Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Mr. Paulsen shares a life expierence with the reader that not only inspires but also carries the reader from page to page with eagerness and interest. I think the book is very helpful for anyone who is interested in dog racing; it indicates the dedication necessary to facilite a team to run a race of this magnitude. Buy this book if you are interested in dog racing, alaska, adventure, excitement, or a good story. Excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: Laugh till you cry and be inspired by the same book
Review: I had heard bad things about the Iditarod race so decided to read this book to find out more. If you love dog stories and stories of tremendous human effort don't miss this book. I laughed until I cried at Gary's escapades in training his dogs. I now appreciate the intense bond these people have with their dogs and how the health of the dogs is of the greatest importance to both the mushers and the people running the race. I am in awe of the individuals who train and attempt to complete this event and came away from this book inspired by the story. Treat yourself to a few good laughs and a tale of human triumph you won't soon forget.

Rating:
Summary: You must be crazy to run the Iditarod!
Review: This book is written very concisely. The training for the Iditarod and the race itself is the true story, so the concise writing style works nicely. I finished reading this book and was left in awe of those who run the race and also in awe of the dogs. Incredible!!! If you liked "Into Thin Air" (story of the Everest climb) you will also love "Winterdance." In fact, I enjoyed "Winterdance" more (probably because I love dogs).

Rating:
Summary: I Ran the Iditarod and I All I Got Was This Belt Buckle.....
Review: This is a great book. One would wonder how much there would be to say about running a group of sled dogs in a race. Paulsen never makes it tiring. He has an incredible sense of humility coupled with a wild sense of humor. He makes you understand why he had to run this race and why he kept on, when most people would not. Some of his more humorous lessons include, how not to deal with a skunk and encounters with "the devil". He uses a lot of profanity and yet I was surprised how natural Paulsen's prose was. His language is very much matter of fact, like what you see is what you get. I didn't feel like I was reading a book by a famous author, I felt like I was talking to a favorite neighbor over the fence. I was reminded of the search for "Zen" while reading this book and I realized that Paulsen found his in the Arctic. It is ironic how Paulsen describes the Iditarod experience as indescribable and yet in this book, he proceeds to do just that. The story is like one of his dog sleds being pulled in the Iditarod. He has no control over when the sled stops. His brakes are useless. He is compelled to keep moving forward until circumstances beyond his control end the ride for him and for us. It is a sudden and jarring stop, just when the pace seemed to be going so well. It catches you by surprise and adds to your sadness that you can't help but share with Paulsen.

Rating:
Summary: A compelling adventure read
Review: You needn't love dogs or profess an interest in the Iditarod to love this wonderful adventure book. It engages better than most 'page-turners'. The writing style is as crisp and clean as the cold wilderness he evokes so well. When you are done you will have a glimpse into the beauty and challenge that motivates the participants to attempt this most grueling of races.

Rating:
Summary: Winterdance is No Snowjob!
Review: Gary Paulsen has a succinct style of writing not unlike Steinbeck. He will pull you into the book at the first chapter, and you'll be sorry when the story ends. Find out the details of what it takes to run in the greatest Alaska race of of all. He will have you rolling on the floor with his true antics of 'training' hellish sled dogs from Canada, and learning how to maneuver a sled - on dry land! This is the inside story of combating the violent extremes in weather, and the lonliness and pleasures of being on a trail. Few people ever take this trip - take it with Paulsen and hang on for the ride. I gave this book to everyone in my family for Christmas - it's a keeper!

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I thought this book would bore me. I now give this book as a gift to any friend or relative I meet who has not read it yet. I have bought at least 10 copies for gifts. They all say the same thing "WOW". One of my co-workers told me while she was staying with relatives she snuck into the bathroom late at night to keep reading and found herself laughing out loud in the bathroom by herself. Being fond of adventure stories and comedy, this book is by far the best I have ever read on both subjects. I have a hard time now reading, since I expect the same entertainment value I got from Winterdance in other books. It has history, comedy, spiritual awakening, adventure and suspense. It makes you think twice about your own choices in life. It reads easy and fast and it's over too quick. I too have read this book twice.

Rating:
Summary: Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod
Review: This book will bring fear, excitement and wonder. But most of all, in many places, it may be one of the funniest book I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: Funniest book I have ever read!
Review: There I was, sitting next to my husband, reading "Winterdance", and all of a sudden I would break out laughing uproariously! My husband would look over at me and say, 'now what"? So then I would try to tell him about the episode I was reading, and sometimes I couldn't get it all out because I was laughing so hard. Finally, after many outbursts by me, he said he wanted to read it when I was finished. Of course, he got hooked and also agreed with me that it IS the funniest book we have read. I went out and bought 6 copies to give as holiday gifts last year. So we have turned many friends and family members into Gary Paulsen book readers. Paulsen's descriptions of the predicaments he would get into with the training and running of his dogs are so vivid, you feel as though you are there with him, and can't stop laughing. I highly recommend this to adults, as well as children - it is an easy read - and a book you will want to read again!

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE GARY PAULSEN AND THE IDITAROD
Review: This was an excilliant book. It captured my mind and took me to Alaska. I felt as if i was Gary and was running in the Iditarod. I would have to encourage you to read this book. I'm a 12 year old girl and have been to Alaska twice. I stayed with Peryll Kyzer. She runs in the Iditarod. She gave me the book. With Gary Paulson and me loving the Iditarod and Alaska, it gave me the feeling I had to read this book. When I started I could'nt stop I fell in love. This book made me realize who I am. Someday I too hope to run in the Iditarod. Also I would advise all of you to go to alaska. Words can't describe it.