The best part? She won as a team (with her dogs) and as a person of strength with the knowledge that she would also be a role model from both women and men.

I found the book inspiring!


More pictures would be nice but otherwise is excellent!   February 1, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

this book made me feel like I was with Libby along the trail! It was awesome! I recommend it to anyone who wants a spirited, trail bazing adventure book! Libby is a great musher, but a better author!


Getting in Touch With The Iditarod   January 20, 2000
 26 out of 27 found this review helpful

This book does a wonderful job of describing the many facets of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race - - the majesty and beauty of Alaska, the personality, strength, and stamina of the dogs, the harshness of the weather, the varied trail conditions and terrain, the sleep deprivation and physical toll exacted on the mushers, the difficulties in following the trail, the friendship and comradery that exists among the mushers, the hospitality of people along the trail, and the excitement of the competition. The style of the writing seems just right - - eminently readable, highly entertaining, very descriptive and insightful. From the comfort of ones armchair, the reader feels very close to the drama, excitement, hardships, danger, and challenge of the Iditarod. While it is true that the author, Libby Riddles, was the first woman to win the Iditarod, to her credit she does not come through as a crusader or a "woman's libber". She is a genuine, sincere person with a great love of sled dogs, racing, the outdoors, and competition. This book is an epic story about how she proved herself to be the best in the world, by winning the Iditarod. She was incredibly dedicated, driven to win, and extraordinarily tough. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves the challenge, adventure, danger, and excitement of The Last Great Race - - the Iditarod.


Libby is woman, hear her roar!   May 26, 1999
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Libby Riddles proves that being a woman in the middle of Alaska's traitorous terrain can be a blessing, especially when flying behind a pack of healthy enthusiastic dogs. Although this recount of the 1985 Iditarod wasn't written to prove a point about the strength and determination of women, the perseverance of the team with Libby in the lead illustrated the inner drive that makes completing a daunting task like the Iditarod possible. In her own words she describes the incredible task of racing a pack of sled dogs across Alaska from Anchorage to Nome while facing unbelievable odds including ferocious weather, exhaustion, doggie runs, sneaky sweepers, and the ever elusive trail markers. This book gives a behind-the-scenes type of look inside the mind of a determined and intelligent musher making moment-to-moment decisions while coming within inches from mortal danger for herself and her dogs. Libby's story will make you want to harness up your beagle and set out for the tundra of Alaska!