his own. Families watch out for families; this was the rule.

I am not suggesting that Guy’s trek was ordained by God, that’s between he and God. The point is that we never know when God will ask us to do something extraordinary. The only proper response is obedience.

Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 16:24).