Winterdance

The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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 ❤️

Loved every minute of the book.

A great listen. I did not want it to end. Paulsen does it again. A keeper.

great book. performance is so-so, though.

great book. performance is so-so, though. better to read it than to listen to it.

Great listening

Masterpiece story of love for dogs and pristine nature . You cannot listen to these stories but from mushers. Sometimes moving to tears. Very well narrated

Excellent tale

Very enjoyable. Listening to it during winter added more to the story. Wish it was longer!

Icicle through the heart, loved every minute of it!

I nearly wet myself in many parts of this book. The cold, snow, wind, heavy winter clothes and cuddly dogs instantly came back in memory. The end almost undone me - it’s our family, right now, same age, different issue but it’s just as cutting as Gary Paulsen describes. I’m putting this book in my Favorite-Listen-From-Any-Point collection. ♥️

BTW, if the language in this narrative offends anyone, please take a chill bath in the Bering Sea. The more offended you feel, the later in the season you should do it. 😉