First to the Pole: The Amazing True Story of a Salesman from Minnesota and His Friends Who Became the First to Reach the North Pole over the Ice

by C. J. Ramstad, Keith Pickering

“I loved Ralph Plaisted like my own dad. But even if you didn’t know Ralph and his team, you will love this book. Ralph taught me the true spirit of adventure by living it. Who else could sit over a glass of scotch in Duluth looking out over Lake Superior’s stark winter ice cap and dream of conquering the North Pole by snowmobile? Who else could realize that dream of having a United State Air Force plane radio to him at the Pole proclaiming ‘Plaisted, every direction from where you fellas are is south!’ That could—only—be Ralph. First to the Pole engages the reader on every twist and turn of this amazing journey. A journey that not only captures the North Pole, but the true spirit of adventure which was the fabric of my dear friend and wilderness mentor, Ralph Plaisted.” —Eric Gislason, Longtime KSTP-TV Sports Reporter/Outdoor TV Show Host/Storyteller

Genres: Book Club

254 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story here, and it is a true story, but the many spelling and other editorial errors made it difficult to read in places. There were a couple of spots I had no idea what they were trying to say.

On the other hand, this book was brought to my attention because I'm related to one of the members of the expedition - my grandpa's cousin. I spoke with him several years ago, before he passed, but had no idea he was part of this adventure. For that reason, I really enjoyed getting to know this side of him (and wonder if some of my personality traits are from that side of the family!).

This was a fun, exciting adventure that seems so old fashioned based on our current technology...which makes it all the more remarkable.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great story. The editorial errors made it difficult to follow.