This is an interesting story which shows the effort level, the isolation, and the difficulty of living and traveling in extreme environments. The author also wanders into the realm of philosophy, sometimes very effectively. ( )

Let me start off by saying that I have no idea how a trip across Antarctica could appeal to anyone, even in the most posh of circumstances. Obviously, the group of friends did not just traipse across the continent in this manner. Perhaps since I am from the Midwest, I realize on a much, much smaller scale how miserable ice, wind, and snow can be, and this is what the author described in this book. The conditions are horrid, but the details are many. This is definitely a good read for anyone that wants to experience the misery of a lengthy, miserable Antarctic trip. ( )

The author seems to have very romanticized notions of what Antarctica should be like. He constantly draws parallels between his trip and former well recorded historic trips, as well as with just other literature in general. If you are looking for a book that is strictly a description of the adventure, then this is not for you. He spends barely half the book describing the actual journey, and a good portion of that is about the preparation. This book seems to be more about how the trip and everything that happens before and during it make the author feel about life in general. That said, I still found it enjoyable. ( )

I really wanted to love this book, however, too little attention was paid to the details of the actual adventure. Much of the book focused on the authors private life including what lead to his deciding to take up the adventure which was interesting, but took up too much of the story. There were so many quotes and references to classic literature and too much time drawing parrallels to other works and adventurer's efforts. The last 1/4 or so was good, but the beginning was just so drawn out that I had a hard time getting into the book. ( )

All in all, I'd say in general that this isn't a great adventure book. But it is a good book and enjoyable to read. Lots of books are written nowadays about gimmicky adventures that are 'the first this' and 'the biggest that' type derivatives of adventures that have already been done. You know, you've heard of a celebrated adventure that amounted to something like "the first rock climber to jump on his left foot while singing 'away in a manger' in Spanish on top of Mount McKinley." While Riding the Ice wind isn't quite that absurd, the adventure itself, while still a huge accomplishment, wasn't terribly unique from a readers' perspective.

However, I found the human element to be very interesting. Alistair Nicoll had a kind of mid-life crisis a few years early and had to do something drastic to understand himself and his path. He was racing to try and get home for the birth of his first child and was fighting his own internal dialogue the whole way. Something in me resonated with "Ali's" position in life. Also, I found a lot in common with him that made the story really hit home for me.

The writing itself is a bit better than the average adventure book, and was enjoyable especially because he writes some rather literary and interesting things into the text. For example, comparing the Katabatic winds to the winds in the lower circles of Dante's Inferno. A bit effete, and too much for some people, but right up my alley! ( )