Ice Bound

A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole

By: Jerri Nielsen

Narrated by: Jerri Nielsen

The Antarctic winter, with temperatures 100 degrees below zero, shuts supply lines down completely; conditions are too treacherous for planes and boats and the only connection with the rest of the world is satellite hook-up.

During the long winter of 1999, Dr. Nielsen, the only physician on a staff of 41 people, discovered a lump in her breast. Consulting via satellite e-mail with doctors in the US, she was forced to perform a biopsy and in June began to treat herself with chemotherapy, in order to insure that she could survive until conditions permitted her rescue in October.

A daring rescue by the Air National Guard ensued, who landed, dropped off a replacement physician, and in less than five minutes took off with Dr. Nielsen.

Set in one of the most remote and desolate yet strikingly beautiful landscapes on earth, Jerri Nielsen's narrative of her transforming experiences is a thrilling adventure of researchers and scientists embattled by a hostile environment, a chronicle of marvels - and limits - of modern medical technology, and a penetrating exploration of the dynamics of an isolated, intensely connected community faced with adversity.

But at its core this is a powerfully moving drama of one woman's voyage of self-discovery and courage and the fierce dedication of scores of colleagues - both known and unknown to her - whose aid proved to be her salvation.

©2002 Jerri Nielsen (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Fabulous True Story and Jerri's side of the story

I have listened to this book twice since I purchased it. I am fascinated with the life of those who blaze trails in unusual places. Life down there is HARD! Of course we all know that, but I loved the details and the entertainment cooked up to make life a little more tolerable.

The story of her cancer is terrible and the communications set up to help were extraordinary.

Most of all though, I was grateful to hear her side of the story. As she explains in the book, her husband tainted the news that we heard. At the time, I was furious that a mother would abandon her children to selfishly go on this adventure. NOT SO!!!

Great story, terrible narration

Great story but the narrator lacked experience in story telling, sounded as if she was reading a script and often stumbling over words. That said its still worth the read.

Grab a blanket! You will feel the cold!

This book is about a doctor that discovered a lump in her breast shortly after the last plane left the South Pole. She was stuck there for over 8 months before they were able to rescue her.

While telling the story of her ordeal she also paints a picture of what life is like living in such a harsh environment. You will feel the cold as you listen to the stories of how people work and play at temperatures below zero.

I do not know if it was the recording or the reader but this book often has a slight pause in the middle of a word. I tend to feel that it was the reader though. If not for this, I would give this 5 stars.

Interesting story

Interesting story, but author really should not have read her own book. She seemed to stumble through parts of it. The story; however, was good enough that it kept me listening.

Story is worth the listen

I was disappointed like other listeners at the poor narration by the author. However, her incredible story is worth getting used to the voice. After listening for a while the narration is not so bothersome and you really do get caught up in the drama that Dr. Nielsen experienced at the South Pole. If you are a fan of stories like "Into Thin Air" you will enjoy this very much.