steez biting

Jack London has always been one of my favorite authors. I still remember the first time I read Call of the Wild. Not only did it mesmerize me, I wanted to be Buck. I think I was around 11 or 12. I became obsessed with sled dogs and the Iditarod. I remember telling my family that one day, 'when I was old enough' I'd enter the race. While that hasn't happened, I'm still enthralled by Mr. London's writing.

Of course, White Fang made me want to adopt a wolf. That didn't happen either, but I kept up with the reading. Although I loved the novels, I think London was really a master of the short form. His short stories are amazing. To Build a Fire is a true classic, and to this day my heart quickens alongside the man's as he struggles with the cold. London is able to turn nature into not just a force to be reckoned with, but also another character. A cunning, cruel character that forgives no mistake. The cold is never more palpable than in this struggle.

While I am given to verbosity, London's best work hovers around 7,500 words or less. He described savagery and nature economically. Yet few could write as evocatively.

 

With winter on its way, light a fire and grab a few of London's tales. Don't have a decent used bookstore near you? Go here.