When a deadly diphtheria epidemic swept through Nome, Alaska, in 1925, the local doctor knew that without a fresh batch of antitoxin, his patients would die. The lifesaving serum was a thousand miles away, the port was icebound, and planes couldn’t fly in blizzard conditions–only the dogs could make it. The heroic dash of dog teams across the Alaskan wilderness to Nome inspired the annual … Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and immortalized Balto, the lead dog of the last team whose bronze statue still stands in New York City’s Central Park. This is the greatest dog story, never fully told until now.
more
Truth is so often more interesting and exciting than fiction. This is a story about the men and the sled dogs of Alaska who saved a town despite overwhelming odds of weather, terrain and even politics. I couldn’t put it down.
Excellent historical facts presented in a riveting story about man’s best friend and the relationships that existed (and do exist) between men and their dogs, how together they perform a feat that appeared impossible, risking their lives in the interest of serving humanity.
This was a really good book, very informational, with great descriptions of life in Alaska in the early 1900’s
I find reading non fiction difficult but this story is captivating. It combines the history of Alaska, the lifestyle and the importance of sled dogs in their history.
Great story telling!!
The writing was belabored at times and tended to lose focus, leaving the reader mired in unnecessary details. Could have been better organized.
Very well done. Full of things few of us had any idea about.
Based on true events, this captured my imagination and read along very well.
It’s a bit rare for me to not want to put down a non-fiction book, but I found this absolutely gripping. The details about life in the Arctic were so tangible and fascinating, I didn’t mind the rather frequent loops away from the main story (the race for anti-toxin). Though I of course knew the ending going in, I reveled in the journey and came …
Great read! Loads of action, lots of real life heroes in this true story. Highly recommended!
I follow the Iditarod each March & this is why it all started. Excellent book.
Very informative about this period in Alaska history
My kids love the movie Balto and I loved learning the true story behind it. No exaggeration needed to keep this story thrilling!
I was involved with “mushing” and “mushers” but more with “sprint” dogs rather than the Iditarod type. I could feel the cold coming through the pages as I read this book. What’s the wind chill factor with 50 mph winds? How about in an open cockpit of a plane?
Exciting and daunting tale. Really enjoyed it
So much unknown history and heroes. A great read !
Not only does the book describe a fascinating and riveting event in Alaskan (and American) history, but it is full of informative descriptions of dog sledding, aviation, medicine, and Alaskan life and culture in the early 20th century. I highly recommend it, especially for someone planning a trip to Alaska.
Having lived in Alaska, this is a GREAT read for anyone unaware of the conditions faced by the characters in this history,
Really captivating. A large portion in the first two thirds got very dull, though, going off into a historical tangent, but it was not uninteresting. I loved the story, in general, of the urgent mail run, and the conditions under which it was made, and sadly, the risks of loss of limb and life. A great, absorbing story. The last fifth of the book …
A fascinating view into the world of travelling by dog-sled in Alaska and how that world gradually disappeared. I wish there was more information about the actual run to get the anti-toxin to its destination
This book and the history behind the book was amazing. It was like I was there.
I loved Togo’s story from a frisky puppy to become the ‘leader of the Pack”.At the end you still learned about all the other mushers on the Cruelist Run to save Nome.