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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
This story is more than a retelling of a historical event. It's a glimpse into the culture of indigenous people living in what we now call Alaska. It's about how we have much to learn about imposing systems of government, laws, and health with truly democratic principles. Fascinating and powerful.
I had not heard of this situation until this read. It's interesting that it's still unclear whether or not this dude is crazy or just a conniving actor. Tragic however. Good book.
This is an intriguing story of murder in an isolated community in Alaska. The author does a great job pulling you into the community that lives on the edge of the world. His description of his own family and the life and family of Teddy Kyle Smith. Where the story breaks down and where I think the author could have different choices is with the inclusion or exclusion of the involvement of the Iñukuns. The story felt unresolved and empty.
Alaskan True Crime and Mythology
Review of the Audible Originals audiobook edition (2019)
This podcast audiobook was an excellent audio production about the history of a 2012 true crime case being reconstructed from about 2018 (when the author James Dommek Jr. observed the court case in appeals). The atmospheric music, the audio ambiance, the interviews and court recordings were all seamlessly put together to portray a sad story of an acting career gone wrong with the added haunting of a mythological Alaskan tribe brought into the story as a sort of 11th hour shock.
The portion of the audio (from about the 2 hour 27 minute mark) that I've transcribed above especially struck me though as the overall lesson of the experience. In this global culture as we all seek to better understand each other it cut through to the heart of the message.
Midnight Son was one of the free Audible Originals for members in the month of November 2019.
Review of the Audible Originals audiobook edition (2019)
"The experience that Mr. Smith had is a cultural and spiritual experience, that turned out very badly, but, it’s a cultural experience, not a mental illness. He is no more mentally ill than any other belief system that we have that is criticized at times as irrational as well."
- Angela Greene, Public Defender.
"You never hear white people vouching for our spiritual experiences. It’s like we don’t get to have these anymore. The missionaries took those away and told us they were evil. Instead they told us stories like a Virgin had a baby and people are walking on water… well, ok. But here is a Public Defender arguing that what we believe in is just as valid as any other religion. Whether or not she’s actually that open-minded or just calculating, I don’t know. But this is just a hint of what’s to come with the Iñukuns and the Alaskan justice system." – James Dommek Jr., Author & Narrator.
This podcast audiobook was an excellent audio production about the history of a 2012 true crime case being reconstructed from about 2018 (when the author James Dommek Jr. observed the court case in appeals). The atmospheric music, the audio ambiance, the interviews and court recordings were all seamlessly put together to portray a sad story of an acting career gone wrong with the added haunting of a mythological Alaskan tribe brought into the story as a sort of 11th hour shock.
The portion of the audio (from about the 2 hour 27 minute mark) that I've transcribed above especially struck me though as the overall lesson of the experience. In this global culture as we all seek to better understand each other it cut through to the heart of the message.
Midnight Son was one of the free Audible Originals for members in the month of November 2019.
Eh. It was an interesting audiobook, but I’m glad I didn’t pay for it. Got it free through Audible, felt more like something that should have been a podcast, not an audiobook.
What an amazing journey! First, the narrator is the same as the author who has a voice incredibly easy to listen to. Second, I feel like I was right along on the trail of this mystery. This is quite a tail and I hope he narrates more and continues telling the stories of his people.
another podcast-esque Audible Original. The story took several interesting turns and twists-- Alaskan actors, native storytelling, hiking/hunting in the wilderness of Alaska, and a crime.
While the narrator's voice was enjoyable to listen to and the history in the story was interesting, I gave only three stars because the story didn't really go anywhere. There was all this hype about this mysterious tribe and then no details.
I would still recommend this because it gives insight into native Alaskan issues and mindsets and was an enjoyable enough short listen, only 3 1/2 hours.
I would still recommend this because it gives insight into native Alaskan issues and mindsets and was an enjoyable enough short listen, only 3 1/2 hours.
This audio documentary is part true crime and part cultural revelation. More than that, it is a call to a fair and equitable justice system. Extremely well edited and told like Native stories I remember from the res. And maybe a little creepy.