Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

5 Responses to “Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod”

1. barb says:

   July 11, 2010 at 10:41 pm

   The book arrived in very poor condition and shouldn’t even have sold, rather, it should have been thrown out. I learned a valuable lesson on this transaction. It only cost .21 but I paid #3.95 for shipping and had to throw the book out. It was filthy dirty, dog-earred and I couldn’t even read it. The seller described it as in “very excellent condition”. I would despise to see what they thought was poor condition.
   Reader’s Rating: 1 / 5
2. Helen Ford says:

   July 12, 2010 at 12:13 am

   Very disappointing book. Dull, lots of padding. Poor and repetative tale line. Not well written. Couldn’t even read it to the end which I’m sad about as I like books and don’t give up easily.
   Reader’s Rating: 2 / 5
3. John I says:

   July 12, 2010 at 1:17 am

   There is a sort of `wild appeal’ that the Iditarod holds for most of us. As in its incipiency, the race is still a race for survival. A trek across a frozen ocean, a climb over the largest range in the U.S., the killer storms, the unimaginable fatigue, marauding moose, dread, constant cold, etc. It is simple to admire the dogs and mushers who attempt, end, and win this incredible Alaskan race.

   As one examines this race closer, there is also a lot of science that goes into the race. Which is not to say a description of this race needs to read like a text-book, its just that, in order to do the race justice, we must – as rational people — know that this race is constrained by physical metrics, by science. Animal behavior is a science, and within this science, animals do act in discernable, predictable patterns. It is this aspect of sled dog racing that Mr. Paulsen chose to trample. As a professional in the meadow, I establish this book disappointing – but oddly enjoyable.

   The science of Animal Behavior was dramatically subverted by the emotional naivete of the leader. The leader confounds rational behavior with questionable `observations’ that may make for better reading for the uninitiated, but make nothing but suspicion for persons who are knowledgeable about animal behavior. The introduction of “Maggie” the wolf, is one such example. The leader describes one of his day trips along his trapline wherein Maggie the wolf follows or leads his dog-team across the Minnesota countryside. Maggie takes small side-trips to catch rabbits or grouse as her hunger dictates and brings them back into view for the leader to delight in. Appealing. The wolf is able to secure more food in a matter of hours than most wolves can take in a week. As a replacement for of eating it in a protected take in, as wolves and coyotes will do, Maggie happily trots back on the trail with the prey in her mouth – the dog-team meanwhile, continues trotting along. No matter that Maggie also happens to be on her estrus. Indeed, Mr. Paulsen was able to see more fauna on any one of his trapline visits than if he were a full time researcher on Isle Royale.

   I know that the innocence of the animals with which we live and work can make emotional bonds. This emotion is worthwhile and sincere. But it should not displace real observation into this race, which is what this book did.

   Dogs are not mythical creatures who depart wisdom on progressive humans who are humble enough to open themselves to canine level-headedness. Dogs are not agents of enlightenment, or precipitators of epiphanies. The only thing that they can teach is how to eat, reproduce and protect against their enemies – and to pull a sled in the case of these particular dogs. Period. All the additional `lessons’ that the leader learned along the way was due to his relative ignorance and naivete before he started the quest toward the Iditarod. It was life that revealed itself to Mr. Paulsen. Had Mr. Paulsen paid closer attention, he would have seen that Life was teaching him about himself. Tragically, he was too smitten with the thought of a deeper, more metaphysical truth from his lower mammals, and he missed the real truths that Life was trying to teach him. Like learn from your past mistakes and don’t replace you leader three minutes before start time . . . To the chagrin of the leader, he may never know that he did not find mystery, enlightenment, and amazement in his canine companions. Sorry to say, he projected that unto the dogs. The dogs wanted no part of it.

   Still, in light of the subversion of `precise observation’ I establish that I nonstop reading Winterdance with enjoyment. Gary Paulsen is a wonderful writer. He has a descriptive, humorous manner that is seductive. I was offended by the lack of factual devotion, but I also establish that I looked forwards to the moments I could steal to read this book. Mr. Paulsen’s journey was worthwhile, and worthy to place down in text. Although I would not waste my time engaging Mr. Paulsen in a discussion of Animal Behavior, I would defer to his ability to write a book. He really is a fine writer, and worthy of respect in this craft.

   I would recommend this book to young adults – before they get to be Zoologists, Cetologists, Biologists, etc. I read Farley Mowat’s book when I was around fourteen, and I judge this book could serve as an brilliant guide into animal studies for a young adult. Sorry to say, I was to later learn that Mr. Mowat adhered to precise, factual observation no more than did Mr. Paulsen.
   Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
4. Anonymous says:

   July 12, 2010 at 3:46 am

   While I agree with additional reviewers that this is a fun, appealing book, I disagree that it is suitable for children. There is wide profanity used in this book. Not just a cuss word here and there, but repeated use of the most foul words. Not for anyone under 17.
   Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
5. snowblaze says:

   July 12, 2010 at 6:18 am

   the skunks… the skunks… the skunks!!!!
   What a riot!
   Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5