I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964

In I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964, Tarshis demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of the survivalist mindset. Tarshis presents Jackson’s survival skills, work ethic, and independence as key aspects of this mindset, which he has relied on while living in the bush in Alaska. Jackson’s lifestyle, living in an off-grid cabin with his parents, means that he has an unconventional amount of independence for an 11-year-old.

For instance, he frequently goes out hunting and fishing by himself, relying on his smarts and his backpack of equipment to get him out of trouble. Jackson prides himself on his ability to cope with the dangers and discomforts of off-grid life: “No, living here wasn’t always easy. Their cabin had no electricity or running water; their toilet was a hole in the ground. The forest was filled with grizzlies and wolves. A person had to be tough to live in the bush—Alaska tough” (11). Jackson demonstrates his survivalist mindset when he endures a blizzard by himself in the woods and then finds his way home again. This challenging experience feels like a badge of honor to Jackson, and his parents are proud of his resourcefulness and independence.

While his survivalist mindset has certainly served Jackson in many situations, the author demonstrates that it has its limitations, too.