Winterdance

The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Fueled by a passion for running dogs, Gary Paulsen entered the Iditarod - the 1,180-mile sled-dog race through the Alaskan wilderness - in dangerous ignorance and with a fierce determination. For 17 days, he and his team of dogs endured blinding wind, snowstorms, frostbite, dogfights, moose attacks, sleeplessness, hallucinations - and the relentless push to go on.

Winterdance is the enthralling account of a "stunning wilderness journey of discovery and transformation" (Chicago Tribune), lived and told by "the best author of man-against-nature adventures writing today" (Publishers Weekly).

©1994 Gary Paulsen (P)2019 Tantor

A glimpse of the unimaginable!

A great story of a man’s love of dogs and dog racing. I enjoyed this book written about a man who only begins to shadow the intestinal fortitude, determination and sacrifice that must be present to enter The Great Race. The bond felt with his team, and the over whelming obsession that is racing is tangible and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves dogs and has a competitive spirit.

Plan to read again!

I loved this book! It felt like you were along beside Gary Paulson on the sled! I looked forward each day to getting back in the sled. Great details and stories of his true life experiences. Funny, sad, and shocking at times. Not going to spoil it, but the ending...left me thinking for several days. I plan to read this book again. I think it one of Paulson's best!

Great story, rough language

This is a great story! We really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop listening! Perfect for a road trip. But I would say it is PG-13 rate due to the ‘rough’ language. I would not recommend listening to with young kids around.

One of my all-time favorite books. Worthy of giftgiving.!

I have read and shared a hard copy of this book a number of times in the past. I bought it as an audiobook to enjoy on a road trip with my friend. I hadn’t read it in many years and I just loved it as much and even more than I remembered. As the story goes on it’s like watching a well done riveting high-speed chase from moment to moment. For the love of dogs and the love of wilderness and the love of adventure and the willingness to test your limits And jump in far over your head it is a rollicking exciting true story. One of the best. Do not miss it.

a wonderful surprise

not my usual . someone recommended this one and I'm so glad. fun, interesting. lot's of laughs.

great book

Great read.... didn't know how intense the Iditarod was. would definitely read again... thank you

Love it!

I loved the narration. I have read the book, but it has been a long time. Makes you laugh, cry and even think about life.
Fabulous.

The bond between a musher and his team.

This is a beautifully written story about the challenges of a novice musher training and running the Iditarod. However, the descriptions of the Alaskan landscape and the bond between Paulsen and his team are what make this story really special. There are some criticism in other reviews about the performance and the language. I thought the performance was excellent, The reading of some of the cliff hanging (sometimes literally) sections was superb, and his voice matched the voice you would expect of Gary Paulsen. There is some profanity, but it is fitting with the challenges that the author is sharing.

Winterdance review

Great book! I follow the Iditarod and was great to hear the behind the scene side.

Thank you Mr Paulsen!

I so enjoyed your passionate account of your extraordinary and fearless experience with the wilderness of nature through your dog race. Your books are all such a blessing for me as a deep lover of natural life.
I was saddened though, that you took your doctor’s words as undisputed truth ... I wouldn’t if I were you and instead look deep into my heart and soul where miracles follow miracles and wonders never cease ❤️