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Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliant and thought provoking
Thoroughly enjoyed this compelling story of adventure and of what it is that drives us to seek the extreme. Alastair Vere Nicoll writes beautifully of the modern day angst of responsibility versus self discovery. I loved it because it was so personal and reflective interweaved with stories of his wife - so often the one at home goes unmentioned but in this book she is an equal partner. A really intelligent story of his ground breaking Tran-Antartic crossing - inspiring but also very daunting - I certainly don't feel up for the challange of the Kabatic winds - but thoroughly enjoyed the experience from the comfort of my armchair!

Wondering what he will do next - and hope this is the first of a long-line of books.

Interesting Insight Into How Adventure Happens -- Above Average 3.5 Stars
If you have read Krakauer's Into Thin Air, Tabor's Blind Descent: The Quest to Discover the Deepest Place on Earth, Viesturs' K2: Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain or even Danziger's Travels, then you should know that "Riding the Ice Wind" is nothing like them. Whereas those books maintained a certain tone of detachment, what you will in find Alastair Nicoll's book is a very personal, exceedingly intimate account of his journey across Antarctica.

In some ways Nicoll's introspection brings a new light to cold-weather expeditions as the author gives us insight into the intricate maneuvering that's necessary to 'pull it all off'. The problems of finding the right team members, doing the right training, and finally finding the funding. Not to mention the angst that comes from uprooting yourself, throwing your life into a tizzy as you say goodbye to your family -- in this case, the author has to leave his new bride who will probably have their first baby while he is gone.

In many ways though, these 'human' elements override the landscape, wretched conditions and sense of adventure in the tale. I came away from the book admiring the men and how important humor and openness was to the expedition. But I was frustrated by the less than solid grasp I had of the kiting aspect of the trip. And alas, there wasn't a single picture in the book of what the blasted kites looked like. (Though the pictures that were there were phenomenal.)

Overall, well written. It's rather apparent that the author had a top notch British education and I enjoyed his quotes and ruminations. The adventure was interesting and the perspective that the bleak loneliness produced was fascinating. But all-in-all I wasn't quite as awestruck with this book as any of the ones previously listed. It was just too angst-y and self-focused for me. Though to be honest and fair, the problem may lie more with me than with the book, because you see I'm not a fan of intimate first person adventures. And at times I felt that the personal information overrode the physical continuity of the adventure,BUT just as this makes this only a middlin' read for me, it will probably be a great 'hit' and stunningly good read for others.

Pam T~
mom/blogger
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Product Description
When a winter storm snows the town in, Jessie and her brothers grab their toboggan, trudging up their favorite sledding hill to the imposing Victorian mansion overlooking the town.
Rescue is on the way for stranded wealthy spinster Miss Emily.
Hold onto your hat for a hilariously wild ride, and a joyous candle lit celebration sharing the true gift of love on Christmas Eve. ... Read more

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The Grand Mesa of Colorado is a westward extension of the mountains of central Colorado, standing more than five thousand feet above the valleys of the Colorado and the Gunnison rivers. To certain montane mammals the mesa is a peninsula of cool, moist, forest surrounded by inhospitable, hot, dry, barren lowland.

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A dearly-loved child spends each Saturday with Grandma, riding in the little red sled down Grandma's "slippery, slidery, sleddery hill."During the week, as the little girl goes on errands with her mother, they drive right by Grandma's hill.The child is amazed to see someone else zipping down that hill--and riding on some pretty amazing sleds! Who could that be? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Little Red Sled
Living in the south where snow is found only in pictures, our kids (3 and 4 yrs old) are fascinated by the winter magic and fun times with Grandma captured in the The Little Red Sled...a great book that will stimulate your kid's imagination every time.

Great Story!
"Little Red Sled" is an excellent children's book!Andrea Crooks has revealed an excellent view of how children feel about their time with grandparents. I urge everyone not only to give it to a youngster, but read it with them.It will be time well spent.

The Little Red Sled
We enjoy this book more every time we read it!It is destined to be a classic.
It is fast paced and appealed to our 7 year old AND our 2 year old.Most books don't do that!!
Loved it.

Age discrimination?
In our youth-oriented world, it is so nice to see that the action hero of this story is the Grandmother! This is a refreshing change for our children... and lots of fun, too! ... Read more

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What's the perfect thing to do on a crisp winter day? Bear certainly seems to be up to something. But what? His friends can't help being curious, so they secretly follow him up the snowy trail to the top of the mountain. And when they get there, Bear gives them a BIG, slip-sliding, downhill surprise! Come along with Bear and his friends for an avalanche of fun--and a foldout surprise--in this new story from internationally acclaimed picture book creator Jan Fearnley. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Perfect book for sleigh riding enthusiasts
My 3 and 4 year olds love this book.We go to sleigh riding way up North in Canada every year and they can definately relate to this story. My 4 year old son said, I wish I can be like the bear.The bear, you see, ends up being the sleigh for 4 of his friends on the perfect day for riding down the mountain.The illustrations are precious and the story is perfect. There's also a surprise fold-out page...so much fun! ... Read more

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After a few tries, Tom and Pippo decide that they can go sledding without Daddy's help. ... Read more

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A Disney First Reader book: paperbacks perfect for young children just beginning to read on their own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful winter tale
For those especially who live where there's lots of snow - this book is a reminder of the wonderful side of winter. There are a few pages of activities at the back of the book , that add to a child's enjoyment.Another wonderful pooh book (we can't get enough of Pooh) ... Read more