Rating: 
Summary: I got frostbit just reading it
Review: Except for the silly mystical BS found here and there (what the author calls a "guiding hand" dishing out luck to him), this is a very good "read." It deserves a place on the bookshelf next to the other great books about Arctic adventures.
Rating: 
Summary: great writing--a thrilling read
Review: I would recommend this book to anyone. Not only is the story unbelievable, but the writing is WONDERFUL! I don't usually like these kinds of adventure stories (I didn't even finish INTO THIN AIR if you can believe that) but Alvah Simon's writing ability made the difference for me. Even though I personally couldn't relate to his desire to journey to the arctic, I found myself so caught up in the story that it no longer mattered. Alvah, his wife Diana, and his adorable cat Halifax are so intriguing that I was truly sorry to see this book end. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Searching for one's soul
Review: Magnificently written, Alvah Simon's riveting account of an Arctic winter spent alone is a wonderful demonstration of the strength of man's will when put to the test. With only a kitten as a companion, Simon delves into the deepest reaches of the human psyche in his search for spiritual meaning and definition. Simon delivers a compelling tale of encounters with monstrous blizzards, temporary blindness, polar bears, and the inspirational Inuit people, all the while slowly creeping towards insanity. His survival and salvation lie with the sole desire to see his wife, Diana. A pleasure and thrill to read, Simon reveals his personal philosophy on the meaning of life, parting the Arctic night with only a 36' sailboat, a cat, and his inner being.
Rating:
Summary: Searching for one's soul
Review: Magnificently written, Alvah Simon's riveting account of an Arctic winter spent alone is a wonderful demonstration of the strength of man's will when put to the test. With only a kitten as a companion, Simon delves into the deepest reaches of the human psyche in his search for spiritual meaning and definition. Simon delivers a compelling tale of encounters with monstrous blizzards, temporary blindness, polar bears, and the inspirational Inuit people, all the while slowly creeping towards insanity. His survival and salvation lie with the sole desire to see his wife, Diana. A pleasure and thrill to read, Simon reveals his personal philosophy on the meaning of life, parting the Arctic night with only a 36' sailboat, a cat, and his inner being.
Rating: 
Summary: Man tests endurance through an arctic year.
Review: Sometimes the subtitles of books are important and sometimes they aren't. For this book, the subtitle, "A Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic", is right on the money. About 20% of the text either describes or analyzes the spiritual side of Alvah Simon's year in the arctic.Although this book is enjoyable to read and describes a great feat of survival adventure, the spiritual aspects can get dull and repetitive. The author mentions again and again that he is forced to believe that a "guiding hand" prevents careless or accidental mistakes from killing him, sinking his boat or otherwise doing damage to body, mind or spirit. However, one has to wonder about other less lucky individuals who had become convinced a guiding hand was protecting them when a final careless accident took them and their newfound belief system off the face of the planet. Mr. Simon should be applauded for at least being honest. When he makes a mistake he lays it out there for you to read about it. Other writers avoid honesty, for fear they will look smaller in the reader's eye. Mr. Simon's honesty only makes him more appealing as a person and underlines the fact that someone used to adventures who is prepared in every way imaginable and is intelligent to boot can still goof up. In Mr. Simon's case he lives to tell the tale, whether this is a guiding hand or not is ultimately left up to the reader to decide, but the author does all he can to pound home the depth of his spiritual odyssey in the arctic.
Rating:
Summary: Opened my eyes to a new land...
Review: The adventure that the author embarks on is, of itself, quite extraordinary. It is an adventure with a huge amount of risk, and a challenge consisting of a more philisophical and mental nature. Aside from the adventure aspect, the details of such an expedition, and the magnification of the thin line between life and death was enthralling. Although the writing is good, I wish that there were more pictures in the book. There are just some scenes in nature that words cannot describe, and I know that the beauty of the Arctic is one of these. Pictures are truly the only way to capture the harsh, fantastic, and unique landscapes of the upper latitudes of our planet. I was so very appreciative of the authors attempts to give the reader insight into the native peoples who endure in such a difficult and bleak setting. It is so refreshing to see into the lives of people so adapted to their environment, and living so harmoniously with nature. I hope that the infringemnet of modern living, doesn't leave it's indelable footprint on the culture of these wonderful people. A good book, and really remarkable adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Enter the Mind of the Arctic
Review: There is no doubt that Alvah Simon is a gifted, driven, and highly unusual individual. By embarking upon his "Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic" he tested the strength of his boat (the Roger Henry), his love (Diana Simon), and his mind. By writing about it he has allowed us cold-fearing readers to live through the short days and long nights of the North. In sum, his story is a captivating one. You definitely become attached to Alvah, but that doesn't always mean that you like him. Frequently, the author is condescending, unwilling to compromise, cheesy, and generally unpleasant. But through it all, he does remain honest - and this makes this story a worthwhile read. You feel for Alvah as when he is startled by a polar bear, or when he breaks his cats ear, or wakes up blind. You dive into the cold of his boat and the difficulties of day to day life at -30F. Throughout it all, you are thankful that it is he and not you. I finished this book with an odd feeling of understanding. I was not there, but through his words, the author made me think that I was. I am writing this review months after having finished the book. And yet, I can still picture in my mind the pain and the pleasure that Alvah Simon endured. Very very powerful.
Rating:
Summary: Could be my all-time favorite book
Review: This book deserves to be more widely read. It is written by an experienced sea captain who makes a voyage to the Artic - it is well written. The captain is a gifted writer - there is even a certain lyrical quality to it that one comes across in good writing about the sea. The characters he encounters in the book are larger than life, but real, the salt of the earth. The descriptions of Inuit life, the people and their viewpoint are extremely interesting. The story about whaling told by Ingmar Egede deserves to be understood and supported by all who care about the plight of the Polar people's culture - they have much to teach us. Treat yourself to a copy of this book. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling journey to a remote landscape.
Review: This book grabbed me with powerful sensory details and wouldn't let me put it down. Each adventure of Alvah, Diana and Halifax revealed something of the common journey we each share, whether in the arctic wilderness or in an urban highrise. I love the interactions between the Simons and the Inuit people, and the other living creatures who inhabit this ice-chilled realm. The author clearly has explored some of the wildest places on Earth, and makes a plea to preserve our natural habitats. A must-read for anyone who longs for adventure on the high seas, minus the storms and sea-sickness.
Rating:
Summary: Romance, Passion, Travel, Humor, and Hardship!
Review: This book has it all. I could not put it down until I had gotten all the way through. This is one of the most satisfying travel books I have ever read. It is definitely the best book about Arctic travel on the market!
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