I've read other books about dog mushing, but this one had the unique point of view of a woman who, while not actually on the sled during the race, experienced her own Yukon Quest experience. She writes clearly and honestly, not shying away from the disagreement that she had with the young woman they brought with them to act as the official "handler" of the dogs. She writes about George's experience on the trail, his frostbite, fatigue, narrow escapes and indomitable spirit as he pitted himself against natural forces over which he had little control. She writes about the dogs, their personalities and backgrounds and about the tough choices she and George had to make when it came time to pick the actual team of 12 out of their much larger group. She writes about the people they meet along the way, her Alaskan neighbors, fisherman, storekeepers and the other mushers. And she writes about Alaska itself, making me yearn to experience its beauty and majesty.

There was one small line drawing of the Yukon Quest trail and I kept returning to it again and again as the book moved along and the tension mounted. There is also a photo of Ms. Cook and one of her dogs on the back cover. I wish there were more photos, but I didn't really need them because her descriptions were so clear. Recommended.


awesome   September 28, 2000
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book was one of the greatest ones I have ever read. I race sled dogs, and I found it so interesting...I could and have felt everything they go through. Also my grandmother who bought the book for me said she started reading it one night and read it the whole thing that night, and she has never raced and knows nothing about it, and she LOVED it. So it is a good book for anyone to read!!


Great Adventure   December 26, 1999
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

What a pleasant surprise to read a literary and exciting story of Alaska and dog-racing. Thoroughly enjoyable. I totally recommend this book to all adventure lovers.


Enduring Determination   December 13, 1999
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Fascinating details of the "Cook Team" in the greuling Yukon Quest are revealed in this book. Ann and her husband move to Alaska from the eastern United States so that they can experience "real" dog sled racing. Their adventure is difficult from the beginning; however, they eventually grow to love the Alaskan atmosphere. Despite much adversity, from friends and neighbors, about their inexperience, George and Ann enter the Yukon Quest. Details about survival, cultural adjustment, and everlasting memories are enriched in this educational book about the Yukon Quest.