George Cheever Hazelet kept a journal and sent letters to his wife back home about the many strange adventures and challenges he had, such as feeling seasick, battling a forest fire, losing gold to thieves, gaining help from a wise Indian, constructing a boat, and other topics. During his quest, George visited Seattle, the Valdez Glacier, Copper River Country, and Chistochina, among other places. Aside from his journal entries made throughout his expedition, information about his life outside his gold quest is presented for readers, and several well-preserved images are included in this rich historical book provided by George Cheever Hazelet's great-grandson, John H. Clark.

I found it greatly inspiring that George, who was dealing with the guilt of leaving his family, could endure several physically demanding tasks and dangerous circumstances that would put even the bravest of humans to the test. The fact that he made time to write such a thorough and insightful journal is truly astounding. The book is full of amazing people, such as the Native American who was robbed but chose to forgive rather than pursue retribution. Immersion in the wonderfully depicted milieu of the historical gold miners was incredibly interesting for me, and George's emotional comments about his family taught me a vital lesson about the necessity of cherishing every minute with your loved ones. Anyone who enjoys reading thought-provoking and adventure-filled historical accounts will enjoy Hazelet's Journal, edited by his great-grandson, John H. Clark. It motivates us to consider how closely linked we are as humans, regardless of race or time.

Hazelet’s Journal: A Riveting Alaska Gold Rush Saga is a memoir written by George Cheever Hazelet and edited by his great-grandson John H. Clark that introduces readers to a stark and real 1898 Gold Rush tale. The interesting cast of real characters was driven by dreams and passion, and their unwavering spirit was the most powerful tool that they could wield. It is an inspiring story anchored in the age-old concept which is the Great American Dream. George Cheever Hazelet was among the many brave and ambitious men who were in action, migrating to the West in search of a better life at a time when the American people were taking advantage of a nation that found renewed energy in rebuilding itself after the Civil War. It’s an epic that illustrates the meaning of true grit.

By publishing his great-grandfather’s journal, John H. Clark has given students of history access to an important but lesser-known event that shaped America. Clark made the editorial decision to leave the journal entries in their original form in almost every instance so readers do not become twice removed from what George Cheever Hazelet wrote. There is a charm and exoticism in the way Hazelet describes Alaska that will appeal to readers regardless of where they are in the world. Hazelet has successfully captured the allure of the Alaskan frontier. The characters here are real and help you to experience inspiring lives in a manner that you will never find in reality. I recommend Hazelet’s Journal as the book to read if you want to know more about Alaska and America in general. It remains an excellent first-person account of what brave men and women before us achieved in pursuit of their dreams and in shaping a nation.