| The Last Season (P.S.) | 
 enlarge | Author: Eric Blehm
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $0.78
You Save: $14.17 (95%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  75 reviews
Sales Rank: 17496
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5.2 x 1
ISBN: 0060583010
Dewey Decimal Number: 590
EAN: 9780060583019
ASIN: 0060583010
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: slight wear to cover/ spine, some bent corners Used - Good Default Text
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Product Description
Destined to become a classic of adventure literature, The Last Season examines the extraordinary life of legendary backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson and his mysterious disappearance in California's unforgiving Sierra Nevada—mountains as perilous as they are beautiful. Eric Blehm's masterful work is a gripping detective story interwoven with the riveting biography of a complicated, original, and wholly fascinating man.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 70 more reviews...
 Review-THE LAST SEASON December 2, 2008
/This book was a well-researched, detailed account of one man's disappearance. During the course of reading it, the reader comes to understand the man's love of the wilderness, which is the driving force in his life, and the effect that love has on those who love him. It also paints a picture of the nooks and crannies as well as the grand vistas of this wilderness that he so loved. Along the way we get a glimpse into the everyday life of a park ranger, as well as learn the differences among rangers. It was a very compelling read and transported me into a whole new world.
The gospel according to RM November 30, 2008
When I considered buying this book, I read George Durkee's review, then bought the book based on his words alone. It is a haunting account. As a woman who lives alone in the wilderness (on a permit from the Forest Service), I often think of what would transpire if I were injured and incapacitated while out on the trail (or off it). If nothing else, Randy's story reminds me that I always need to leave a note behind stating where I'll be roaming.
Beyond that, this book, which is meticulously researched, presents a compelling story, plus the on-going sermon of how we should revere the wilderness. All I can say is Amen to that. This is a great read for those who share the same sentiment.
 Can't read this one slowly! November 16, 2008
This is a book whose chapters alternate between bringing the story up to date from Randy's childhood and the search-and-rescue (SAR) mission for him. Usually, books like these are stronger in one or the other of the two venues but both alternating stories were incredible - fast-paced and page-turners!
I just had to turn to the end and find out how it ended. And usually I then no longer have the patience to wade through the book but The Last Season was different. I wanted to read it all! And quickly. I wanted to read everyone's theory as to what happened and now I can sleep peacefully with my thoughts untroubled as to what probably happened to Randy (though some people might still have problems with the incompleteness of the "mystery')
I literally saw the mountains, I was there as I read. I actually woke up in the mornings and read some more!
Imagine a park ranger who quotes poets and philosophers, who is a naturalist, who gets along with colleagues and the public, and is a photographer to boot. I felt right at home!
Keep your eye on the author, Eric Blehm! He waded through such an incredible amount of material and never even knew Randy Morgenson but I feel as if I know Randy through Eric's work. What a labor of love. Surely, much good will come out of this book - better communication between the frontcountry and backcountry rangers, more professional consideration for the 24/7 job of the backcountry rangers. . . .
Last moments alone and the mystery left behind August 6, 2008
When someone dies alone in the wilderness there are questions to be answered. Eric Blehm took on a big challenge in assembling the material to write this book. For those of us who love the outdoors and go solo into the wilderness we always want to know what happened. . this book made me turn pages late into the night trying to get to the bottom of what happened to Randy. Although I realize that there is much unsaid on the author's part, it is still a good read and if you liked Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" you will love this one too.
 Not all that compelling August 4, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was hoping for an adventure story but got a somewhat plodding story of the several days search for Randy Morgenson interspersed with his life story. It's not that Randy didn't seem like a great guy and a good ranger, it just didn't make for a great book. The author tried to make the search seem really exciting and intense, and it probably was for the people involved, but I found the description slow and boring. I found myself skimming instead of deep reading. The search itself was marred by misteps, that are never really dealt with by the Park Service. The book also paints an unflattering picture of the National Park Service and our government and the way they treat the seasonal employees (low pay, no benefits, bad radios, no recognition) who are obviously deserving of better treatment. I can understand why those that knew Randy or have hiked or camped in the area would find the book more interesting, but for those that have never been to the area, it was just ok.
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