In The Hijacking of Alaska’s Magic Bus (Bus 142) by Michael E. Bemis, readers are presented with a riveting and thought-provoking examination of a significant incident. The book delves into the events of June 18, 2020, when Alaska's iconic Magic Bus, known for its connection to Christopher Johnson McCandless, became the center of controversy. Bemis dissects the hijacking of the bus by the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment of the Alaska Army National Guard, a move authorized by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Through meticulous research and compelling prose, the author sheds light on the complexities of government intervention and the clash between preservation and accessibility.

Bemis skillfully navigates the legal, ethical, and historical dimensions of the incident, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the bus's fate. The book offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between public interest, personal pilgrimage, and the management of natural resources.

This book dives deep into a story that'll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about government decisions and the fight for preservation. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the intriguing premise – the hijacking of an iconic bus with ties to Christopher McCandless.

Bemis doesn't hold back in dissecting the events of that fateful day in June 2020, and his attention to detail and extensive research shines through every page. As I read, I couldn't help but feel a mix of outrage and curiosity about the clash between government authorities and the public's connection to history. It's a powerful reminder of the complexities of preserving natural landmarks and the rights of individuals to experience them.

This is certainly a very complete and thorough book on not only Magic Bus 142 but also Christopher McCandless and Vermont's Magic Bus (which I never heard of). The author is strong in his opinion that the bus should never have been removed and placed in a museum and everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and I don't believe that a review should be based on whether you agree with that or not. However, I do think the comment about the two drowning deaths of foreigners - stating that "you can't fix stupid" was totally unnecessary. Includes pictures and although I did skip some sections that were just a bit dry for me I for the most part found it interesting reading. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am a big Jon Krakauer fan and I have a lot of respect for his work. When Into the Wild was released, I read it immediately and while I had a difficult time understanding Christopher McCandless' need to trek into the wilderness, I found the story interesting and respectful to Christopher and his family. I also read The Wild Truth by Christopher's sister Carine McCandless which filled in a lot of background with respect to the abuse and alcoholism that was rampant in their family. It also helped me understand Christopher better and why he may have wanted to get off the grid. When I saw The Hijacking of Alaska's Magic Bus which is about the removal of Bus 142 (the bus that Christopher sought refuge and later died in) from Alaska's wilderness, I was intrigued and immediately wanted to read it.

I'm sorry to say that I cannot recommend this book. While the writer is entitled to his opinions with respect to whether Bus 142 should have been removed from it's location, I disagree. The writer's opinion is that not that many people have needed rescuing or have died trying to get to Bus 142's location in the wilderness, therefore, it should have been left where it was as a memorial to Christopher. The facts provided, by the author, in the book, however, state that there has been an average of two or three search and rescue operations per year to rescue hikers who'd gotten into trouble on their trips to the bus. He goes on to quote State Trooper Jon Williamson who states that for a limited geographic area, that's a high number. I agree with this State Trooper and not only does this cost the state (and, therefore, it's taxpayers) money for search and rescue efforts, but two people have also drowned while trying to get to the bus. Two deaths are two too many.

The main reason I cannot recommend this book, however, is the following quotation from the author "It should also be noted that both drowning deaths were foreigners, undoubtedly people who were completely ignorant about the dangers they faced. You can't fix stupid." That last sentence is completely disrespectful and ignorant. A good writer can make their point without being rude and disrespectful. It is amateurish.

Due to my negative opinion with respect to this book, I will only be posting this review on Netgalley. .

In The High jacking Of Alaska’s Magic Bus we learned about how the bus that was made popular by the book into the wild The real life story about the adventure and eventual death of Christopher Johnson McCandless in 1992 was taken from its 60 Year Resting place by the Alaska Air Force battalion it was called operation Uton after the construction company that built The stampede Trail to help bring or in other minerals from the mine but in 2020 the bus was taken without permission or fanfare. I want to say for the most part I definitely recommend this book it has plenty of historical detail and it seems well research but there are parts of the book that are dry and hard to get through but having said that if you’re a fan of history the new definitely love this book the author talks about the creation of the stampede trail the story of Chris from into the wild and of course the abandonment and eventual death of the magic bus bus 142. There’s other minor historical details that history fans will love you just have to get through the beginning when they discuss where the bus is now and a couple other places in the book. I still recommend it but thought most of that could’ve been cut out. I want to thank nut galley and a publisher for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This was a good book. I wasn't expecting much from it, but I enjoyed reading about it as much as I did Christopher McCandless.