The Cruelest Miles

Version: Abridged
Author: Gay Salisbury , Laney Salisbury
Narrator: Margot Dionne
Genres: History
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Published In: June 2003
# of Units: 5 CDs
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
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Overview

In 1925, a deadly diphtheria epidemic swept through icebound Nome, Alaska. The life-saving serum was a thousand miles away, and a blizzard was brewing. Airplanes could not fly in such conditions: only the dogs could do it. Racing against death, twenty dog teams relayed the serum across the Alaskan wilderness as newspapers nationwide headlined the drama, enthralling an entire generation. The heroic dash to Nome inspired the annual Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska and immortalized Balto, the lead dog whose arrival in Nome over a snow-blown trail was an American legend in the making. His bronze statue still stands in New York City's Central Park, in dedication to the "Endurance, Fidelity and Intelligence" of the dogs that saved Nome. This is their story, the greatest dog story never fully told, until now.

Selected Reviews

Brrrr!

by Anna Eidson
  • Book Rating: 5/5

The Cruelest Miles

by Christine Brean
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 7

Reviews (7)

Brrrr!

Written by Anna Eidson on November 11th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

A compelling true story about real heroes, some of whom were dogs. Whoever read it did a terrific job of not over-dramatizing. This book reinforced my gratitude to live in exactly the time and place that I do and not under the austere and dangerous conditions that so many people in the world live under. It'll make you appreciate your own life and, if you're like me, make you appreciate the brave souls who are willing to go to far greater lengths to help others than I think I could ever get myself to do. A super read, especially if you have a fondness for dogs.

The Cruelest Miles

Written by Christine Brean from Gardena, CA on June 5th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

If you've ever had any interest in the Iditarod Race, in dog mushing or in Alaska, you will love this book. Finally all the information on the 1925 race to save the "Children of Nome" is in one book. And besides describing the physical challenges and hardships of the mushers, the book educates about the politics behind flying vs. sledding. Every musher was a hero and faced terrible hardships and yet they all said they were just doing their job. And then they gave all the credit to their dogs! And even though Alaska was not yet a State, the book gives you a sense of pride in the American Spirit. The book was well-written, well-read, and well worth the time to listen.

A Great Alaskan Adventure

Written by Jeremy Jones on April 19th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This book was wonderful. It is the story of one of the greatest Alaskan journeys in history. I learned a tremendous amount from this book about Nome, diptheria, and dog teams, and I live in Alaska. The only downside is that the reader mispronounces some of the difficult Alaskan village names.

Cruelest Miles

Written by James Dowd on January 26th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Very entertaining, especially so if you like dogs.

Nice adventure story..

Written by abr on November 10th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Enjoyed this race to the finish book. Lots of interesting background information about Alaksa and the hardship of the times. Easy listening!

Cruelest Miles

Written by Anonymous from Fresno, CA on May 27th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Easy listening and with adverture. I really enjoyed it.

The Cruelest Miles

Written by Anonymous on August 14th, 2004

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Exellent book. My wife and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Selected Reviews

Brrrr!

by Anna Eidson
  • Book Rating: 5/5

The Cruelest Miles

by Christine Brean
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 7

Author Details

Author Details

Salisbury, Gay

Gay Salisbury is the former associate publisher of Basic Books. She splits her time between Fairbanks, Alaska, and New York City.

Salisbury, Laney

Laney Salisbury, a Columbia Journalism School graduate, has reported from Africa, the Middle East, and New York. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.