polar regions

An interesting story but only an average read. Jumping from one author to another is distracting. There are many other books written about women doing remarkable journeys that make a better read an deserve attention.

This book's account of Liv and Ann's long trek across Antarctica is riveting, and it's just incredible how much they suffered and how they managed to continue despite it. It blows my mind that they did this in their mid-forties.

One of the most admirable things about this book is how Liv and Ann come across not as cinematic superheroes but as real people, fuming about the sheer politics of just getting to Antarctica, making mistakes, bickering with each other, but still, in the end, sticking together and succeeding.

Liv's explanation (on page 21) of why she does such things is very illuminating, but you know what? After having finished the book, I still don't understand why people undertake such insanely brutal challenges. I can't imagine why anyone would voluntarily spend three months pulling 250-pound sledges across treacherous terrain in subzero temperatures. But that's why I sit at home reading books, instead of crossing Antarctica.

This book would be great for parents to read to their kids!

"No Horizon Is So Far" details Arnesen and Bancroft's expedition across the Antarctic continent. The two former school teachers set out to fulfill their lifelong dreams of crossing the Antarctic while inspiring kids to tackle personal obstacles and to pursue their dreams. The expedition team developed a curriculum that allowed students around the world to participate in their adventure while learning valuables lessons in science and perseverance. Told from both voyagers' viewpoint, the book recounts with suspense, humor and clarity the challenges and triumphs of crossing the frozen continent. Information on the business aspects of planning and executing an expedition is also included and provides, for this Project Manager, an example of astute planning by a culturally and professionally diverse team of individuals with an intense dedication to achieving the goals of the expedition.

"No Horizon Is So Far" is successful on many levels. It educates, inspires, and motivates. On the surface - and by the cover - this may appear to be merely an adventure story, but it's much more. The journey of Arnesen and Bancroft not only challenged the physical and emotional strength of the two history making women but it also serves as a metaphor for the challenges we all face in everyday life. The story is well organized and made easily accessible with clear and concise language that sets an inviting tone for the story and is open enough to allow the women's experience to be meaningful to a wide range of people. Kudos to the women for chasing their dreams and congratulations to the expedition team and supporters that helped them catch it.