“The tale of six young men on a canoeing expedition in northern Canada—and the bear attack that almost killed one of them…From the beginning, this chronicle of their days afield is populated by original observations…and salutes to a landscape rich with possibilities…A shimmering account both as a travelogue of the deep north and vivid portrayal of a grizzly bear attack.”

—Kirkus Reviews

"Almost fifteen years later, Alex Messenger revisits the canoeing expedition that in a matter of minutes turned into a life-changing ordeal. That distance lends honesty and verve to a narrative that steadily builds toward its gripping climax."

-David Roberts, author of Alone on the Ice and Four Against the Arctic

“This riveting true story of thrashing whitewater, mad bears, big fish, and graphic wilderness triage kept me turning pages well into the night.”

-Dean King, New York Times bestselling author of Skeletons on the Zahara

“The Twenty-Ninth Day is a riveting read. Alex Messenger paints the realities of a multiday backcountry canoe trip, as well as the wild Canadian taiga and tundra, in equally vivid detail. Reminiscent of the Beckey brothers adventures into similar country at a similar age, this book calls us to reconsider what we believe possible of ourselves and our youth. The harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear and subsequent survival decisions take us straight to the heart of both life and adventure.”

-Heather “Anish” Anderson, author of Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home

“I will never forget the first time I met Alex and his impressive telling of the bear attack. I was transfixed. I thought if he is that adept and can think so quickly in the face of such extreme danger he would be a great person to work with. I was right. And now with his whole story down in book form, I see his writing is even better than his storytelling! I was transfixed again.”

-Jim Brandenburg, award-winning nature photographer, filmmaker, and bestselling author

Major prepublication buzz and outreach

National features and reviews

Outdoor organization partnerships and outreach

Video / audio showcase

Social media and digital ad campaign

BookExpo and Indie Bookseller show appearances

Regional bookstore tour / Featured speaker events