This is the first book by Jill that I’ve read but it definitely won’t be the last.

I found her style of writing to make for an easy read and the narrative has smooth transitions between her life story and the epic adventure she had undertaken. Whereas a lot of “adventure” stories are told in an almost documentary style Jill’s book is more as if she were sitting around and telling her story.

“When the wind sweeps in from the north, all that remains is white fury.”

With this very first sentence the reader is treated to a glimpse of what’s in store. Interwoven within the chronicle is both background information and some of her other “endurance/extreme” adventures.

Whether it’s just walking a couple of blocks or out for weeks if you have spent any time out in sub-zero elements Jill’s descriptions and images will bring back your own memories, which help connect to the story.

In any extreme/endurance event where you push yourself physically and mentally decision making is a difficult balance. The only way to know your limits is to push them which occasionally may mean pushing to failure.

Even though she did this solo there were a cast of quirky, but almost universally helpful, characters she encountered along the trail and the aid stations. I really got a strong sense of the “we’re in this together, separately” among the competitors, especially Jill’s interactions with Mike (one of the other racers).

Rather then portray herself as some stoic, Spartan warrior Jill also includes her mini-meltdowns, her doubts, and worries along with her determination and ingenuity. Locking her rear brake on descents due to her non-functioning hand is one example of ingenuity, and guts, to overcome rather then quit.
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Many people are familiar with the Iditarod Trail Dogsled Race held annually in Alaska. Jill Homer was intrigued by the race and the challenges it presented. She did not have a dog sled team, but she did have a bicycle and was no stranger to long distance endurance races. The memoir begins with a reminder of previous races, successes, and failures. The retelling set the stage for what was to come in Alaska. Written words allow the reader to experience the journey vicariously. What shortfalls may exist in the book is more than compensated by the human frailties expressed through poor judgment, illness, or plain good luck. ( )