Wonderful and Inspiring Story
I picked up this book last weekend and once I started reading, could not put it down! As someone fascinated with the arctic life and the Inuit people, this book seemed like something that would be of interest. I had no idea just how good a read it would be.
At one point the author reminded me of the "Into the Wild" fate of an ill-prepared young man out to live off the land in Alaska. The author tells of meeting polar bears her first day out . . . frostbite (also after her first day) . . . and if it weren't for her Inuit dog Charlie, she would have surely met an early defeat.
If you like stories of the north . . . women of courage . . . or a great human/dog bonding experience . . . Polar Dream will keep you engaged and cheering them on.
Book Club review
Our Book Club selected this Memoir of Helen Thayer's solo trek for our March selection in keeping with National Women's History Month. It was absolutely a great find; an exceptionally interesting read. The books, being out of print, were used and ordered here at Amazon; they were inexpensive, promptly delivered, and in excellent shape, like new - and to our great surprise - were signed by Thayer and "Charlie", her guardian angel dog. We highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and a quick but fascinating read.
I don't want to take a team of dogs...
That's what Helen Thayer said when the natives told her she needed a dog team for protection against polar bears. They said you won't hear the bears when they sneak up on your tent at night. She said she'd take just one and that one was Charlie. And, wow what a dog...not used to humans...not a pet, but a bear dog. Luckily they bonded quickly and he not only saved her life more than once, he also became her beloved friend.
All of her books are great reads and this one is at the top of the list.
Amazing story
I have not actually read this book, but today I listened to the author present the story in person while showing some of the pictures that she took during the journey. It is nothing short of remarkable to witness the sheer determination that made her success possible.
Of course, determination was less than half the battle. Thayer explained that it took her two years of meticulous planning and rigorous training to prepare for every possible contingency she might encounter on the journey. Clearly she could not have hoped to succeed without such detailed and thoughtful preparation.
This story certainly inspired my respect and admiration, not only for the power of the mind to carry us beyond perceived limitations, but also in response to the human-canine connection which was pivotal to the successful completion of the journey. It is heartwarming to hear of the bond that developed between Thayer and Charlie as one sustained the other through the various hardships they encountered.
Comments on "Polar dream"
A great book! It is so exciting that it is very difficult to put it down! After reading it, I ordered a total of 10 copies as presents for relatives and friends.
