Book Review – Rachael Scdoris No End in Sight

by Rick Steber (c. 2005, Two Star, a Division of Bonanza Publishing, Prineville, Oregon)

(cover photo taken my Michelle Detwiler and is not the promotional image. I thought this cover image was much nicer than the older one shown Amazon)

Last month a television news program (Q13 Fox Morning News) was interviewing a sled dog racer, Rachael Scdoris (click name to open her website). I watched the interview with interest as she talked about her experiences with sled dog racing. This seemed like an interesting topic so when the news anchor asked people to send an email if they’d like to win a copy of her story I did just that, and won the book!

As I began to read her story I learned that Rachael grew up around sled dogs. At a young age she begged her father for a chance to run her own sled. While many parents might be hesitant to allow an 11-year-old to run a sled by herself in the wilderness, Rachael’s dad had one more reason, she is legally blind. What does Rachael see? Some shapes and shadows but not much more.

Blindness aside, Rachael’s story, No End in Sight, tells of enthusiasm and courage in the face of a myriad of obstacles set before her. As well as training for sled dog races, Rachael faces challenges from people who think her blindness is a reason not to allow her to race.

I was amazed at the blunt truth written about the hardships of sled dog racing, and amazed at Rachael for standing up to so many trials along her journey.

This book is an interesting and thought provoking read, especially if you are interested in learning about sled dog life through the eyes of someone who is legally blind. Now that I’ve completed this book I look forward to hearing more about Rachael Scdoris and her sled dogs in 2010. Way to go Rachael!

Thanks for listening~