Basil Miller (1897–1978)

This book, published in 1947, is typical of the adventure yarns in the artic with one big difference, it is VERY RELIGIOUS. I don't believe any two pages went without praying or quoting scripture. I get it, if I was trying to survive in a blizzard, much less try to fly a plane in it, I would be praying a whole lot too. And I get it in that I think people are better off with God in their life. If you are not expecting that a book will have so much references to Christianity, or don't prefer show more that, than it can be a bit jarring. As a Christian I didn't mind it. I like to think that God answers prayers and helps to save us.

There is a lot going on as Kris Cory and his dog Koko try to save a Missionary doctor and a tribe of Eskimos from a plague. For those who like a quick read, or for a younger that would probably be good. For me things go by a little too fast to really feel enough emotion. Overall though I enjoyed the story.

One other thing I found interesting is that at a point or two he uses a walkie talkie and a headphone on Koko to direct him. I know the military dogs do that now, but interesting to read of the concept from the 1940's.

Some quibbles I had with the book: hard for me to get into an attack by a pack of wolves knowing what we know about wolf behavior now. Also while Koko is good and of course saves the day, 6 other dogs probably met an untimely death and was not treated as much attention as seems like there should be.

There are other books to continue this series but I won't go out of my way to get them as there are other classic old books better out there. show less

This book, published in 1947, is typical of the adventure yarns in the artic with one big difference, it is VERY RELIGIOUS. I don't believe any two pages went without praying or quoting scripture. I get it, if I was trying to survive in a blizzard, much less try to fly a plane in it, I would be praying a whole lot too. And I get it in that I think people are better off with God in their life. If you are not expecting that a book will have so much references to Christianity, or don't prefer show more that, than it can be a bit jarring. As a Christian I didn't mind it. I like to think that God answers prayers and helps to save us.

There is a lot going on as Kris Cory and his dog Koko try to save a Missionary doctor and a tribe of Eskimos from a plague. For those who like a quick read, or for a younger that would probably be good. For me things go by a little too fast to really feel enough emotion. Overall though I enjoyed the story.

One other thing I found interesting is that at a point or two he uses a walkie talkie and a headphone on Koko to direct him. I know the military dogs do that now, but interesting to read of the concept from the 1940's.

Some quibbles I had with the book: hard for me to get into an attack by a pack of wolves knowing what we know about wolf behavior now. Also while Koko is good and of course saves the day, 6 other dogs probably met an untimely death and was not treated as much attention as seems like there should be.

There are other books to continue this series but I won't go out of my way to get them as there are other classic old books better out there. show less

Wilfred Grenfell’s approach to ministry in Newfoundland and Labrador was focused on helping people yet he did not loose focus on sharing Christ and seeing people saved. My favorite quote of Wilfred is "Christ ever meant to me a peerless Leader, whose challenge was not to save ourselves, but to loose ourselves; not to understand Him, but to have courage to follow Him...treading in the footsteps of Christ explains the meaning of life” This speaks volumes about his character, life and work.

This is not a deeply theological book, however, it does have some insights worth considering. I would recommend it.