At the start of the novel, Cole is in the skiff and on the way to the island in Southeast Alaska. He is accompanied by Edwin and Garvey, who will take Cole to the island and settle him before they leave.
Cole begins to consider how all life is interconnected. The dead sparrows have a great affect on him. Cole wonders if the sparrows " so frail, helpless and innocent" deserved to die. Then he wonders why they deserved to live? Cole begins...
Touching Spirit Bear study guide contains a biography of Ben Mikaelsen, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.