<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Warm account of a chilling story
Review: I came to eagerly write about this moving book, only to find two "comments", not REVIEWS of Ice Bound, the book. They give no insight into the book whatsoever, and that's a shame. Jerri Nielsen's fascinating story of courage and redemption at the South Pole should not be missed. Whatever her previous situation, this woman found herself dying of aggressive cancer at the bottom of the world, with few options and an admirable concern for her colleagues. The events that transpire over a matter of a few dark months serve to illuminate the qualities of some resourceful, and compassionate people. Jerri Nielsen is to be admired, but she is not the only hero in this lovely book. It's a work of beauty and warmth -- even those who are phobic could find themselves wanting to be a part of the fiercely loyal and gently-accepting tiny community in that dome in Antarctica. Jerri Nielsen is a remarkable woman, a caring physician, and obviously a spirited, loving person who, through adversity and "chilling" conditions, finds the best part of her self. Don't just buy this book for yourself; pass it on, give it as a gift. You'll wish you were 1/100th as calm, courageous, self-effacing, and determined as this amazing woman and those who come to her rescue.
Rating: 
Summary: A true survival
Review: I decided to buy this book after seeing Dr. Jerri Neilsen on Primetime. A story that would touch many people's lives and how one can survive in extreme living conditions like the South Pole. It's also very interesting to find out how we,as humans, learn to cope with all circumstances when we're all together at one place like Antactica. Nothing does matter either poor, rich, or good looking. All you need is a big heart for each other! This book describes all of it very well. My hat's off to the all the Polies especially Big John, Lisa and the rest of 41 winterover members. I'm glad I bought this book. It's worth reading and learning about what Dr. Neilsen has to share with us. I would spend a year at South Pole just to have friends like them. What a pal!!!!!!!!!
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: Great adventure ... with an agenda
Review: This is a truly wonderful story of exploration and self-discovery. I found it extremely compelling to read and was especially interested in daily life at the pole. As an MD, I found details about Dr. Nielsen's medical practice under difficult conditions fascinating. What fun would a review be without some comments and questions? Here goes: 1) I think after an initial brief discussion of her marital problems, it would have been better to drop the subject. Little was added to to to the book by revisiting the issue. Besides, there's always another side to the story. 2) Photos in the book are disappointing. I thought the B&W photos in the book were the best to be expected, given the difficult conditions However, there are much better color photos available on the Web taken during the same
winter that Dr. Nielsen was there. Search for "joelpole" in a good search engine to see the photos that should have been in the book. You'll find not only great color photos of Dr. Nielsen, but wonderful others that show life at the pole - and good closeups of other "polies." Plus, great background info and commentary from others who wintered at the pole the same year as Dr. N. These photos illuminate some of the events that took place there, such as parties, etc. 3. Not enough info on why wintering at the Pole is worth risking people's lives. And was ASA's support and contingency planning adequate? 4. Pretty well written, but as another reviewer pointed out, editing slightly remiss because of repetition of some details..."didn't I just read that a few pages ago?" On balance, reading this book was a great adventure for me to share vicariously.
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).
<< 1 >>
| 
