Stronghold

One Man's Quest to Save the World's Wild Salmon

By: Tucker Malarkey

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

PNBA best seller

"A powerful and inspiring story. Guido Rahr’s mission to save the wild Pacific salmon leads him into adventures that make for a breathtakingly exciting read." (Ian Frazier, author of Travels in Siberia)

Editors’ Choice: The New York Times Book Review • Outside Magazine • National Book Review • Forbes

In the tradition of Mountains Beyond Mountains and The Orchid Thief, Stronghold is Tucker Malarkey’s eye-opening account of one of the world’s greatest fly fishermen and his crusade to protect the world’s last bastion of wild salmon.

From a young age, Guido Rahr was a misfit among his family and classmates, preferring to spend his time in the natural world. When the salmon runs of the Pacific Northwest began to decline, Guido was one of the few who understood why. As dams, industry, and climate change degraded the homes of these magnificent fish, Rahr saw that the salmon of the Pacific Rim were destined to go the way of their Atlantic brethren: near extinction. An improbable and inspiring story, Stronghold takes us on a wild adventure, from Oregon to Alaska to one of the world’s last remaining salmon strongholds in the Russian Far East, a landscape of ecological richness and diversity that is rapidly being developed for oil, gas, minerals, and timber. Along the way, Rahr contends with scientists, conservationists, Russian oligarchs, corrupt officials, and unexpected allies in an attempt to secure a stronghold for the endangered salmon, an extraordinary keystone species whose demise would reverberate across the planet.

Tucker Malarkey, who joins Rahr in the Russian wilderness, has written a clarion call for a sustainable future, a remarkable work of natural history, and a riveting account of a species whose future is closely linked to our own.

Praise for Stronghold

"This book isn’t just about fish, it’s about life itself and the fragile unseen threads that connect all creatures across this beleaguered orb we call home. Guido Rahr’s quest to save the world’s wild salmon should serve as an inspiration - and a provocation - for us all, and Tucker Malarkey’s exquisite book captures Rahr’s weird and wonderful story with poignancy, humor, and grace." (Hampton Sides, author of In the Kingdom of Ice and Blood and Thunder)

"A crazy-good, intensely lived book that reads like an international thriller - only it’s our beloved salmon playing the part of diamonds or oil or gold." (David James Duncan, author of The River Why and The Brothers K)

©2019 Tucker Malarkey (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“All fishermen know that we have to fight to save the waters we love. Stronghold tells a captivating story of the struggle to save the last great salmon rivers.” (Johnny Morris, founder/owner of Bass Pro Shops, owner of Cabela’s)

“Stronghold lets us tag along on the unpredictable adventure that is loving nature, and spares us neither its sacrifices nor its rewards. It's a book for everyone who has wished for a place where life is defended and upheld - for a place on earth that will make us whole.” (Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl)

“The wild salmon is the world’s most wondrous, most improbable fish, with a life that is epic, heroic, and tragic. Malarkey’s narrative action, pacing, and human hero - Guido Rahr - all rise to the level that the subject requires. With our nets, dams, and clear-cutting, we do salmon no favors and add greatly to their tragedy. This book is about a man who is in many ways a passionate master of fighting for one of earth’s living miracles. And within his story are many lessons for how to lead, get things done, and hold on to the imperative to keep at it - no matter what.” (Carl Safina, author of Song for the Blue Ocean and Beyond Words)

Too Bad

It would have been nice to see the story continued to the present. Hatchery production in Oregon has transitioned to wild broomstick and I am afraid that readers will be left with a negative view of hatcheries and we need them. See Hatcheries vs Wild on YouTube.

Too long and too much fluff

While the story is important and it is well written and read, it is too long, with too much fluff. For example, did we really need to know so much about Guido’s fishing trip with Justice O’Connor?

An Amazing Story

This book is an inspiring story of one man’s quest to change the world and the impact he’s had on salmon conservation. It’s a study of character, determination and vision, woven perfectly together with the power of relationships to do great things. For anyone interested in conservation, this is a must read.

Unbelievable Story!

I loved this book from the first page. So many experiences and feelings that resonated strongly with me. It's a fantastic read that I couldn't put down.

Made me an environmentalist!

I was “hooked” by this story! I appreciate our rivers and the interconnectness of all things much more after hearing it! The beauty described was palpable and the story itself had enough of everything to appeal to a wide variety of readers. I was sorry it had to end!

captivating

Both beautifully written and narrated, and hard to put down. You don't have to have an initial love for salmon to enjoy this book- but you'll leave with a new appreciation for the fish and its ecosystem.

Breathtakingly Brilliant

Cassandra Campbell’s presence is lovely and captivating. I am heartened by her and the perfection of her contribution to this important book.

Tucker Malarkey’s writing gracefully, elegantly set the hook ensuring my willing capture as she pulled me from my ignorance of salmon’s central role in carbon based life on this, our beautiful Earth.

As to Guido and his Wild Salmon Center, I deeply bow in obeisance to his right livelihood and the rightness of its consequence.

A heartened salute to all involved in Guido’s body of work — and to those involved in getting this book into my own and others’ hands.

Love for the rivers

I absolutely fell in love with this story! Growing up in Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia and working in the cannery as a young person I was overwhelmed by what I didn’t really know about my childhood surroundings. Thank you to Tucker Malarky for putting it all together in such a beautiful way! Thank you Cassandra for lending your wonderful reading skills!

Amazing story

A truly inspiring and amazing story of a life worth lives. A unique person dedicated to saving the environment. I learned so much about the impact of a keystone animal - the salmon - and how it impacts our world. Incredible.

One for all

This is a fantastic book for all fisherman and fisherwomen. One that everyone should listen to. Excellent job of sinking in the importance of salmonids and their importance in the ecosystem and why they need to be protected.