Editorial Review

In 1989, Deborah Shapiro and Rolf Bjelke willingly set sail for a land of ice and snow. Their goal (reminiscent of the Age of Exploration): to captain a 40-foot sailboat, the Read more

Reviews (9)

Sail to Antarctica
An incredble journey. Nice to read
This is a very interesting book.I was amazed with their strength to accomplish their dream. The only negative aspect is that the book sometimes has a lot of details and it lacks more details about their day to day activities.

A little slow, but overall a good book.
While I can't quite share the enthusiasm of several of the other reviewers (Viking spirit and all that), I thought this was a solid book and enjoyable to read.It generally moves along at a slow pace, but this is to be expected given the nature of the trip.Accounts alternate from Deborah's view to Rolf's.Of the two, Deborah is the slightly better writer and she sometimes hits on long bouts of excellent descriptions of everything from the weather to their mood.Rolf's writing is more technical but provides a decent balance to Deborah's.This may not be hardcore, edge-of-your-seat adventure (though there are tense moments), but it's a good bet for anyone interested in long distance sailing, Antartica, polar environmentalism, or any combination of these. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Northern Light (Yacht)    4. Polar Regions    5. Sailing - Narratives    6. Sports    7. Travel - General    8. Active outdoor pursuits    9. Geographical discovery & exploration    10. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (7)

Original and a fun read
For every scientist stationed in Antarctica, there are five support crew including dish washers and trash men. Luckily for us the author, Nicholas Johnson, was among them.
Having been there...
Having spent 12 years working "on ice" and at every US Station and Ice Breaker, I can say this: Johnson has only scratched the surface on the lunacy, idiocy and buerocratic hell the US Antarctic program has become.
You will enjoy this book.I promise.
Big Dead Place is a great combination of Antarctic history and Antarctic humor.It's fascinating to see that a place that could be described as an icy hell has somehow become a beaurocratic one as well.While the tone of the book is lighthearted, with an emphasis on humor, it's clear that Johnson cares deeply about Antarctica.This book gave me a great insight into Antarctica, one that I doubt I could have gotten elsewhere; it did so whilst being funny!If you get this book, you will be entertained and you will learn something about what is probably the strangest place on the planet.I can't recommend it highly enough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Discovery And Exploration (General)    3. Expeditions & Discoveries    4. History    5. History: World    6. Polar Regions    7. Public Policy    8. Public Policy - General    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Antarctica    11. Social Science / Popular Culture    12. Travel / Polar Regions    13. True Stories   

Reviews (3)

Good material, presentation problematic
This is one of the latest guides on ice climbing.It therefore covers the most modern techniques, is up to date with equipment, and has great color photos.Written by Will Gadd it definitely has the flair of an individual author, reads more like a pro's guide than a technical reference.The type of material covered and order is great.However, the editing of this guide is severely lacking.It suffers from incorrect captions, bad figure references, transposed terms (convex vs concave) and complex procedures described in steps that tend to get you lost in confusion rather than clarify.
Great for Beginner / Intermediates
Written in thoughtful and lively fashion, Gadd distills his 20 years of collected wisdom into 230 pages. Discussions on tools, technique, nutrition, training are all useful - this is a book for the aspiring ice warrior as well as the climber with a few seasons under his / her belt. The constant Red Bull pimping gets a bit distracting but a guy has to pay the bills, afterall. Highly recommended.

Improve Your Ice Climbing Technique
This is simply the best book on ice climbing technique you will find.That's a broad statement, but you'll agree that Will Gadd has done an outstanding job presenting the information in this book. He starts out at a very basic level and proceeds to cover everything from climbing easy ice to mixed climbing. The book offers many tips and tricks as well as stresses the need for safety.There are even a few "war stories" thrown in for your reading enjoyment.The material is presented in an easy-to-read and enjoyable fashion.This book is destined to become the "Bible" of ice climbing technique.From beginner to expert you'll probably find something in this book that will help you improve your technique.A MUST addition to your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Snow and ice climbing    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Winter Sports    7. Climbing & mountaineering   

Reviews (9)

Read the book, then decide
It's just amazing to me that people would actually rate a book without reading it! Blows me away! You can always tell an innovative method when the those representing the institutions feel threatened. Anyway this is a great book--fun,easy to read and to put into practice. I've given it to pros and beginners and they've all gotten something very new from it.

Warning - vulgar language and a focus on Zen and Metaphysics
This book could have been a winner, but unfortunately the author distracts and distorts his snowboard knowledge with unnecessary vulgar language and continual illusions to eastern religion.Another problem with this book is that the author enjoys being untraditional to the point of creating new terminology and changing well established terminology such as with the term, "goofy-foot", he coins a new term which is not mainstream.It is a mistake to bypass the standard terms when learning to snowboard because it will be very difficult to talk snowboarding with other boarders if you don't know mainstream the lingo.The author refuses to accept that falling is a part of this sport.He refuses to see the value in the "falling leaf" technique, and then coins a new term for "his" falling leaf technique.The author has a lot of knowledge, but the vulgar language, the Zen and constant striving with mainstream snowboarding get old quick.After reading part of the book, I ended up discarding it because of the language and constant focus on Zen instead of snowboarding technique.

May be ok for beginners
I initially picked up this book while I was snowboarding in Vail. I checked out the table of contents and quickly flipped to one of the latter chapters (maybe even the last). There I read a short bit about the difference between your right brain and your left brain and how that relates to your confidence snowboarding. Due to that little bit, I decided to give this book a shot. It seemed interesting.
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Subjects:  1. Skiing - General    2. Snowboarding    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Training    6. Winter Sports    7. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (13)

No match for Paulsen
Every once in a while we go up to Ely, MN, and spend a day or so dogsledding.So, prior to this year's trip, I bought a few books on the Iditarod and mushing in general.
A must read
I thought the book was well written - I read at every opportunity, even my lunch time at work!I'm from South Africa, where winter day temperatures hover around 15 deg C (59 F) and I've seen snow maybe twice in my life, but this story was written in such a way that I'm burning to try mushing myself!Imagine that!I've ordered other books on mushing which, I'm hoping, will convince me that I shouldn't be so crazy. a lot safer than taking on the iditarod yourself
This is far from the best-written non-fiction book I have ever read.The journalist's experience writing in the shorter form of articles shows through in the disjointed feel of much of the narrative.This is still well worth the read if you have any interest in Alaska, mushing, or man's working relationship with dogs.Even without those interests you may well find the book enjoyable.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Biography    3. General    4. Iditarod (Race)    5. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Alaska    6. Mushers    7. Nature/Ecology    8. O'Donoghue, Brian    9. Sled dog racing    10. Special Interest - Adventure    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Travel    13. United States - West - Pacific (General)    14. Winter Sports    15. Humor / General    16. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race,   

Reviews (1)

Everything you would like to know and see
Great book including history, geology and fauna of antarctica. Excellent photographs. Very recommendable book for a cheap price for everyone who is interested in the blue continent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Earth Sciences - Geography    3. General    4. Natural history    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. Polar Regions    8. Reference    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Nature / Reference   

Reviews (3)

...wet suit, wax, board, footprint guide...
Just the quite simply the best guide around. Detailed information on all the best accomodation. Great knowledgable detail on the local breaks and conditions. Fab little extras, like stuff to do if there's no surf, such an awesome and really useful touch.
This book is very good
Perhaps the best book of it's kind. It's better than the Stormrider's Guide to Europe because of it's attention to details and a huge wealth of useful information aside from just surfing -- airlines, car rentals. detailed maps and other travel info. Also, the book is very well laid out with fantastic iconography. The only thing I wished it had was a chart for the wave heights of each region based on the months. I'm surprised this book does not have a wave height chart, because it has a chart for everything else. Overall, I highly recommend this book.

European Surf Bible
This book is awesome! It not only has more breaks than the Stormrider, it also has all the best places to stay, eat and drink. It has advice from top surfers, excellent maps so you can actually find the breaks, and what weather charts to look out for! I picked this book up in London and spent the summer travelling round Europe. I scored some amazing waves and this book saved me a fortune in gas driving to the right spots at the right time.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Special Interest - General    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Travel    5. Water Sports    6. Europe    7. Sports & Recreation / Water Sports    8. Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing   

Reviews (1)

Any avid snow visitor will find this guide to the top European resorts compelling and useful
Any avid snow visitor will find this guide to the top European resorts compelling and useful, picking the top 50 of such resorts for close inspection. 'Close' means that details include overviews of instruction, schools and academies, descriptions of resort mountains and ability ranges, tips on events, accommodation, and eating out nearby: in short, everything a planner needs to make the most out of snow season in Europe.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - General    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Europe    5. Skiing    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

A very fine book
For any one who loves Antarctica andice, this is a wonderful book, written by one of the world's foremostglaciologists.

A very fine book
For any one who loves Antarctica andice, this is a wonderful book, written by one of the world's foremostglaciologists. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antarctica    2. Biography    3. Discovery And Exploration (General)    4. Discovery and exploration    5. Explorers    6. Great Britain    7. History - General History    8. Polar Regions    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Swithinbank, Charles    11. Western Europe - General    12. Geographical discovery & exploration    13. Switzerland--History--20th century   

Reviews (1)

A highly recommended story of fulfilling one's dreams.
Libby Riddles' Storm Run is a picturebook of the exciting true story of the first woman to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Storm Run is the story of fulfilling one's dream, daring freezing treasures and bonding with loyal sled dogs. Wonderfully illustrated by Shannon Cartwright with soft, full-color artwork, Storm Run is an especially recommended giftbook for young girls nurturing their own dreams. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventure & Adventurers    2. Alaska    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Girls & Women    8. Iditarod (Race)    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Mushers    12. Riddles, Libby    13. Sports & Recreation - Winter Sports    14. Women mushers   

Reviews (5)

Not just for hockey fans.
A tragic tale well told. This book is a fitting tribute to the memory of Dan Snyder and the way his parents forgave Danny Heatley for his death.

More than a hockey book ...
The title of my review says it all, this is more than a hockey book ... it's more of a book that plumbs the depths of human emotions and explores the ties that bind young men. Yes, hockey is the background, but it easily could've been about other subjects.
Well worth it
This is a great book. I'm not a huge hockey fan but I felt awful about this tragedy. This book describes the family's amazing ability to forgive, despite such a tragic loss. I enjoyed the sneak peak into what goes on among teammates and seeing the more personal side of hockey. Very well written. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Hockey - General    3. Ice Hockey    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Sports & Recreation / Hockey   

Reviews (2)

Fascinating collection for the Arctic fanatic
All I can say is that, this is a beautiful picture volume that I am proud of owning for my Arctic book collection.Not only you will find lots of information regarding this polar region, you will also find numerous colour photos from the Canadian Archipelago islands, Greenland, some of Iceland, Norway, Svalbard (Norway), and Russia to name a few.There are also pictures from Lapland Scandinavia and Russia.This book not only reveals the beauty of the barren landscapes and ice, it also shows both human and animal life that survive such harsh climates. Beautiful Book
This is a beautiful picture book of the diversity of the Arctic. Photos range from the standard icebergs and igloos to scenes which are common in the arctic but uncommon in books - fields of arctic flowers and inuuits asthey really live, not just the tourist version.There is a fair amount oftext with some good information but the photos are its strong point.I gotthis book before a trip to the arctic and when I returned I appreciated iteven more. I even sent a copy to a friend who was with me on the trip andhe loved it as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arctic regions    2. General    3. History - General History    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Polar Regions   

Reviews (15)

Introspective Bode
I've just finished reading Bode's book after reading the Herminator's auto biography and what struck meis the difference each of them views their life, surroundings, and the meaning of it all.Whereas both exude confidence and a common vitriol to the hounding press and media, Bode comes across as introspective, self admittedly shy, compared to the all confident, all conquering Maier.
Have fun, be bad, be the Bodiest
This is a really interesting quick read.Bode is a fascinating character.The first 53 pages of the book mention little about ski racing and focus instead on Bode's family background and outdoors lifestyle.He comes from a clan of rugged outdoors maverick.The press has described his lifestyle as austere, growing up in a cabin in the woods with no electricity or running hot water.In the book, Bode describes his childhood in enchanting ways.He had a freedom to explore nature, and experience the elements.He loved every minute.Every moment was an opportunity to be challenged and have fun.He never had time to be bored or watch TV.So, it did not matter that he did not have one.
Bode is the best
I think Bode is a truly great role model for anyone. He's about the happiest guy I've ever heard of, and he doesn't sugarcoat anything. His book really encouraged me to knuckle down in life and in my sport (long-distance running, in case you cared) and he deserves all the success he gets. Plus he's really funny (I loved the bit about Canadians apologizing for knocking into furniture, cuz my partner is Canadian) and although I hate this word with a passion, inspiring.
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Subjects:  1. 1977-    2. Alpine Skiing    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. Miller, Bode,    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Skiers    11. Skiing - General    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Hockey - General    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (35)

Makes you want to hug your mutt
This book is not just for adventure readers, but for anyone who has a dog.The real heroes in the book are the dogs, with their selfless determination and spirit.I was amazed by the fortitude of the men in the trek to save a town's population.I would have enjoyed more narration on the actual trek itself, but the author does a great job with supporting information leading up to and after the events that this book is about.

Extremely well done
This is a fascinating book with exceptional detail. The story of the dogsled delivery of of cruicial vaccine/anti-toxin was in itself amazing, but the history and examination of all the contributing factors (from people to dogs to weather) took the story to a higher level.There is a LOT of detail covered - but it is nicely written and chronologically well-placed within the context of the rescue story-line.It adds great dimension.
FOR ALL DOGS LOVERS, HERE IS A GREAT STORY
This is a wonderful written account about the courage and endurance of some wondeful dogs and their drivers.
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Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Diphtheria    3. Epidemics    4. Forensic Medicine    5. General    6. History    7. History: World    8. Infectious And Parasitic Diseases    9. Medical / Nursing    10. Nome    11. Sled dogs    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. United States Local History   

Reviews (5)

A Beautiful Collector's book
This is more of a collector's book than an informative book--what's in the movie is exactly in this book. However, there's an interesting section about making the film--the penguins were very curious about the camera! This has a beautiful cover and beautiful pictures. If you loved this film as much as I do, get it! The only problem is, some of the panoramic shots are grainy, and you have to hold the book out to see a smooth picture. I knocked a star of for that.

Penguins march from the pages in full color
Luc Jacquet's MARCH OF THE PENGUINS (0792261828, $30.00) was a surprise movie hit, attracting many audiences who didn't particularly care about penguins or nature films. Narration written by Jordan Roberts accompanies vivid color photos by Jerome Maison in a movie companion book filled with full-page vivid color. Both are top picks for general-interest libraries.
Amazing
This book brings the movie, and indeed the penguins, to life.It is a pleasure to read and to get lost in the beauty of Anarctica and the amazing feats of the penguins.I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Arctic Islands And Antarctica - History    3. Birds & Birdwatching - General    4. Emperor penguin    5. Individual Species Of Birds    6. Movie / TV Tie-Ins    7. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    8. Nature    9. Nature/Ecology    10. Penguins    11. Pictorial works    12. Polar Regions    13. Antarctica    14. Nature / General    15. Wild animals   

Reviews (11)

Excellent winter backcountry advice
The author and illustrator know lots about the backcountry and provide tons of useful information on winter skiing.Even if you've spent much time yourself skiing in the backcountry, you'll find tips here that will make you wonder why you hadn't been doing things that way all along.

The best winter camping guide ever?
There are two types of winter campers: those who have this book and those who need it.Perhaps if you are very very experienced you don't need it but otherwise, get it!Allen wrote a short, but information full book, that is easy and fun to read quickly and jamn packed with a mix of basic functional knowledge, extra tidbits that are good to know, and all kinds of little tricks he has discovered over the years.

Cool book on cool weather camping
Well, I just panned a different book and said don't waste your money so now its time to even the score.Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills    2. Parks & Campgrounds    3. Skiing - General    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Travel    6. Skiing    7. Sports & Recreation / Skiing   

Reviews (2)

best NA surfing book ever
this book is great for a travelling surfer to and around north america this book provides everything from how surf is created swell forecasting info and a list and info for every spot from florida to alaska to baja to nova scoatia. get this book if you are having a surf vacation to the us or are just curious about surfing in north america

1st and only comprehensive guide to surfing North America
This book explains how waves are formed, provides information on forecasting surf conditions, and provides insider information into surf culture.It will help beginners get a clue on how things work in the water and provide those of us with experience the ability to travel outside of familiar territory to explore new spots. Ideal conditions are listed for every break in North America: ideal swell direction, wind direction, swell size, type of break (beach, reef, river mouth, point break, etc), and more. Read more

Subjects:  1. North America    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Water Sports    5. Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

After watching a figure-skating performance, do you ever wonder what just happened on the ice? The skater supposedly executed a flawless double Salchow and triple Lutz, among other things, and then the judges posted a bunch of numbers. Maybe you need help from the Dummies. Written by 1992 Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi (with a foreword by Scott Hamilton), Read more

Reviews (21)

Awesome book!Very well written by a champ!
This book was not only extremely informative but it was written with a fun, light tone that made reading enjoyable.Everything was very user friendly and never, at any given time, was I slightly confused or bored.Great book for skaters (because secrets are revealed) and non-skaters (who always wondered about the names of things, how certain moves are done, etc.).

Dummies?
The title might just as well be "Ice skating for aspiring professionals."In any case, a wonderful book about skating, well written and clear.I saw the chart on the Axel and thought, "Oh!It's just a waltz jump with a full turn at the end.Wow!I can do that!"Fortunately, I haven't attempted that yet. I'd have to be a dummy to try.Knees are nice. (BTW I'm well over 13 y.o.)

Good reading, although the judging system has changed
This is a great book for fans of the sport, but especially those armchair fans who know nothing about the elements but want to appreciate the finer points of this lovely sport. An explanation of the jumps and spins, plus how a program is put together and an overview of the rules, make this an entertaining and useful tool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Figure skating    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Ice & Figure Skating    4. Ice Skating    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Ice-skating   

Reviews (2)

Flexibility - yes!Fitness and conditioning - not really...
It is well established that stretching improves agility and quickness of skiers. Resistance exercises strengthen the muscles, but they also shorten them. Stretching makes muscles longer again. This leads to flexibility (greater range of motion in the joints) which allows to get the most out of your training program and helps to ski longer, in better control, with less fatigue. Many books in the past emphasized primarily physical training during off-season period. In the last few years, flexibility and stretches got increasingly large attention. This book is entirely focused on stretches. It contains a well-illustrated 10-20 minute warm-up and stretching routine, and several additional excersises to improve balance. The exercises are very easy, and can be done, e.g., in the morning before work. They help to wake up and to feel better. Additionally, there is a section on warm-up and stretches recommended for the slopes before skiing (partly with the skis on), and a few exercises on skis to improve balance. A trainer gets trained
I'm a personal trainer working in a New York City gym and when a client of mine wanted some exercises for his favorite sport, I did a search and found this book.It has been excellent.All I needed to tailor a program for him, and even exercises he can do on the mountain in full gear.Clear, honest and effective.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alpine Skiing    2. Athletic Training And Conditioning    3. Exercise    4. Skiing    5. Skiing - General    6. Skis and skiing    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Stretching exercises    10. Training    11. Fitness training    12. Sports & Recreation / Skiing