Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13

I usually read an hour or so before going to bed. That was a mistake with this book. It was so gripping, I kept reading on and on, not feeling like there was a good stopping point. The author does a great job in reeling you into the story and feeling the dangers and bravery of these explorer's who braved minus 20 degrees to minus 90 degree weather with 1910 equipment. It's a story about how believing in yourself, the loyalty and fellowship of the skilled men you surround yourself with, and the shear will to know you will see another day is a requirement for survival.

So you think this winter has been cold and snowy? Try sleeping out in a tent in -77º F temperatures, which is what Apsley Cherry-Garrard did on his trip to Antartica in 1910. At only 23 years old, Cherry was chosen to join Captain Robert F. Scott's expedition to Antartica to carry out scientific experiments, and hopefully plant the British flag at the South Pole. He was given the title of assistant zoologist, and one of his missions was to collect the eggs of the emperor penguin for study. During the entire three year expedition, Cherry and the rest of Scott's men experienced a fierce storm that almost capsized their ship, painful frostbite, killer whale attacks, plunges into crevasses the size of cathedrals and, tragically, the deaths of five of the men. This is a true story, but since the author writes in the first person using Cherry's voice, it is actually a work of fiction. The author researched for the book by reading Cherry's first person account of the expedition titled The Worst Journey in the World, and also many of the personal diaries that the other men kept. So even though this book is fiction, it reads like a non-fiction book, complete with amazing photographs and footnotes. If you like exciting adventure and survival stories, this is the book for you.

What a great read! I bought it for myself, but after finishing it, started reading it to my 10 year old son. He can't get enough of it. It's so great when literature such as this is able to capture the mind and imaginiation of adults and kids alike. Quite a testament to the author. I strongly recommend this book!

I purchased this book for my 13 year old son. He hasn't had a chance to read it yet. My husband finished it first, followed by me. It is a fascinating true adventure that reads like a novel. Don't start reading late at night if you want to get any sleep. This is a super book for anyone interested in history, exploration, adventure, or for anybody who enjoys a well written book on any subject. (That would be me.)