Ice Bound is one of the best books I have read in years. I just couldn't put it down. It is a wonderful story of love, friendship, and problem solving. I found it very educational. As I knew nothing about the South Pole and life there, it taught me so much about that mysterious part of the world. Ice Bound was so fascinating that I immediately started back at the first of the book to read it again slowly. As a nurse I found the medical parts of the book along with the profound effects on the body and mind at the South Pole just amazing. I believe the thoughtless comments about Dr. Neilsen and the flag being upside down were quite petty beyond belief. They weren't a book review. Get real! This is a great story. After reading her book it makes me wonder if those petty comments were made by her ex or his friends and family in an effort to sabatoge the success of her book, that is, to discourage readers. If so, it didn't work. This is a fabulous book that must be read by one and all.

After seeing Dr. Nielsen on Primetime Live I knew I HAD to read this book which appeals to readers on so many different levels. The fascinating story and drama of individuals who winter at the south pole is an example of a lifestyle few of us would ever consider or could even image. Dr. Nielsen's fight against the cancer raging in her body as she struggles to continue her duties as the pole's only physician is awe inspriring. However the most beautiful and potentially life changing aspect of the book for me was her description of this "perfect society" where people are valued and appreciated for the true gifts they bring from their souls and not judged superficially by irrelevent things like physical appearance as our society is so apt to do. The truest message comes through Dr. Nielsen's assertions that the mechanic is just (if not MORE) important than the doctor at the pole. We could all learn from this metaphor to make society a better place in which to live. Finally as far as the controvery regarding Dr. Nielsen "leaving" her children to pursue this adventure I personally believed her story, but since only the family involved could know the whole truth it is not any readers place to judge her motives.

This line, already seventy per cent through "Ice Bound," epitomizes the history of the 1999 sequester in Antarctica.

The narrative details not only Dr. Jerri Nielsen's highly publicized rescue from the South Pole, but the incredible friendships forged on this other world on Earth. Dr. Nielsen, the one doctor on site, discovered a lump on her breast. As it continued to grow, the "Polies" banded together to save "Doc," even attempting to aspirate the tumor and by administering her chemotherapy.

Dr. Nielsen had an incredible story to tell as a physician voluntarily stranded on the South Pole with forty other people -- scientists and engineers. With Maryanne Vollers, the tale of The Fun 41, before and after Dr. Nielsen's diagnosis, was told with joy and tears. Dr. Nielsen's descriptions were so vivid, and not at all condescending. I sobbed when I read Big's letters to Jerri's family.

I wish them all well, and thank them for sharing their story with us. This was a great book.