The Cruelest Miles

The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic

By: Gay Salisbury, Laney Salisbury

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1925. It is sixty degrees below zero. The wind sweeps tons of snow over the deep-frozen Alaskan landscape. The nearest railhead is seven hundred miles away. Airplanes cannot fly. The way to Nome is blocked by a treacherous frozen sound, an icebound port, and mountains to the west. But there is a diphtheria epidemic in Nome. The children need serum from the outside world if they are to survive. Their only hope is a few chosen Eskimo drivers and their teams of dogs, who must make a relay race across the wilderness if the serum is to get to Nome in time. The heroism and stamina of the men and their dogs can only be called legendary. Now, their story can be told.

©2003 Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury (P)2003 Books On Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This is an elegantly written book, inspiring tremendous respect for the hardy mushers and their canine partners." (Publishers Weekly)
"The Salisburys have written an amazing story of endurance and courage." (Booklist)
"Margot Dionne delivers this mind-numbing experience in a calm voice, allowing the words to convey the terror and agony that characterized the journey." (AudioFile)

Captivating

This is my favorite audiobook that I’ve ever listened to. The storytelling and narration are amazing!! Would recommend to anyone and everyone.

Amazing!

it was an amazing story! very educational and thought-provoking. it's hard to find books that are historically educational but reads like an adventure novel. and it's nice that the narrator has a rich, full voice that is easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

One of the best stories, real or imagined, ever told

This is an epic adventure of man against nature that shows what goodness, fortitude, and the natural partnership between man and dog can accomplish. One of my favorite books.

What We Need Now - A True Inspirational Story

I watched a program on the Weather Channel ("Race to Nome". When Weather Changed History. The Weather Channel. March 23, 2008) which referred to this book. You can search Wikipedia to find the facts but it's not nearly as interesting as the story by Gay & Laney Salisbury. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because there is too much detail and it's a bit long at 9.5 hrs. However, I'm one of those who couldn't get enough since I've listened to the book several times & gone back to the Internet for more. Highly recommended for the soul!

I Love this Story!

If you could sum up The Cruelest Miles in three words, what would they be?

Historically Informative, Edge of the seat Action, Compassionately Written.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Seppala and Togo first drove through Nome. They were a 20 dog team with bells on them. An Alaskan Santa Claus to the rescue was the visual I had from that scene.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book. The delivery of the background information was fantastic, the setting of the stage was well done. I learned about diphtheria, eradicated in my life, but what a nasty bacteria! A truly enjoyable listen!

One of the best books I have ever 'read'

I bought this book because I wanted to learn a little bit about the history of Alaska and the non-fiction offerings on Audible for Alaskan history are somewhat limited. I decided that it probably didn't get into Alaskan history as much as I would want, but that it might be an interesting listen anyway. Boy, was I surprised!

The authors do an amazing job of painting a picture of what life was like in Nome, Alaska in the early 1900's. Even if you think you can imagine what it must have been like in a frigid, isolated community 100 years ago, there are hundreds of tiny details about surviving at 50 below zero that you never even contemplate. This book also gives you a deep appreciation for the deep bond between man and dog.

This book reads like a great fiction novel, but it's all true. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, the relationship between man and dogs, Alaska or is just looking for a great read (listen).

Great story of dogs, nature and mushers

Great story, very good listening. Dog sledding is a way of life better than any technology

Starts a bit slowly

Once you get into the meat of the story it picks up. There are a lot of characters so it requires some attention initially.

Wonder Dogs!

Unbelievable story!!! Great book!! Amazing Alaskan people!! Amazing sled dogs!!! Particularly the Lead dogs ... astounding!!! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure!!!

A Very Good Book

This one is well worth the listen. It was a fascinating story and was told in a well formatted way that allowed the listener to follow all the supporting stories without becoming lost in minutia that happens so often with historical accounts. The performance by Barrett Whitener was, as usual, outstanding! He made an interesting story even better through the narration. I especially liked the way the author provided the history of the native peoples and how they survive in such an inhospitable place. However, his description of the dogs and the side stories about them and their behavior made this book one of my favorites and will be listened to again, several times I'm sure. If you like little known history and if you like dogs I can't imagine that you will not like this book!