Customer Reviews

Running North: A Yukon Adventure

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Subtitled, "A Yukon Adventure," Ann Mariah Cook's fascinating 1998 memoir chronicles the time in 1992 that she, her husband George and three-year old daughter moved to Alaska to participate in the Yukon Quest, the toughest sled dog race in the world. It was George who ran the race; Ann was the one who drove the truck, carried the gear, took care of their daughter and gave him moral support through the long months of training, and eventually through the grueling event.

I've read other books about dog mushing, but this one had the unique point of view of a woman who, while not actually on the sled during the race, experienced her own Yukon Quest experience. She writes clearly and honestly, not shying away from the disagreement that she had with the young woman they brought with them to act as the official "handler" of the dogs. She writes about George's experience on the trail, his frostbite, fatigue, narrow escapes and indomitable spirit as he pitted himself against natural forces over which he had little control. She writes about the dogs, their personalities and backgrounds and about the tough choices she and George had to make when it came time to pick the actual team of 12 out of their much larger group. She writes about the people they meet along the way, her Alaskan neighbors, fisherman, storekeepers and the other mushers. And she writes about Alaska itself, making me yearn to experience its beauty and majesty.

There was one small line drawing of the Yukon Quest trail and I kept returning to it again and again as the book moved along and the tension mounted. There is also a photo of Ms. Cook and one of her dogs on the back cover. I wish there were more photos, but I didn't really need them because her descriptions were so clear. Recommended.

This is more than the story of a sled dog race. It is about the interaction of people to people and people to the environment. The author has a nice flowing writing style. One you start to read the story you will be caught up. You'll care for the people involved because the author lets you know who they are and how they think and feel. Even none dog people will enjoy this book.

This book was one of the greatest ones I have ever read. I race sled dogs, and I found it so interesting...I could and have felt everything they go through. Also my grandmother who bought the book for me said she started reading it one night and read it the whole thing that night, and she has never raced and knows nothing about it, and she LOVED it. So it is a good book for anyone to read!!

Fascinating details of the "Cook Team" in the greuling Yukon Quest are revealed in this book. Ann and her husband move to Alaska from the eastern United States so that they can experience "real" dog sled racing. Their adventure is difficult from the beginning; however, they eventually grow to love the Alaskan atmosphere. Despite much adversity, from friends and neighbors, about their inexperience, George and Ann enter the Yukon Quest. Details about survival, cultural adjustment, and everlasting memories are enriched in this educational book about the Yukon Quest.

What a pleasant surprise to read a literary and exciting story of Alaska and dog-racing. Thoroughly enjoyable. I totally recommend this book to all adventure lovers.

Ann Cook's RUNNING NORTH was the most real life book i've read. The way it has been written, she made you feel like you were there with her. I was inspired by her drive, determination, love & constant support she gave her husband, dogs & child.Not to mention george's determination to succeed. I did not want the book to end.

Running North is an excellent book for anyone interested in Alaska or mushing. Ann Mariah Cook captures the feel for Alaska and dog sledding perfectly. Even if you have no true interest in the subject you will find your self swept into the wonderful world of dog sledding. Cook clearly brings to life the people they met, friends they made, and the hazards that tried to stop them from running the Yukon Quest. One of the most grueling races in the world. I found I learned a great deal from this book without it ever becoming boring or slowing down. And most importantly she tells about the dogs, the wonderful creatures who work so willingly for us. Sometimes heartbreaking sometime funny, this book is an interesting, exciting read for anyone.

A beautiful story of a family's devotion to each other to accomplish their goal. It's obvious from the attitudes put forward by the author that the well being of their dogs & of sleddogs in general is first & foremost to them. Being a musher wannabe, I have nothing but respect & admiration for what they were able to accomplish. I especially appreciated the explanations of the Alaskan "way of life". The way that Alaskans are always there for each other, ready to drop everything to help each other. The description of the various characters & situations made you feel you were there with them. A few reviewers complained about the book having a " slow pace", well long sled dog races are precisely that. They're not sprints- they're marathons. Never forget- Slow & steady wins the race.

I started reading this book one night and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. The characters even with different names were easy to tell who they were and the landmark were great to hear about since we live nearby. My husband is running the 1999 Quest and I thought of all the problems the Cooks faced, that we CAN do this. I met her at the Mushers Symposium and she's a wonderful woman and so nice and helpful!!

Running North is a page-turner!! Ann's spirited , fast moving, and intense chronicle of her family adventure is riveting. She captures the Cooks' human dreams, hopes, and fears, while skillfully weaving into the tale the engaging personalities of their canine colleagues. Running North is an excellent quick read that's hard to put down on the first pass. But the richness of her account makes the reader want to go back and savor the cold, the brilliant Arctic skies, and the determination of George, Minnie, and the rest of the team all over again at a more considered pace.