The Year-Long Day: One Man's Arctic

This book I have never forgotten. I first was introduced to it in the Reader's Digest Condensed Book Section when it first came out. I was so fascinated by the writing style and well-documented information that we went to the library and read the entire book; but that was not the end of it. I figured if my Father could entice me to read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" than he could appreciate my "great read". He did and because he enjoyed it as much as I did,it made the book doubly attractive and memorable to me. The survivalist thrill that is all the rage now has nothing on Ivar Ruud's adventures! Ann and Evan Maxwell did a great job making this a reading experience never to be duplicated.

The book begins with Ivar Rudd setting on a 9 month trapping journey on an Isle in the North Atlantic. This was the days when good wages could still be made from trapping fur bearing animals, especially polar bear. I remember reading until 4:00 am the first day because I was riveted to the story. It is worth the reading to be reminded that life is precious and worth the fight. You'll not be disappointed if you enjoy the outdoors or humanitarian true to life stories. My local library has a book, but it is hard to find.

Ever since I got this book, I have been reading and rereading it about once every other month. To show you how good it is, my dad, before he gave it to me, gave it to a friend, who gave it to another friend, etc., etc. He didn't get it back until six years later when he had to hunt it down. This is a book anyone would love.

I spent a year in the Arctic while in the service and even though that is 30 years in the past I keep reading books like this about people who have the courage and strength to pit themselves against the forces of nature, sometimes winning other times losing, but always on their terms. My overwhelming feeling about the book is admiration for a man who has lived his life to the fullest.

I have been reading and re-reading this book since Junior high school (I'm 30 something now) and it never fails to provide hours of enjoyment. The descriptions and feelings of a man who loves and more importantly respects nature in all it's raw glory will move anyone who has ever taken a walk in a beautiful place to enjoy their surrounding. The tale is full of gentle observations of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances; a man who knows and loves his arctic world. It makes me want to go and see the arctic beauty, with nothing but a dog sled team and lots of warm clothing. Do yourself a favor and curl up with this wonderful book. It will allow you to glimpse life simplified to the bare essentials and all the wonder that comes with that process.