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Saturday, March 07, 2009

The Itiderod race started today

I have never been particularly interested, until I read a book called "Murder on the Itiderod trail by Sue Henry.




The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race got off to its ceremonial start Saturday in Anchorage, Alaska, with mushers and their dogs going on short runs through the city.

The grueling 1,150-mile trek to Nome begins in earnest tomorrow with 67 mushers and more than 1,000 dogs competing, but intrigue and controversy are already mounting.

-- The recession has hit the famous race, with entrance fees rising as the purse declines to $610,000 from $935,000 last year. Fewer mushers are competing this year, with some saying the expense of training in tough economic times caused them to sit out.

2 comments:

airforcewife said...

That book sounds really fascinating. I think I'll try it next (library trip today!). Fiction or non-fiction?

I'm reading about the Mitfords right now. I'm now glad I stopped having children with the three girls and one boy.

And speaking of books - since you're the expert. I have an 11 year old who adores Jane Eyre, Harry Potter, and Cheaper by the Dozen (the original book, not the movies). What would you suggest we get her next?

miriam sawyer said...

The book is a mystery. I'm now reading another book about Alaska by Sue Henry, which is also good and has lots of interesting background.

I read the Mitford books a long time ago. Did you know that Deborah died just a few years ago? She was the duchess. Her husband was distinguished by being the only member of the House of Lords who never spoke during their sessions.

For your 11-year-old: how about Pride and Prejudice; I think I first read it when I was about 13, and loved it. There are lots of books in the same section of the library which I read. I don't even know if they are available any more. I loved "My Sister Eileen," among others.

The Narnia books by C S Lewis are great; try the first of the series, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." He's a wonderful writer. All of these are still in print.

About books: nobody is an expert, tastes differ, but I hope your daughter likes these, for starters.