From Chicago Review Press
A powerful narrative-driven memoir about a young married couple who grew up rural poor but transformed themselves into world-traveling, wilderness-loving National Geographic Society filmmakers.
On Assignment is “insightful and inspiring, honest, engaging, and most of all, immensely entertaining.” (Kevin Grange).
A rare look behind the scenes of the highly-regarded National Geographic brand but also an adventure story you will not be able to put down.
“Quite simply, this is one of the best manuscripts I’ve read in many years.” (Jerome Pohlen).
Jim and Elaine Larison spent 50 years studying, exploring, and living in wild places, making more than thirty environmental films. On Assignment is a real-life account of what happened behind the camera lens, emphasizing the rather substantial costs of this career. While shooting film in Alaska, Jim Larison narrowly survived a devastating airplane crash in the Bering Sea. Later, while filming on the Great Barrier Reef, the Larisons fought off an aggressive eight hundred pound, twelve-foot tiger shark. Midway through their career, the Larisons were nearly swept to their deaths by an ice-fall while filming on Mount Robson. A thrilling adventure story, driven by risky decision-making and personal conflict. On Assignment is also a touching look at the tender bonds that held the married couple together while they struggled to complete nearly 100 film assignments.
In addition, this book offers its readers an ecologist’s perspective of our fragile biosphere, recounts our long history of environmental loss, and celebrates our continuing struggle for ecosystem health. Jim Larison once said,“In the beginning, Elaine and I wanted nothing more than to spend time in the wilderness. By the end, we were fighting for its very survival. You cannot” he added, “spend a lifetime bearing witness to the destruction of forests, the death of coral reefs, and global warming without, in some way, suffering from that loss. On Assignment is a personal account of that loss.
Praise for On Assignment
“Quite simply, this is one of the best manuscripts I’ve read in many years. I was not prepared for its powerful conclusion…the dramatic resolution is perfect…what an adventure!—the portrayal of your family is touching and complex without being gushy.”
Jerome Pohlen, Senior Editor, Chicago Review Press
“Jim Larison's book On Assignment is a compelling real-life adventure filled with danger and survival. I think readers will be on the edge of their seats when learning about the difficulties of filming for National Geographic. This would make a brilliant movie.”
Carl Ziebe, National Geographic Society
“This has to be one of the best autobiographical memoirs of the year. If you like National Geographic, you’ll love this book…a work of art…a life well lived! Two giant thumbs up!!”
Jack Gustafson, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
“Excellent and profoundly moving. James Larison is a master storyteller who’s produced an adventure memoir and love story as deeply rewarding as his best films. On Assignment is insightful and inspiring, honest, engaging, and most of all, immensely entertaining.” —
Kevin Grange, author of Wild Rescues
“This captivating book gains elevation by the page, until we soon find ourselves in the rarefied air of an adventure memoir that engages on both the visceral and cerebral levels. Larison has penned a vivid chronicle, rich with hard-won wisdom and brimming with life!”
Chris Dombrowski, author of Body of Water
What readers are saying…
This is a beautifully written book… It is a personal account of “down in the trenches” experiences. I don’t think people recognize the importance of what is being brought to them through these films, the dangers that go with it from the extraordinary people who make this happen, and the serious dedication and commitment that it takes to bring this information out into the “wilds” of the civilized world. It is a story of growth and of interpersonal experience that involves not only his own emotional reaction to curcumstances that the Earth hands us…but also a story of love, family, and teamwork… StarCastle, Austin Texas.
I was blown away by how good this book is—a real “page turner” of an adventure story. Jim Larison combines vivid descriptions of life-threatening dangers, personal and family impacts, and recovery, while demonstrating persistence and commitment to the environment, his mission for high quality and impactful work and family love and marriage. The story telling and writing are excellent. Tom Kunes, Madison, Wisconsin.
In the Press…
The Oregonian says about On Assignment: “For anyone interested in the natural world, the book offers vicarious thrills as well as Larison’s perspective on environmental issues, drawn not only from his scientific training and research but also from his experience making more the 30 films for the National Geographic Society, PBS, and the Discovery Channel…. His love of wilderness is unmistakable and hard to be unmoved by.”
Publishers Weekly calls it an “exhilarating debut,” noting that “fans of the great outdoors will appreciate this introspective and sentimental outing.“