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The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic
"A stirring tale of survival, thanks to man's best friend." ― Seattle Times When a deadly diphtheria epidemic swept through Nome, Alaska, in 1925, the local doctor knew that without a fresh batch of antitoxin, his patients would die. The lifesaving serum was a thousand miles away, the port was icebound, and planes couldn't fly in blizzard conditions―only the dogs could make it. The heroic dash of dog teams across the Alaskan wilderness to Nome inspired the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and immortalized Balto, the lead dog of the last team whose bronze statue still stands in New York City's Central Park. This is the greatest dog story, never fully told until now. 2 maps; 48 illustrations
267 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews
March 5, 2020
In the stormy and ultra-cold winter of 1924/25, the small and isolated town of Nome, Alaska, was caught unprepared when a diphtheria epidemic struck. (The town was supposed to keep anti-toxin stocks on hand, but somehow the distributor had failed to supply them.) As winter closed in and the epidemic worsened, it fell to town authorities to try to get fresh supplies brought in -- but how? Every winter, Nome was typically sealed off from Alaska's Interior and the more settled South, ports frozen and roads impassable. Lacking roads, snowmobiles or a coherent system of inland aviation, the two options were carrying the serum overland for hundreds of miles by dog teams (dangerous), or commissioning special flights (untested and even more dangerous). Yet at risk were dozens of local residents, mostly children, who were vulnerable to the often lethal disease.
With a background of dog-team "mushing," authors Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury have fashioned an interesting and solid account of the Nome rescue attempt. The authors wisely eschew verbal fireworks and let the story tell itself simply and clearly. Here's a passage about the nature of diphtheria:
Similarly, the authors do not harp on the "cute dog" aspects of famous team leaders like Togo and Balto, but let the dogs' own intuition and intelligence shine through.
While THE CRUELEST miles is a solid and worthy story, I do not feel it is a perfect book. A little more denouement is called for, how diphtheria was licked and the state became much safer with the help of permanent roads, snowmobiles (which Alaskans call "snow machines") and internal aviation -- even at the sacrifice of some of the background passages about the development of dog teams from Native antecedents and the evolution of Siberian Huskies as the dog of choice. Nonetheless, this book is well worth reading, and the selection of photographs and supplemental material is admirable.
With a background of dog-team "mushing," authors Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury have fashioned an interesting and solid account of the Nome rescue attempt. The authors wisely eschew verbal fireworks and let the story tell itself simply and clearly. Here's a passage about the nature of diphtheria:
Diphtheria is an airborne bacterium that thrives in the moist membranes of the throat and nose and releases a powerful toxin that makes its victims tired and apathetic. In two to five days other, more deadly symptoms would appear: a slight fever and red ulcers at the back of the throat and in the mouth. As the bacteria multiplied and more toxin was released, the ulcers thickened and expanded, forming a tough, crusty, almost leathery membrane made up of dead cells, blood clots, and dead skin. The membranes colonized ever larger portions of the mouth and the throat until it had nowhere else to go and advanced down the windpipe, slowly suffocating the victim.
Similarly, the authors do not harp on the "cute dog" aspects of famous team leaders like Togo and Balto, but let the dogs' own intuition and intelligence shine through.
While THE CRUELEST miles is a solid and worthy story, I do not feel it is a perfect book. A little more denouement is called for, how diphtheria was licked and the state became much safer with the help of permanent roads, snowmobiles (which Alaskans call "snow machines") and internal aviation -- even at the sacrifice of some of the background passages about the development of dog teams from Native antecedents and the evolution of Siberian Huskies as the dog of choice. Nonetheless, this book is well worth reading, and the selection of photographs and supplemental material is admirable.
March 23, 2022
If you like adventure stories of amazing feats during the most difficult circumstances, this book is for you! Make sure you have a warm drink and a blanket nearby because it's about to get cold.
I sort of knew the story of this historic event. The people living in Nome, Alaska were experiencing a diphtheria outbreak and needed serum/vaccine. And the only way to get it to Nome in January 1925 was via dog team from Seward, Alaska - approximately 1200 miles away. So the governor set up a relay and they set out - without cell phones, GPS, or any high-tech cold weather gear!
Today they race the Iditarod over roughly the same route - they start in Anchorage so the race is about 1100 miles. But they race in mid-March instead of January. The 50th running of the Iditarod was going on while I read this book - perfect timing! I was checking updates of the race while reading, and following their route through Alaska. I'd like to congratulate Brent Sass and his dog team on their first place finish!
And kudos to the Iditarod veterinary team's selection of Dan Kaduce of Chatanika to win the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award for outstanding dog care (also came in 4th). He ended with the same 14 dogs he started with! Those amazing dogs ran 1100 miles!! And I've been to Alaska and visited the Husky Homestead, those dogs just love to run - you can see it by how excited they are to get picked for a team. I thought the Homestead would be one of those cheesy tourist traps, but it was so much fun!
I sort of knew the story of this historic event. The people living in Nome, Alaska were experiencing a diphtheria outbreak and needed serum/vaccine. And the only way to get it to Nome in January 1925 was via dog team from Seward, Alaska - approximately 1200 miles away. So the governor set up a relay and they set out - without cell phones, GPS, or any high-tech cold weather gear!
Today they race the Iditarod over roughly the same route - they start in Anchorage so the race is about 1100 miles. But they race in mid-March instead of January. The 50th running of the Iditarod was going on while I read this book - perfect timing! I was checking updates of the race while reading, and following their route through Alaska. I'd like to congratulate Brent Sass and his dog team on their first place finish!
And kudos to the Iditarod veterinary team's selection of Dan Kaduce of Chatanika to win the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award for outstanding dog care (also came in 4th). He ended with the same 14 dogs he started with! Those amazing dogs ran 1100 miles!! And I've been to Alaska and visited the Husky Homestead, those dogs just love to run - you can see it by how excited they are to get picked for a team. I thought the Homestead would be one of those cheesy tourist traps, but it was so much fun!
December 23, 2015
All the time I was listening to this book I enjoyed myself.
OK, you know the book is about the race to get anti-toxin serum to the residents of Nome, Alaska. An incipient diphtheria epidemic threatened. This has come to be known as The 1925 Serum Run to Nome. 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs, primarily Siberian Huskies, raced 674 miles (1085 km) in five and a half days from Nenana in central Alaska to Nome in the northwestern corner of Alaska. This normally took 25 days! Nome is located on the southern edge of the Seward Peninsula, 2° south of the Arctic Circle. It lay icebound and wracked by blizzards. The temperature in the interior was at a twenty year low -50°F (-46°C). It was January and daylight hours limited. Maps were erroneous or completely lacking. How was this to be done? Airflight - in an open cockpit plane? There were three dismantled Standard J biplanes and a willing pilot in Fairbanks. There was a rail line to Nenana. Could possibly an aircraft carrier be employed? The age-old means of transport was dogsleds. Mail was at this time transported by dogsleds. A limited supply of serum was found in the Anchorage Railroad Hospital. It was transported by train to Nenana. On Governor Scott Bone's orders it was decided that this first batch of serum would be transported by dogsled relay to Nome. Two fast teams would be employed, one starting in Nome the other in Nenana, meeting at Nulato. Then a second batch was found and that too had to be dispatched. Another death occurred, which was in fact probably not caused by diphtheria. Plans were altered. Decision makers had competing agendas. All of this is discussed in great detail.
I found the step by step transport of the serum to Nome confusing at times - due to the varying viewpoints, changes in plans, shifting weather conditions and altered circumstances. More clarity would have helped. You need maps – the city Seward is not on the Seward Peninsula! Much attention is given to musher Seppala and his dog Togo as well as musher Kaasen and his dog Balto. In this book, and in the media coverage at the time, less is said about the other mushers and their dogs. The relay mushers on the segment across the interior were predominantly native Athabaskans. Kaasen and Balto kind of steal the show….unfortunately! There is a statue of Balto in NYC’s Central Park. The author does point out this controversy concerning the relative importance of the two, but I wish he had covered the other mushers more. Also, I would have appreciated more information about the disease itself. Is there an explanation for why it occurred? Those are my complaints.
So what I am saying is that the background information was great but the details of the race could have been improved. You learn about Eskimo and Athabaskans traditions and beliefs. About the preparation of food, how clothing is made, housing, how Nome was first established, the gold rush, about flora and fauna, about aircraft, mail routes, the original Russian sale of Alaska to the US. About storms. Fascinating stuff. And great dog stories. We do not give dogs the credit they deserve!
So while I read I enjoyed every bit. Afterwards I thought of things that could have been improved. I have decided to switch four to three stars, but this is still a book I can wholeheartedly recommend.
The audiobook narration by Barrett Whitener was nice and slow. You have time to think, time to absorb, time to learn.
OK, you know the book is about the race to get anti-toxin serum to the residents of Nome, Alaska. An incipient diphtheria epidemic threatened. This has come to be known as The 1925 Serum Run to Nome. 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs, primarily Siberian Huskies, raced 674 miles (1085 km) in five and a half days from Nenana in central Alaska to Nome in the northwestern corner of Alaska. This normally took 25 days! Nome is located on the southern edge of the Seward Peninsula, 2° south of the Arctic Circle. It lay icebound and wracked by blizzards. The temperature in the interior was at a twenty year low -50°F (-46°C). It was January and daylight hours limited. Maps were erroneous or completely lacking. How was this to be done? Airflight - in an open cockpit plane? There were three dismantled Standard J biplanes and a willing pilot in Fairbanks. There was a rail line to Nenana. Could possibly an aircraft carrier be employed? The age-old means of transport was dogsleds. Mail was at this time transported by dogsleds. A limited supply of serum was found in the Anchorage Railroad Hospital. It was transported by train to Nenana. On Governor Scott Bone's orders it was decided that this first batch of serum would be transported by dogsled relay to Nome. Two fast teams would be employed, one starting in Nome the other in Nenana, meeting at Nulato. Then a second batch was found and that too had to be dispatched. Another death occurred, which was in fact probably not caused by diphtheria. Plans were altered. Decision makers had competing agendas. All of this is discussed in great detail.
I found the step by step transport of the serum to Nome confusing at times - due to the varying viewpoints, changes in plans, shifting weather conditions and altered circumstances. More clarity would have helped. You need maps – the city Seward is not on the Seward Peninsula! Much attention is given to musher Seppala and his dog Togo as well as musher Kaasen and his dog Balto. In this book, and in the media coverage at the time, less is said about the other mushers and their dogs. The relay mushers on the segment across the interior were predominantly native Athabaskans. Kaasen and Balto kind of steal the show….unfortunately! There is a statue of Balto in NYC’s Central Park. The author does point out this controversy concerning the relative importance of the two, but I wish he had covered the other mushers more. Also, I would have appreciated more information about the disease itself. Is there an explanation for why it occurred? Those are my complaints.
So what I am saying is that the background information was great but the details of the race could have been improved. You learn about Eskimo and Athabaskans traditions and beliefs. About the preparation of food, how clothing is made, housing, how Nome was first established, the gold rush, about flora and fauna, about aircraft, mail routes, the original Russian sale of Alaska to the US. About storms. Fascinating stuff. And great dog stories. We do not give dogs the credit they deserve!
So while I read I enjoyed every bit. Afterwards I thought of things that could have been improved. I have decided to switch four to three stars, but this is still a book I can wholeheartedly recommend.
The audiobook narration by Barrett Whitener was nice and slow. You have time to think, time to absorb, time to learn.
December 22, 2021
Great book. So much more than what you see in a Balto or Togo. One of my favorite among my hundreds of books on dogs.
December 1, 2015
It was 1925 and at times up to 70 degrees below zero in Alaska. Nome Alaska, at the edge of the Bering Sea, just 2 degrees below the Artic Circle, was in the midst of a diphtheria epidemic. The last boat of supplies did not have the million units of serum on board. There would be a long cold unprepared winter a head of them.
In 1925 there was no air travel to Alaska in the winter - their were only open air cock pits and it was uncertain if a plane could even fly in those cold conditions. The railway was very new to Alaska and came no where close to Nome or the interior of Alaska. The only mode of travel in the cold severe winter of 1925 was sled dog.
This non fiction novel brings to life the way cities, villages and outposts were cut off from any form of communication sans the occasional musher and dog sled that braved the treacherous conditions to make a trip to the furthest reaches of the state.
Salisbury introduces us to conditions during the winter of 1925, the normal life and burdens of the sparse Alaskan population, the men who risked their lives and the lives of their best friends - the dogs who pull the sleds.
The dogs become a large part of this story. The dogs are a large part of the lives of the men who transported the serum to Nome during 70 degrees below zero temperatures and blowing blizzards so bad the musher could not see and gave his life and trust to the dogs that lead him.
The story finishes up with the death of the sled dog as transportation and the birth of the Iditerod. It also has a short appendix which details what happened to the various people and dogs that so famously traveled the dog trails in Alaska.
I came to love a couple of the dogs so well detailed in this story. Their legacy is unmatched today.
In 1925 there was no air travel to Alaska in the winter - their were only open air cock pits and it was uncertain if a plane could even fly in those cold conditions. The railway was very new to Alaska and came no where close to Nome or the interior of Alaska. The only mode of travel in the cold severe winter of 1925 was sled dog.
This non fiction novel brings to life the way cities, villages and outposts were cut off from any form of communication sans the occasional musher and dog sled that braved the treacherous conditions to make a trip to the furthest reaches of the state.
Salisbury introduces us to conditions during the winter of 1925, the normal life and burdens of the sparse Alaskan population, the men who risked their lives and the lives of their best friends - the dogs who pull the sleds.
The dogs become a large part of this story. The dogs are a large part of the lives of the men who transported the serum to Nome during 70 degrees below zero temperatures and blowing blizzards so bad the musher could not see and gave his life and trust to the dogs that lead him.
The story finishes up with the death of the sled dog as transportation and the birth of the Iditerod. It also has a short appendix which details what happened to the various people and dogs that so famously traveled the dog trails in Alaska.
I came to love a couple of the dogs so well detailed in this story. Their legacy is unmatched today.
February 1, 2014
A diphtheria epidemic was starting in Nome, Alaska in 1925 and antitoxin was desperately needed. Nome, located close to the Arctic Circle, was no longer accessible by boat since the Bering Sea was already frozen. Some serum was transported from Anchorage to Nenana by train. Then a relay of twenty dog sled teams ran day and night for 674 miles to bring the lifesaving serum to Nome. The heroic men and their dogs traveled through blizzards and exceptionally frigid conditions--down to minus 60 degrees.
The authors provided lots of interesting background material about diphtheria, Nome, the Gold Rush, and the Native Alaskans. They also discussed the dog sled teams, especially the lead dogs, and the responsibilities of the drivers. The second half of the book was especially exciting as the teams made the harrowing journey. Exceptionally intelligent lead dogs, such as Togo from Leonhard Seppala's team, pulled them out of potentially deadly situations. The two authors, cousins Gal Salisbury and Laney Salisbury, wrote a book that is both informative and full of human (and canine) drama.
The authors provided lots of interesting background material about diphtheria, Nome, the Gold Rush, and the Native Alaskans. They also discussed the dog sled teams, especially the lead dogs, and the responsibilities of the drivers. The second half of the book was especially exciting as the teams made the harrowing journey. Exceptionally intelligent lead dogs, such as Togo from Leonhard Seppala's team, pulled them out of potentially deadly situations. The two authors, cousins Gal Salisbury and Laney Salisbury, wrote a book that is both informative and full of human (and canine) drama.
April 26, 2022
One quote at the end of this book sums it all -
This is a great retelling of the story of dedication and perseverance. If I had read this book before 2020, I would probably not have appreciated the gravity of the situation, or wouldn’t even have understood the reason for quarantine and lockdown. Now in the current situation, all this seems to be closer home, though their situation was far more desperate.
Everything about Alaska, their lifestyle and hardships was so alien to me, but the author has done a great job explaining it. It was fascinating to learn about the first dwellers in the island of Nome, how the finding of a gold nugget made this place popular, how the economy bloomed and collapsed, all about the breeds of dogs, their strengths, how the dogs are adapted to the extreme cold, their diet and how the driver cares for the dogs. It was interesting to read about the treacherous routes, the extreme cold affecting the dog relay, the risks of riding on the frozen river, the chemical and physical changes due to hypothermia.
There was clear information on why other means of transport like flying were not viable. Kudos to all the decision makers who took the right decisions at the right time, the mushers and the dogs who participated in the serum run.
"Science made antitoxin that is in Nome today but science could not get it there. All the mechanical transportation marvels of modern times faltered in the presence of elements... Other engines might freeze and choke, but that oldest of all motors, the heart, whose fuel is blood and whose spark is courage, never stalls but once".
This is a great retelling of the story of dedication and perseverance. If I had read this book before 2020, I would probably not have appreciated the gravity of the situation, or wouldn’t even have understood the reason for quarantine and lockdown. Now in the current situation, all this seems to be closer home, though their situation was far more desperate.
Everything about Alaska, their lifestyle and hardships was so alien to me, but the author has done a great job explaining it. It was fascinating to learn about the first dwellers in the island of Nome, how the finding of a gold nugget made this place popular, how the economy bloomed and collapsed, all about the breeds of dogs, their strengths, how the dogs are adapted to the extreme cold, their diet and how the driver cares for the dogs. It was interesting to read about the treacherous routes, the extreme cold affecting the dog relay, the risks of riding on the frozen river, the chemical and physical changes due to hypothermia.
There was clear information on why other means of transport like flying were not viable. Kudos to all the decision makers who took the right decisions at the right time, the mushers and the dogs who participated in the serum run.
April 30, 2020
Note to self: Don't read a book about a deadly and formidable epidemic during a pandemic.*
I would, however, definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Alaskan history, including but not limited to the true story behind some of the most heroic sled-dogs in history and one of the best animated movies of all-time (Balto! The original, 1995 version). This story also includes heaps of interesting and essential Indigenous history (as any story about the history of Alaska should), and it handles that history with respect and reverence.
Well-written and well-researched, with a handful of sections that read a bit slower and felt a bit more difficult to navigate, overall this book is an engaging and highly informative read. It's also peppered with the sort of hope, iron will, and sheer insanity only the direst of circumstances unearth—like stalwart mushers and their unendingly amazing dogs who painstakingly manage to carry diphtheria serum along the treacherous route to Nome while battling blizzards, white-out conditions, shifting sea ice, and temperatures down to -70 degrees. NEGATIVE SEVENTY DEGREES. I have no real barometer for that sort of cold, and I'm grateful I don't.
Once again and forever: Dogs are amazing, and we don't deserve them.
*In my defense I checked this book out from the library well before the word "pandemic" was uttered, but still: yikes.
[Three-point-five stars for a story I knew in pieces, and so many more pieces I didn't know.]
I would, however, definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Alaskan history, including but not limited to the true story behind some of the most heroic sled-dogs in history and one of the best animated movies of all-time (Balto! The original, 1995 version). This story also includes heaps of interesting and essential Indigenous history (as any story about the history of Alaska should), and it handles that history with respect and reverence.
Well-written and well-researched, with a handful of sections that read a bit slower and felt a bit more difficult to navigate, overall this book is an engaging and highly informative read. It's also peppered with the sort of hope, iron will, and sheer insanity only the direst of circumstances unearth—like stalwart mushers and their unendingly amazing dogs who painstakingly manage to carry diphtheria serum along the treacherous route to Nome while battling blizzards, white-out conditions, shifting sea ice, and temperatures down to -70 degrees. NEGATIVE SEVENTY DEGREES. I have no real barometer for that sort of cold, and I'm grateful I don't.
Once again and forever: Dogs are amazing, and we don't deserve them.
*In my defense I checked this book out from the library well before the word "pandemic" was uttered, but still: yikes.
[Three-point-five stars for a story I knew in pieces, and so many more pieces I didn't know.]
July 22, 2016
I really tried to like this book. The topic was interesting to me and I am a dog lover but this seemed like a different book from the one the other reviewers gushed about. There were a few exciting parts but they were nestled in pages and pages of details that were (I hate to use the B word) boring. 30 plus pages on airplanes that were never even used almost caused me to abandon the book (something I never do.)
One surprising bit was that Balto received all the fame unjustly. Poor Togo, the real champion, not to mention Sepalla, his human, were short changed. That, and the fact that after all the fame died down, Balto and his teammates were left to suffer in a cruel sideshow before someone rescued them left me outraged.
This also did not seem like "Young Adult" was the correct classification.
One surprising bit was that Balto received all the fame unjustly. Poor Togo, the real champion, not to mention Sepalla, his human, were short changed. That, and the fact that after all the fame died down, Balto and his teammates were left to suffer in a cruel sideshow before someone rescued them left me outraged.
This also did not seem like "Young Adult" was the correct classification.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
If you thought that Disney's "Togo" with Willem Dafoe was dramatic, read this book.
I'll just go ahead and say it: I only had a vague idea of what happened during the 1925 race against an epidemic in Nome, and most of it from the animated "Balto." But now that I've seen the new "Togo" I realized: how ignorant of me. Still, I thought Disney being Disney, they probably dramatized the movie to the extreme, and I needed some reliable source of knowledge.
We all know Balto. Thanks to the animated movie and to the statue. And personally, I've never even heard of Togo. I know, ignorant of me. But now I've seen the light. Of course, Balto was brave, but there were around 150 dogs in all during the "race." And yet, Togo was the real hero. I remember thinking that some of the most heart-stopping scenes in the movie had to be made up, but they weren't.
That being said, it's not your usual Iditarod-kind-of book. The actual race takes up only a couple of chapters. So it's a very different read to, say, Winterdance. I expected more about the race itself, more about Togo, and less about the airplanes (that was probably the only part of the book I wasn't thrilled about), but I also know that there probably wasn't enough material to fill a 300-page book. So there's also a lot of side stories, about mushing and mushers in general, about Alaska, about the Gold Rush, and about the traditional way of life. Still, I found it exciting... and terrifying. And so. Very. COLD.
I assume the book is likely to get more readers now that the movie came out; if so, the attention will be well-deserved. I mean... who doesn't love a good dog story?
I'll just go ahead and say it: I only had a vague idea of what happened during the 1925 race against an epidemic in Nome, and most of it from the animated "Balto." But now that I've seen the new "Togo" I realized: how ignorant of me. Still, I thought Disney being Disney, they probably dramatized the movie to the extreme, and I needed some reliable source of knowledge.
We all know Balto. Thanks to the animated movie and to the statue. And personally, I've never even heard of Togo. I know, ignorant of me. But now I've seen the light. Of course, Balto was brave, but there were around 150 dogs in all during the "race." And yet, Togo was the real hero. I remember thinking that some of the most heart-stopping scenes in the movie had to be made up, but they weren't.
That being said, it's not your usual Iditarod-kind-of book. The actual race takes up only a couple of chapters. So it's a very different read to, say, Winterdance. I expected more about the race itself, more about Togo, and less about the airplanes (that was probably the only part of the book I wasn't thrilled about), but I also know that there probably wasn't enough material to fill a 300-page book. So there's also a lot of side stories, about mushing and mushers in general, about Alaska, about the Gold Rush, and about the traditional way of life. Still, I found it exciting... and terrifying. And so. Very. COLD.
I assume the book is likely to get more readers now that the movie came out; if so, the attention will be well-deserved. I mean... who doesn't love a good dog story?
July 1, 2019
This is the craziest book ever! Tales of how mail delivery, flight and planes worked in the 1920’s. How mushers and their dogs were so outrageously bonded to each other (even through life and death situations). What exactly diphtheria is and how it attacks someone’s body. Hilarious stories about how if someone badmouthed another’s dog sled team, “them’s were fighting words”. And I laughed so hard I cried when I read the part about the lawyer who represented his lead dog and argued that it was self defense when his dog attacked and killed a sheep. 😂
This is the best book I’ve read in a long, long time! 😍
This is the best book I’ve read in a long, long time! 😍
January 19, 2012
A great heartwarming story of how dogs helped save the lives of people in the remote town of Nome in Alaska in 1925. It again validates the special relationship between humans and dogs, a fact that should not be lost to people.
June 7, 2015
"Science made the antitoxin that is in Nome today, but science could not get it there. All the mechanical transportation marvels of modern times faltered in the presence of the elements... Other engines might freeze and choke, but that oldest of all motors, the heart, whose fuel is blood and whose spark is courage, never stalls but once." I didn't think I could love dogsledding more, but this book was a testament to not only the dogs' "indomitable spirit," but to their emotions, struggles, loyalty, and sacrifice. I was amazed at the human emotion and intellect - maybe superior to those of humans in fact - of these dogs in order to achieve what was necessary, not just desirable. It's a shame we give so much attention to other "heroes" in this survivalist space who at time put others at serious risk for their own personal gain. Every musher and dog on the 1925 serum run was wholly selfless, and they are the true heroes. The Iditarod stands as a beautiful tribute to their courage. I love me some dogsledding.
November 19, 2023
I would not have picked up this book, had it not been a Book Club read. I'm glad I did as it was a gripping tale with a sense of urgency about the diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska in 1925. I learned so much more besides that of the central challenge. There were the small town locals, migrant tourists population and various groups of indigenous people that were affected. It was impossible to navigate the hostile arctic terrain via the railroads or aviation. Alaskan Governor Bone declared it a national crisis, and it was left to teams of Siberian Huskies and their brave drivers to save the town.
February 26, 2022
I admit that there were times this was the cruelest book. Being a Clevelander, I have always had a love an admiration for Balto, but I know he was just a piece of a much larger story. The medical nerd and dog lover in me was interested in the Diphtheria outbreak in Nome and the efforts to save the town. The Northern Ohioan that I am…, I know what cold is, I don’t need to be told that -60 is painfully cold and not fit for man nor beast. I also had absolutely no interest whatsoever in Eskimo underwear. Unfortunately, I now know about Eskimo underwear. (Fortunately not from a first hand experience.) Still, I will always have a special love for Balto since it was the children of Cleveland who adopted he and his team bringing them to the Cleveland zoo. There is a statue of him at the wolf exhibit (someone decided to include Togo, and Togo never lived in Cleveland.) Balto’s harnesses are still hanging up there at the zoo. Taxidermied Balto is in one of the museums there in Cleveland.
July 5, 2009
As a primary grade teacher much of my life, I had the good fortune of reading The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto with many first and second grade children. Natalie Standiford wrote a simple, but compelling tale of the dog sled teams and their drivers who brought diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska to halt the spread of an epidemic. Many children are so taken in by the story, that emerging readers become bona fide readers as a result of being immersed in this story, simply told. The Cruelest Miles afforded me the opportunity to understand this piece of history in its grown-up political, cultural and human contexts. After the United States acquired Alaska from Russia, we apparently were fairly inept at supporting its inhabitants in terms of building infrastructure, supporting home rule, and basically honoring the culture of the indigenous people who knew how to survive in this most inhospitable environment. Luckily, the wisdom of the native Eskimo, miner and trapper populations prevailed and the serum was sent across the vast interior via dog sled relay teams rather than trying to fly it to Nome or ship it there from Seattle. Balto was the lead dog for the final team that actually delivered the serum to Nome. However, there were many teams and many drivers; their stories are heroic. The Cruelest Miles provides much historical context, but also rich snapshots of traditional Eskimo life. There's also a significant description of the origins of the Iditarod.
I learned so many things from reading this book, but two fascinating facts that stood out to me were the origin of the word "mush" (it comes from the French "marche or marchons" meaning go forward) and that in Canada, the word Eskimo is something of a derogatory term, but in Alaska, it is acceptable.
I recommend this book, especially to teachers who would like background information about Balto, the dog sled teams and the serum run or on the Iditarod.
I learned so many things from reading this book, but two fascinating facts that stood out to me were the origin of the word "mush" (it comes from the French "marche or marchons" meaning go forward) and that in Canada, the word Eskimo is something of a derogatory term, but in Alaska, it is acceptable.
I recommend this book, especially to teachers who would like background information about Balto, the dog sled teams and the serum run or on the Iditarod.
May 1, 2022
Amazingly, there are not many books on this chapter in history and luckily the authors give you everything you need to understand the stakes from beginning to end. The opening chapters of the book are horrific in setting the stage. They carefully explain the genesis of the diphtheria epidemic in Nome and truly make the setting feel isolated from the outside world. This could easily turn into some zombie book with the way the tension is set.
Then we get to the dogs and their trusty human sidekicks. Unless you are a cat person (hey, no judgment), this is where the book will really grab you. Learning about how sled dogs come to be and just how unbelievably smart and loyal they are will bring tears to your eyes. Once the actual run begins, the authors make you feel the cold and the desperation as each sled team battles extreme conditions. I found by the end it was hard to believe this story had a happy ending. The amount of times something could have easily ended the run was hard to fathom.
There is a side story about various people trying to get a plane to carry the serum to Nome. I completely understand why the authors have it in their narrative. It is a big piece of the historical record. However, every time I heard about the plane I wanted to just jump back to the dogs.
If you are squeamish, there are various sections which can really turn your stomach. The descriptions of the babies and children with diphtheria learn little to the imagination. It goes without saying not all the dogs and mushers made it through completely unscathed.
If you really don’t like the cold you should probably stay away too.
Then we get to the dogs and their trusty human sidekicks. Unless you are a cat person (hey, no judgment), this is where the book will really grab you. Learning about how sled dogs come to be and just how unbelievably smart and loyal they are will bring tears to your eyes. Once the actual run begins, the authors make you feel the cold and the desperation as each sled team battles extreme conditions. I found by the end it was hard to believe this story had a happy ending. The amount of times something could have easily ended the run was hard to fathom.
There is a side story about various people trying to get a plane to carry the serum to Nome. I completely understand why the authors have it in their narrative. It is a big piece of the historical record. However, every time I heard about the plane I wanted to just jump back to the dogs.
If you are squeamish, there are various sections which can really turn your stomach. The descriptions of the babies and children with diphtheria learn little to the imagination. It goes without saying not all the dogs and mushers made it through completely unscathed.
If you really don’t like the cold you should probably stay away too.
February 9, 2009
Cleo recommended this one to me. It's non-fiction, but parts of it read like a novel. Others read as a textbook.
The actual story about the diphtheria outbreak makes up only a small portion of the book. I really wanted to hear more about it, but I realize that everyone was busy staying alive, not documenting the potential disaster. The bulk of the book focuses on the local people, traditions, early Alaska, and dog sledding. I'll admit that I got a little bogged down with some of the side stories. I found the information about the early settlements and gold rushes and Eskimo populations very interesting. Some of the other detours became a bit tedious - aviation in Alaska, dog breeding, red tape etc.
I learned a lot from this book. I'd never really thought much about the settlement of Alaska, Eskimos, dog sledding or diphtheria. I am very thankful that I don't live in Nome. I'm glad that my family members have all had their DPT shots. And it was refreshing to read about so many people and faithful dogs willing to sacrifice everything to save their fellow countrymen.
The actual story about the diphtheria outbreak makes up only a small portion of the book. I really wanted to hear more about it, but I realize that everyone was busy staying alive, not documenting the potential disaster. The bulk of the book focuses on the local people, traditions, early Alaska, and dog sledding. I'll admit that I got a little bogged down with some of the side stories. I found the information about the early settlements and gold rushes and Eskimo populations very interesting. Some of the other detours became a bit tedious - aviation in Alaska, dog breeding, red tape etc.
I learned a lot from this book. I'd never really thought much about the settlement of Alaska, Eskimos, dog sledding or diphtheria. I am very thankful that I don't live in Nome. I'm glad that my family members have all had their DPT shots. And it was refreshing to read about so many people and faithful dogs willing to sacrifice everything to save their fellow countrymen.
July 1, 2014
An enthralling and informative read regarding a story I've only ever really seen in the animated film, Balto. I knew just as general knowledge that there was more to the story, but hadn't been given the opportunity to find out more until today. I really am awful with these kinds of books; only certain parts of history appeal to me, lessened if there are no animals involved. I usually struggle a bit even then, but this book pushed me past my apprehensions.
I was particularly fascinated by the back history of Alaska, the history of dog sledding, the origin of the word mush and the snippet facts, such as 'Eskimo' not having the same negative connotations in Alaska. I have no idea of the validity of this fact, but this book claims it to be so. I also enjoyed the lack of focus on Balto, a deserved hero but one dog in many teams to have made the journey. It was the spirit of the entire effort in the face of this enormous tragedy.
I loved this book, for all I learned from it. I read it in one sitting, and for this kind of book that's impressive for me! Highly recommended.
I was particularly fascinated by the back history of Alaska, the history of dog sledding, the origin of the word mush and the snippet facts, such as 'Eskimo' not having the same negative connotations in Alaska. I have no idea of the validity of this fact, but this book claims it to be so. I also enjoyed the lack of focus on Balto, a deserved hero but one dog in many teams to have made the journey. It was the spirit of the entire effort in the face of this enormous tragedy.
I loved this book, for all I learned from it. I read it in one sitting, and for this kind of book that's impressive for me! Highly recommended.
November 26, 2012
I lived in Fairbanks for 8 years and I love all things Alaska. However I was a little disappointed after reading this book. The actual story about the diphtheria outbreak makes up only a small portion of the book and I really wanted to learn more about it. The book primarily focuses on the local people, traditions, early Alaska, dog sledding, and early aviation. There are so many side stories that describe the aforementioned it is easy to get bogged down. I understand this information is pertinent as it illustrates what life was like but there was a little too much detail. It might have been more useful for someone who has never set foot in Alaska or endured an Alaskan winter. Overall I was a little disappointed as the read was a little dry and very tedious.
.
April 23, 2021
Since we named our dog inspired by Seppalla's lead dog, wanted to learn more about the entire episode and stumbled across this gem of a book. The book sets a stage for the upcoming drama of the serum run with the history of the Alaskan region, Diphtheria, Gold Rush etc. Once the base is established it keeps you hooked with description of scenarios which makes you feel the hardship of travelling in such forbidding temperatures and the selfless nature of all the drivers and their dogs. Eventhough Balto got the most popularity being the one to bring the serum to Nome, this book gives due credit to all the others involved in The Serum Run. It's an interesting read especially during these times and very much so for all dog lovers.
June 6, 2016
I have had this book on my TBR for a long time. I'm glad I finally got to it. This focuses on the diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska in 1925. The city is inaccessible during the winter months (even today) and the doctor needed the antiviron for the illness.
After discussing it, the Governor determined dogs to be the solution. Several teams of men raced across the unforgivable landscape during the worst winter in twenty years.
There is a lot of background information on native cultures, how Alaska came to be Alaska and mushing. I loved once the dogs were on the trail. Some parts were slow for me.
After discussing it, the Governor determined dogs to be the solution. Several teams of men raced across the unforgivable landscape during the worst winter in twenty years.
There is a lot of background information on native cultures, how Alaska came to be Alaska and mushing. I loved once the dogs were on the trail. Some parts were slow for me.
June 7, 2017
It's a bit rare for me to not want to put down a non-fiction book, but I found this absolutely gripping. The details about life in the Arctic were so tangible and fascinating, I didn't mind the rather frequent loops away from the main story (the race for anti-toxin). Though I of course knew the ending going in, I reveled in the journey and came away with a lot more knowledge. Definitely recommend to anyone who has an interest in dog sledding, Alaska, and medical epidemics.
July 19, 2022
This book had me spellbound! I had wanted to learn more about sled dog mushing and the area of the Norton Sound Region after having visited several of the villages talked about in this book. It was fascinating to learn how people used to travel by dog sled from village to village during the extremely harsh weather conditions of the Arctic during the winter months. Being a dog lover, I also enjoyed hearing about the bond between mushers and many of their individual sled dogs. The tales of the individual portions of the relay to transfer the serum at times, left me on the edge of my seat with the excitement and danger the mushers and their teams faced!
June 11, 2020
I love finding small stories in history that had a big impact on life. I learned quite a bit about Alaskan life, sled dogs, native peoples, and diphtheria. This was a short and easy read that I really enjoyed.
May 13, 2017
Wow! What a intense tale of survival and sacrifice from the the icy edge of Alaska. This is the first time I've heard of Nome, the tiny Alaskan town only 55 miles from Russia, and the terrifying outbreak of diphtheria in 1925 during the dead of winter.
I am shocked speechless after reading about the conditions the brave dogs and men willingly went into to deliver the desperately needed serum. As someone who lives comfortably in the south, I can't imagine anyone surviving those winter conditions while living in a house, nonetheless going out into it in a dogsled. Heroic and dangerously near suicidal. Those men had a huge dosage of luck left in them.
The only thing I didn't like was when I learned that the dog team belonging to Kaasen that ran the last 53 miles with the serum to Nome was sold to a shady sideshow in California after the pomp and pony show was through. For ten cents a person, you could go into a disgusting, gloomy tent and view those heroic dogs now brought low and starving because of greed.
Despite the six remaining dogs finally being put in a better home, it forever marred my opinion of Kassen. My resentment has moved on to outright hate. Who sells their loyal, lifesaving dogs to a #%# sideshow?!
Anyway, great book. I enjoyed reading it and have added Nome to my travel bucket list. I plan on someday viewing Russia on a clear, crisp day from across the water with my feet planted firmly on American soil.
I am shocked speechless after reading about the conditions the brave dogs and men willingly went into to deliver the desperately needed serum. As someone who lives comfortably in the south, I can't imagine anyone surviving those winter conditions while living in a house, nonetheless going out into it in a dogsled. Heroic and dangerously near suicidal. Those men had a huge dosage of luck left in them.
The only thing I didn't like was when I learned that the dog team belonging to Kaasen that ran the last 53 miles with the serum to Nome was sold to a shady sideshow in California after the pomp and pony show was through. For ten cents a person, you could go into a disgusting, gloomy tent and view those heroic dogs now brought low and starving because of greed.
Despite the six remaining dogs finally being put in a better home, it forever marred my opinion of Kassen. My resentment has moved on to outright hate. Who sells their loyal, lifesaving dogs to a #%# sideshow?!
Anyway, great book. I enjoyed reading it and have added Nome to my travel bucket list. I plan on someday viewing Russia on a clear, crisp day from across the water with my feet planted firmly on American soil.
May 3, 2022
I cried. This book was okay but when they talk about the connection of the lead dog to the master it got me. Those animals are special and given the arrangement of the dogs out front pulling and the lead guiding, it's really spectacular. Not only are they strong, fast, and smart, but they have heart. They have heart enough not to pull an inch for the wrong person or to become legends for the right one. They have enough heart to die trying.
I think the authors are guilty of a hypocritical criticism they gave to others: 2/3 of the sledding was done by natives, but the stories are only focused on non-natives. I have a hard time reconciling that one small line to everything else I listened to. Which is it? Where are their stories and names? How can they take the time to tell about this and leave that out? It feels wrong.
That doctor did literally nothing early-on to help those that were sick and dying until he asked for help from others. He himself just observed. And he was unprepared, slow to react, and did very little to improve the situation that I can see. How about quarantining immediately? Why did he brush off the first few deaths? The book mentions his actions were reported as substandard but the authors seem to give him a pass anyway.
I think the authors are guilty of a hypocritical criticism they gave to others: 2/3 of the sledding was done by natives, but the stories are only focused on non-natives. I have a hard time reconciling that one small line to everything else I listened to. Which is it? Where are their stories and names? How can they take the time to tell about this and leave that out? It feels wrong.
That doctor did literally nothing early-on to help those that were sick and dying until he asked for help from others. He himself just observed. And he was unprepared, slow to react, and did very little to improve the situation that I can see. How about quarantining immediately? Why did he brush off the first few deaths? The book mentions his actions were reported as substandard but the authors seem to give him a pass anyway.
July 8, 2020
It's interesting to read this book during a worldwide pandemic. It was a stark reminder of the devastating effects of certain diseases, but also a great reminder of what happens when people selflessly help others. I did not know much about the history of the diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska, and the dog sled teams who brought serum across the harsh Alaska territory in the middle of blizzards to save the children. It was a very informative book, but there were actually two things happening in the book which became a little distracting. The first was the story of the epidemic which was powerful and kept you engaged in wanting to know the outcome. The second was background information on dogs, mushers, Alaska, Nome, the Native settlers and their tradition, and many other things. It was a little frustrating for the emotional story to stop while we received a little background. And it wasn't that the information was unhelpful, it often just stopped the flow and several times felt like information we had already been told. That repetitiveness detracted from the story I wanted to finish. Still worth the read however.
September 12, 2015
If you're really into Alaska, AND dog mushing/the Iditarod, AND medicine, you will love this book. If, like me, your interest in most of those topics is more passing, you may still enjoy it. So far there are times when the struggle to read ahead is daunting, but for the most part it's fairly engaging.
January 21, 2013
Loved this book, the love and trust that can exist between people and their dogs. And how people can push themselves beyond their limits to help someone in need.
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