North to the Night : A Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic

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Summary: Alvah writes a spectacular and sweeping tale
Review: Alvah writes a spectacular and sweeping tale wherein he forces himself to experience all that there is to experence in his surroundings. We could all learn so much from this investigation of not simply this man, but of all humanity as he struggles to survive alone in the Arctic night.

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Summary: Great Adventure Story
Review: "North to the Night" would be a great true adventure story even if it were written only as a mere chronology of a fantastic trip to the high arctic. It is more than that. Fortunately, the author saw fit to weave the story of his own intra and interpersonal "voyages" into the narrative itself. For those, unfortunately, who are unable to indentify with his virtual despair on returning to "civiization" after thirteen years of sailing adventures or his obsession to spend a year virtually alone in the high artic, such intimate personal discussions might seem bizarre or self-serving. I found it all fascinating. So, too, with his discussions of the Inuit and the Arctic environment itself. Sensitive, insightful and, like the book as a whole, beautifully written. I have for years been a fan of sailing adventure stories and have read many. This is one of the best. I only hope his next book is not too far off.

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Summary: A totally engrossing book!
Review: I was completely caught up in this book from start to finish. I wish I personally knew the author, his wife, and his cat - and I wonder how life is for them now that the grand adventure is over. This is a book about ways to live life that everyone should read. I can't understand why it isn't on the bestseller list all year long!

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Summary: Just awesome
Review: This book has made a real impression. I also heard his lecture and saw the slide show. I am ordering it for others. It is just powerful in its style and subject matter.

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Summary: A well planed adventure not many could even contemplate
Review: A truly fascinating recounting of an exploration one would think out of tune in these 1990's. I followed the whole adventure useing my National Geographics Atlas and learned much of geography, sailing and the Inuit people. Even Halifax, the cat, became a true important crew member on Alvah and Diana's odyssey.

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Summary: I literally couldn't put it down!
Review: I began reading on a Saturday afternoon and found myself in the same chair, book in hand, at 2:00 in the morning. This is an extraordinarily compelling story beautifully told. I know a lot more about sailing now, but I have learned far more about life. This is one of those rare books that have you wishing the author had written twenty more. I loved it!

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Summary: Required reading for anyone who is alive
Review: Read this book! It is an outstanding account of the author's trip to the Artic, but it is much more than that. It is about life itself. It is about relationships, spirituality, and high drama. Not to be missed!!!

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Summary: Captivating combination of adventure, anthropology and angst
Review: Simon explains with lucidity the rationale of "Because it's there." This journal of adventure, anthropology and angst captures the spirit of self-seeking which drives many to pursue death-defying dreams that test their wills against the natural elements. Yet, Simon's narrative is filled with the history and humanity of the Inuit who thrive in the Arctic. A captivating story of determination.

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Summary: Ego lost in the vastness of wilderness nary deserves pity
Review: All these years Paul Theroux has reigned supreme as curmudgeon of adventure/travel tales, until now. Simon challenges Theroux as the most arrogant, self-centered, chauvantistic, stump-headed fool to be in a cool spot and have a good story to tell.

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Summary: Makes you want to sit in front of a blazing fire.
Review: An incredible adventure that left me speechless. The one incident that left me slightly skeptical was Alvah's description of standing face to face with the polar bear after laying his gun down. How could anyone who had planned and executed so well have done something so foolish.