Rating: 
Summary: Breathtaking -- in both scene and spirit
Review: Undoubtedly one of THE best books I've read in my 30+ years - Alvah Simon paints a brilliant, raw picture of adventure and challenge in the grip of the Arctic. His storytelling is as riveting as his story, and I sacrificed many many things for reading time with him.
Rating:
Summary: Searching for one's soul
Review: Magnificently written, Alvah Simon's riveting account of an Arctic winter spent alone is a wonderful demonstration of the strength of man's will when put to the test. With only a kitten as a companion, Simon delves into the deepest reaches of the human psyche in his search for spiritual meaning and definition. Simon delivers a compelling tale of encounters with monstrous blizzards, temporary blindness, polar bears, and the inspirational Inuit people, all the while slowly creeping towards insanity. His survival and salvation lie with the sole desire to see his wife, Diana. A pleasure and thrill to read, Simon reveals his personal philosophy on the meaning of life, parting the Arctic night with only a 36' sailboat, a cat, and his inner being.
Rating:
Summary: Romance, Passion, Travel, Humor, and Hardship!
Review: This book has it all. I could not put it down until I had gotten all the way through. This is one of the most satisfying travel books I have ever read. It is definitely the best book about Arctic travel on the market!
Rating:
Summary: Opened my eyes to a new land...
Review: The adventure that the author embarks on is, of itself, quite extraordinary. It is an adventure with a huge amount of risk, and a challenge consisting of a more philisophical and mental nature. Aside from the adventure aspect, the details of such an expedition, and the magnification of the thin line between life and death was enthralling. Although the writing is good, I wish that there were more pictures in the book. There are just some scenes in nature that words cannot describe, and I know that the beauty of the Arctic is one of these. Pictures are truly the only way to capture the harsh, fantastic, and unique landscapes of the upper latitudes of our planet.I was so very appreciative of the authors attempts to give the reader insight into the native peoples who endure in such a difficult and bleak setting. It is so refreshing to see into the lives of people so adapted to their environment, and living so harmoniously with nature. I hope that the infringemnet of modern living, doesn't leave it's indelable footprint on the culture of these wonderful people. A good book, and really remarkable adventure.
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