Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Tale of Courage
Review: WOW !!!!!!!! Not often do I read a book that leaves me speechless...or close to it. While reading this tale I found myself crying more often than not, and reevaluating the "needs" in my life. Not only was it a tale of how the South Pole can change your life, from needs to the way you look at reality, but it was the story of a courageous woman's struggle. The book was well written and had email letters that she sent as well as ones that she received and often they told the story better than an author could. It was these letters from family and friends that usually brought me to tears. Just when I thought I knew what bravery and courage are....the book helped me redefine the words. It is one thing to look death in the face when you get news of a cancerous tumor in your body, but quite another when you learn that you have to treat yourself and there is no way to send physician help to you. The book was frank and to the point with concise terminology that was easily translated to laymans terms. If you want a sad but ultimately uplifting story, or have loved ones facing the terrible disease of breast cancer, then this book is a must read. I highly recommend this one for ALL women (and men).
Rating: 
Summary: A Modern Chapter in the Antarctic "Heroic Age"
Review: "Great God, this is an awful place." So said Capt. Robert Scott of the South Pole, at the climax of the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration. In the harshest conditions on earth, he and his fellow explorers faced the grim reality that they were doomed, fated to die one by one.
"IceBound" is an account of modern heroes living in the very spot where Capt. Scott spoke those bleak words. It is a triumph of ingenuity, resourcefulness, endurance, courage and technology that today people not only survive at the Pole but live, work, and prosper.
I have read such classics as "Endurance" and "The Worst Journey in the World" that tell of the days of Shackleton, Amundsen, and Scott. This book takes its place along with such classics, giving us a rare inside look at life on "The Ice" today, wintering over at the Pole. I was surprised to learn that it is so cold in their quarters, and that the crew suffer from effects of altitude sickness, low blood oxygen, and hypothermia (I assumed that the South Pole Station would be fully climate-controlled.) It was revealing to learn that the crew face continuous equipment failures and see all the strange side effects of such extreme cold (band aids not sticking, fuel turned to gelatin, frost like dust on interior surfaces, etc.)
Dr. Nielsen brings us along as she decides to go to The Ice, and all the things going on in her life which were part of that decision. We get to experience the day-by-day tension and fear as she discovers a lump in her breast and realizes that it is growing. Emails between her and her doctors and family make it seem as though these events are happening in "real time" as we read. Through her words, we experience the special camraderie of the "Polies" as they pull together in so many ways to assist with her diagnosis, treatment, and emotional support. Her extraction flight by the military is a miracle that Capt. Scott could never have imagined. The "awful place" has been tamed a little in 90 years, but it is still "The Ice."
Hopefully other "Polies" (and those at other stations such as Vostok, etc.) will someday chronicle their experiences at the bottom of the world for the rest of us back in civilization who will never get to go.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting read for the extreme traveler
Review: I loved the book, but hated how the author seems to be so selfish. Grow up, take care of your kids, and quit trying to fill the void with everything else. Life is way too precious and short to have such familial discord.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible story evryone will like
Review: When I was assigned this book for summer reading I didn't think anything more about it than any other book on the list, but once I found out what it was about I was hooked. the story is truly inspirational and intriguing. I was surprised to find my own grandfather had worked at the south pole station, though not the same one and knew a bit about what the boook described. It is struly a book that will grab your attention and make you desire to know how Jerrie is doing today.
~ an enthusiastic fan~
Rating:
Summary: Buy the book not the tape!
Review: I spend a great deal of time in my car so finding a good book that is 8 cassettes is usually a bonus. Doc Holidays' story is good; however, she should have never read her book. She frequently stumbles over simple words and is pretty much monotone during the entire tape. As you listen to each tape her reading becomes worse and worse. I truly believe a 5th grader could have read her story with more clarity and enthusiasm. Sorry Doc, good story annoying acoustics!
Rating: 
Summary: Doctor, diagnose thyself.
Review: The book cover proclaims "A doctor's incredible battle for survival at the South Pole." Indeed, the battle for survival is incredible and heartwarming.
The life Dr. Nielsen and her companions lived and others continue to live at the South Pole is described in fascinating detail.
The book is worth your time. However, I recommend skimming through any section of the book that seems to drag or you find annoying.
In my reading, I found the author's description of her circumstances and reasoning for her need to escape traditional civilization a bit annoying. In addition, some of the reprinted email exchanges added little if anything to the story.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful true story
Review: An extraordinary true story of an amazing community. I couldn't put this book down and will never forget it.BUT when a friend and I got the audiobook version to listen to on a trip, we couldn't get through it! Jerri Nielsen is a terrific writer and truly admirable person. But she should not have been encouraged to do her own recording. She frequently stumbles on simple words and phrases, and much of the time sounds like she's tired of reading. DO get and read the book, you won't regret it!
|
