Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: At times I wasn't sure if this book was about the Yukon Quest race or the author mourning the loss of the great white north.There wasn't enough detail about the race, perhaps because Balazar didn't run the race... he hopped from checkpoint to checkpoint and drank beer. Now that's racing!
Rating: 
Summary: 3+ stars; good read, tackling both dogs and politics
Review: Balzar takes the reader behind the scenes and behind the sled, without getting mired in "technical speak" and superfelous jargon. A good blend of analysis and attitude. Having lived in Alaska for 10 years, I can say his take on social cliques, animal rights/dog mushers and the PFD are right on the money. While self-absorbed at times, the book nonetheless captures the "essence" of a lifestyle and a race. Having covered the race on three occassions for a radio station, I can say Balzar is never off-target, and even manages to hit a few bullseyes.
Rating:
Summary: 3+ stars; good read, tackling both dogs and politics
Review: Balzar takes the reader behind the scenes and behind the sled, without getting mired in "technical speak" and superfelous jargon. A good blend of analysis and attitude. Having lived in Alaska for 10 years, I can say his take on social cliques, animal rights/dog mushers and the PFD are right on the money. While self-absorbed at times, the book nonetheless captures the "essence" of a lifestyle and a race. Having covered the race on three occassions for a radio station, I can say Balzar is never off-target, and even manages to hit a few bullseyes.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Job in describing a tough race
Review: Bought the book for Father's day for my husband who loves outdoors, hunting, etc. He was visibly pleased as he read and I knew it was a serious read when the TV didn't come on as usual. He got a whole new idea of what the dogs were like. Don't think he is going riding on a sled!
Rating: 
Summary: he couldn't put it down!
Review: Bought the book for Father's day for my husband who loves outdoors, hunting, etc. He was visibly pleased as he read and I knew it was a serious read when the TV didn't come on as usual. He got a whole new idea of what the dogs were like. Don't think he is going riding on a sled!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful characters, fascinating lifestyle
Review: Enjoyed the book and the intimate views of the people and lifestyle that create the dog sled culture. Set on the background of the Alaska/ Yukon north filled with excitement and scenes of the northern lights. This book is heart pounding and heart filling.
Rating:
Summary: Yukon Alone
Review: I can't imagine a book that could describe the Yukon Quest any better. Balzar captures the race, the mushers, and the country just perfect. There are times when he puts you on the trail with your own team as you feel the thrills and spills! A must read for anyone interested in dog mushing and the north country.
Rating:
Summary: Rude author can't figure out why he looses his friends
Review: I give it one star for the topic and his interest in it. I give him another star for actually being able to write decent prose. However, I can't muster any more sympathy from there. Two incidents come to mind: 1. He decries the race sponsor's press squad from Europe about not being interested in a native village in the Yukon. Later he's singing various things to a dog team, and spells out a military "morale chant" that is so profaine towards Eskimo women that I can't even repeat it here. 2. He ditches his volunteer responsibilities, then talks a bush pilot (who has already declaired conditions unsafe) into taking him to town from a remote cabin. The officials had counted on the plane to get a trail crew mechanic and 2 dogs out. The author has the gall to approach the incident as funny, and is bemused when a race official is aggrivated because the dogs don't show up. Reason for the trip: he had a girlfriend driving out to meet him. And he can't figure out why some people wouldn't talk to him any more, including the race official mentioned in #2. Wow. Save your money, get "Tracks Across Alaska"- the writing is better, the history presented is richer, and the author ends up making more friends than he looses.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent escape from the busy city
Review: I really enjoyed the book. The emotions this book brings out make it well worth the read. My puppy "Rugby" may soon have some siblings on the way, siblings that pull sleds. A must read for anyone who likes dogs and/or travel/adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Great writing to much swearing!
Review: John Balsar can write that's for sure, but I think he needs to cut out some of the swearing. A little ok, but to much is just filler. One person in particular whom I know pesonally does not swear like he makes them out to. Some of the comments also that he makes about individuals, does he not realize could get them in trouble legally. The next book though please think about the reprocutions for the people you write about. Four stars for the swearing. All in all great book though. Thank you for letting me review.
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