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!
Rating:
Summary: A Candid Look at a true Mission Impossible
Review: Having Breast Cancer is bad enough, Having to be a doctor and treat that breast cancer is worse, but being stuck in Antartica while all of this is happening is the worst. Jerri writes a wonderful memoir about that time on Antartica, without holding back anything. I loved this book. It showed the triumph of the human spirit in the real world.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely great!
Review: I am not what one would refer to as a heavy reader, but my wife is and after she told me about the subject of this book I took a shot. This is indeed one of the finest books I have ever read. To experience the adventure of these brave people, and especially this fantastic "Doc", even vicariously, was a thill. Once started I could not put it down; well, actually I did, but only three sittings and it was done. Not only is Doc's experience great, but the way its written is also great as the story is told so realistically!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful true story
Review: I listened to the audio tape during my long commute, and the two-hours+ a day never flew by so fast. The pyschological drama of the "winter-overs" on the South Pole is mesmerizing, all the more so because it's non-fiction. Jerri's first-person narrative describes a motley group of people who rely on each other for survival so completely that it drives home the basics of what it means to be a member of the human race. Even without the ugly specter of cancer looming, this book had to be written to show exactly how ordinary people can come together under extraordinary circumstances. I liked that Jerri read the text herself. The little breaks in her voice ocassionally (not often) reinforce the humanity of the story and offset the clinical delivery of a doctor and scientist reporting the facts (although the facts themselves are fascinating.) I could have done without all the personal detail at the beginning about the bad marriage, though I understand why she included it. But hang in there: when she gets to the Pole, the account is riveting.
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: 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: Brave Woman, So-So Book
Review: It's interesting that so many reviewers accuse those writing a negative review of not reading the book, but criticicizing the person. I think many of those raving about the book are doing the same thing--they admire Jerri's bravery and pluck so much that they don't notice the book's flaws. The first few chapters are truly fascinating, and although I too wonder about the other side (if there is one) of the divorce saga, Jerri comes off as likable and perceptive. However, the book is overlong, and after a while, everything becomes monotonous. The first time "Big" John and "Tool Time Tim" (everyone has a nickname on the pole) fix the generator, it's interesting. The third or fourth, it's like, been there, done that. Also, the numerous e-mails printed verbatim gets a bit tiresome. There's hardly any prose at all in the last few chapters. I guess that's understandable--Jerri probably didn't remember too much of those months. and the e-mails might be all she has to go on. I recommend this book to those with an interest in arctic adventures or breast cancer, but as a general interest story, it lags a bit towards the end.
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: 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: Life on the Ice with Cancer
Review: The plot of Ice Bound is very good. It was very informative about a lot of the effects of chemotherapy and cancer. Dr. Jerri Nielsen did a very good job on desribing what it was like to live on the Ice. She also did a good job on desribing cancer and other medical terminology without being too technical. That way, people who are not doctors can still follow the book. I thought it was very interesting how she and others were able to come together when she need it most.
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