Toehold, Alaska, population 200, is a bush village about as far away from the world as you can get without falling into the Arctic Ocean. The residents are a motley crew of Alaskans and refugees from the lower 48, each one running from the past in one way or another. All are drawn to the northern wilderness by its raw and naked force.
The story focuses on the chemistry between Cody, a taxidermist who grew up in San Francisco, and Mel, a gal drifter who decides to lead a grizzly-bear hunt in order to raise the money she needs to care for her teenage daughter. When her customer appears, a hard-edged Hollywood producer seeking the glory of the kill and used to being fawned over by every woman he meets, Mel and Cody find themselves forced to resolve the romantic tension they’ve both been ignoring for years.
Download and start listening now!
"Toehold is a perfect book. it could not be improved upon. richly drawn characters in wonderful settings. filled with humour the story was entrancing. an excellent ending. I could not put this book down."
— Marion (5 out of 5 stars)
“This is a wonderful book—authentic Alaska, deeply funny, and, as the title suggests, about life on its most precarious edge.”
— Patrick McManus, author of Avalanche“This is a wonderful book.”
— Patrick McManus, author of Avalanche“With its colorful cast, lush descriptions, and plenty of quirky humor, this feel-good novel will leave readers in high spirits.”
— Booklist“In Foreman’s assured prose [the characters’] stories come to life, for a denouement that flows as smoothly as the river.”
— Kirkus Reviews" i didn't finish it. i might have if i were reading, but the CDs were driving me crazy. he tells an ok anecdote... all the side characters had interesting stories. but the big picture wasn't doing it for me. for heaven's sake *show* me, don't give me internal monologues of a couple of neurotics. "
— Nancy, 10/7/2012" Well if you want light - this is for you... "
— Rhonda, 11/23/2011" This book will not be counted as a favorite. It started out interesting and ended as predictable. I finished the book, only because I was searching for a few redeeming qualities, but I was very disappointed. I cannot in good faith recommend this novel. "
— Teresa, 9/24/2011" Impossibly bad writing. Couldn't finish. The story line,(quirky people find themselves scrambling for a living and a human connection in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness) had potential. "
— Susan, 5/18/2011" This book started off well but then it detirated and I stopped reading close to the end. I didn't recognize the characters from the initial storytelling and it all fell apart for me. "
— marissa, 6/4/2010" Recommeded by a B&B owner from Anchorage. Northern Exposure meets the Mississippi Mudbellies- deceit, love, slaying, and Ice. Alaska vernacular at its finest! "
— Eriel, 3/23/2010" It was a quick, fluffy read and held my attention. Had hoped for more Alaska information since my daughter is moving there, but the bear information was sufficient. I can see this being made into a movie at some point. "
— Jaci, 8/8/2009" I finished this only because I do not like leaving books unfinished. While there were maybe two notable lines, the rest was scattered. There was certainly potential for a good story somewhere had he chosen to stick to one train of thought for more than two sentences. "
— Jayme, 3/19/2008Stephen H. Foreman is a screenwriter and director who has trekked across the Alaskan wilderness, bushwhacked through tropical rain forests, and hunted for gold mines in Arizona.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.