Midnight Sun, Arctic Moon: Mapping the Wild Heart of Alaska    by Mary Albanese Order:  USA  Can Epicenter Press, 2012 (2012) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Mary Albanese, without a doubt, is one of life's success stories. Her success wasn't handed to her on a silver platter. She earned every accolade (there were many) that could possibly be thrust upon her. Mary arrived in Fairbanks from Cicero, Ohio, determined to make her life in Alaska, fulfilling her life's dream. Even though only twenty-three, she had the fortitude to make her dream come true. And make it, she did. When trying to find a teaching job didn't pan out, she turned to the gathering of rocks. The territory needed mapping by someone who understood and recognized the geophysical formation of rocks. Taking on this task required fortitude and a desire to make it in a man's world. While working toward her Master's degree, she took on summer work that would defeat many a man, let alone a woman. Backpacking, she carried a gun with her to fight off bears, just one of the many hazards she faced. The more I read of her story, the more I realized this was a woman who let nothing stand in her way. She faced discrimination for her sex. That only meant, to her, that she had to work harder and longer to make her mark. Courage comes into play here also. As well as perseverance. Mary Albanese worked long and hard and never lost sight of her goal. She should be an inspiration for those who think of giving up when the course seems too hard. She went on to marry, earned her Ph.D, was recognized as an expert in her field, and raised two little girls. Midnight Sun, Arctic Moon is a good book; a life's lesson. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Travel books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews