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shighley's review against another edition
4.0
We read this book for my church book club, and were surprised that it was not that readily available now. We thought it was appropriate to read this for our January book. I did not realize that Dr. Nielsen had died until I saw it on Goodreads, and that affected my perspective as I read it. A measure of a good book is if it stays with you, or you want to learn more after you read it, and I certainly wanted to know more. I really wanted to know about her children, the doctor here in Indianapolis, and the current whereabouts of some of the other characters. I definitely learned a lot about Antarctica (and, no, I have no desire to go there) and appreciate its depiction of how inventive and cohesive people can be when needed. I plan to look up some of the tv interviews and stories. I agree that it could have been somewhat shorter, but it was fairly easy to read.
sortabadass's review against another edition
2.0
I love learning about the scientific community down in Antarctica, and this book served as a vehicle for that.
In terms of its efficacy in conveying Dr. Nielsen's story apart from the setting, my feelings are mixed. The story of Nielsen's cancer was relatively repetitious and dull as true medical dramas often are. As we often do, I puzzled to figure out why a mother was so estranged from her children. I am sad to say that I judged her -- more harshly than I would have judged a father in her shoes.
A few minutes of idle googling brought me to her daughter's blog where she discussed Nielsen's death. After reading it I felt more conflicted than I had, and somewhat ashamed for my assumptions about Nielsen and her family.
We all have those bits of our life that aren't perfect but Nielsen's were broadcast to the world. It is human nature to make sense of the world around us by placing others into categories: 'he's poor because he wastes his money on frivolous things' or 'she's probably receiving assistance because she had her kids so young.' However, this does a disservice to the complexity of human beings and their interactions. Sometimes I need help remembering that.
In terms of its efficacy in conveying Dr. Nielsen's story apart from the setting, my feelings are mixed. The story of Nielsen's cancer was relatively repetitious and dull as true medical dramas often are. As we often do, I puzzled to figure out why a mother was so estranged from her children. I am sad to say that I judged her -- more harshly than I would have judged a father in her shoes.
A few minutes of idle googling brought me to her daughter's blog where she discussed Nielsen's death. After reading it I felt more conflicted than I had, and somewhat ashamed for my assumptions about Nielsen and her family.
We all have those bits of our life that aren't perfect but Nielsen's were broadcast to the world. It is human nature to make sense of the world around us by placing others into categories: 'he's poor because he wastes his money on frivolous things' or 'she's probably receiving assistance because she had her kids so young.' However, this does a disservice to the complexity of human beings and their interactions. Sometimes I need help remembering that.
slferg's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book! Dr. Nielsen's choice to go to Antarctica to the south pole Scott-Amundsen Station and the insights it brought and the friendships formed. Unhappy with corporate medicine and procedures (she was an ER doctor), she saw an ad for a doctor for the south pole station. She applied and was accepted. She went in 1998 to winterover with the base staff. Since a new station was being constructed nearby, this was about the last winter for residence at this one. There was also a consstruction crew for the winterover for the first time. She was the only doctor/nurse for 41 people over the arctic winter, dealing with construction injuries, problems with the physiological altitude - many people suffered from altitude sickness, lack of humidity, dental problems, etc. for the six months of polar night when it got coler than minus 100 F and the sun never shone. Six months into this, and 2 months into the polar winter, she discovered a lump in her breast one night. Then, it grew. With the help of some of her closest friends, she managed to do a biopsy on a live feed with a specialist and have it examined via satellite feed. It was affirmed as cancer. Then, the NSF decided to do an airdrop with chemotherapy drugs and stuff that was needed for treatment, etc. They decided to drop 6 crates with supplies - the essential stuff was all duplicated in case a crate was damaged. They also packed other goodies and treats - the favorite "freshies" (fresh fruits and vegetables which had run out).
The experience of these people thrown together for the polar winter who developed a tribal attitude - the lasting friendships formed - all is a wonderful exploration of life at the south pole in the closed community, as well as the absorbing story of her illness.
The experience of these people thrown together for the polar winter who developed a tribal attitude - the lasting friendships formed - all is a wonderful exploration of life at the south pole in the closed community, as well as the absorbing story of her illness.
mad_is_rad's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
Totally insane that this is even real. What a story! I feel like I learned a lot about Antarctica as well - I loved the descriptions of the polar twilight. To live in a constant sunset must be an amazing experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Medical trauma and Emotional abuse
oliv6ia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
wjread's review against another edition
1.0
She survived an incredible struggle, but her tone and focus are so self-important that it was hard for me to empathize.
junojuno's review against another edition
5.0
positive, personable, page-turner
jerri nielsen is so likeable that I felt like this book was my friend, as well as everyone described within it. ice bound is just plain good storytelling; even accounts of nielsen's day-t0-day activities were infused with energy and humor. nielsen's reflections on her life and her situation were valuable even to someone who has nothing in common with her life experiences.
jerri nielsen is so likeable that I felt like this book was my friend, as well as everyone described within it. ice bound is just plain good storytelling; even accounts of nielsen's day-t0-day activities were infused with energy and humor. nielsen's reflections on her life and her situation were valuable even to someone who has nothing in common with her life experiences.
martha_schwalbe's review against another edition
4.0
The writing isn't great! With that said, life at the South Pole is something I will never experience, I don't have anything to offer a team of scientists, so this book is one of the closest ways I have of being there. What an experience it was to read about life at the South Pole, experiencing nearly one year within the pages.
Add to the story of life at the South Pole the urgency that a cancer diagnosis takes on when the patient is the doctor who is sent to the South Pole to take care of everyone else's health. Her experience reminded me of the nurses who were part of the Bataan Death March, caring for the soldiers as they battled disease, hunger, injuries, and other war elements.
Add to the story of life at the South Pole the urgency that a cancer diagnosis takes on when the patient is the doctor who is sent to the South Pole to take care of everyone else's health. Her experience reminded me of the nurses who were part of the Bataan Death March, caring for the soldiers as they battled disease, hunger, injuries, and other war elements.