Rivers: Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog: Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog

Rivers #1

by Mike Dillingham

A chance encounter on a chilly, rainy day started a heartwarming adventure for a blind dog and a human. This is Rivers' diary of that adventure; becoming pain free and dealing with his disappointments while learning to interact with humans. Rivers tells of a blind dog's efforts to overcome his challenges and achieve his destiny. Rivers is a tale of the bond between a dog and a man, of courage, friendship, loyalty and adventure. It is full of positive messages for both young and old. Rivers takes place in that mystical land called Alaska, where sled dog racing is the state sport, dogs are considered athletes, and mushers are their coaches.

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

About the author

Mike Dillingham was born in a blinding snowstorm in New York City. Mike's mom went into labor while Mike's dad, a New York City Police Officer, was on duty. The fire that night in the first floor restaurant of the 6-story building where they lived only added ambience to the event of Mike's birth, while serving as an omen of the adventures to come. So how did a New York City kid, born in blizzard end up in Alaska? Well, besides the dogs, the beauty, tranquility, and privacy of Alaska were natural magnets for Mike after retiring from the Air Force. Mike's current job allowed him to travel all over Alaska and he wrote parts of his books, in places like Juneau, Ketchikan, Bethel, Naknek, Fairbanks, Palmer, Wasilla and Anchorage. When asked why he wrote these books, Mike replied, "For Rivers, for the dogs, and especially for the kids." Book 3, Rivers, Unknown Trails is tentatively scheduled for publishing in September 2008. Please visit Rivers' "On-Line Doghouse" at http://home.gci.net/~sleddog and his blog at www.riversbooks.blogspot.com

Picture courtesy of Donna Quante, Husky Productions, Willow, Alaska"

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story about an Alaskan Husky, who was a racing sled dog. Unfortunately Rivers went blind. The story takes up after Rivers is blind.
Based on a true story, this is told from the dogs point of view.It would be a lovely book for pethaps an 8 to 10 age group. It talks about resilience, friendship and teamwork and several other issues.
I will say that this book was poorly edited and very much needed to be proof read.

[Womana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming story of a blind sled dog. Written in first person from the dogs point of view. Based on the actual events experienced by this dog. Recommended for 7+ years. Harsh events are tactfully managed.
I enjoyed this book and appriciated the emphisis on the abilities and strengths of the handicaped.

[Doc Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet book written from the dog's point of view. I really enjoyed learning about Rivers and the incredible journey that he was on. I also applaud all those involved in his care, loving him and standing by him. I REALLY hate adding this additional note because I would so "love on" this pooch: but what I found incredibly irritating were the many, many, MANY grammatical and spelling errors. Did anyone proofread? It was a total distraction from what should have been a nice, easy read about an amazing dog. I would give it a 5 for the story though.

[Jada Gillette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a double thumbs up. It's pretty cool that Rivers can run on a sled dog team blind. Jada 7 yrs old

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was very sweet, and very hopeful. I can see the wisdom of an old blind sled dog in the story. I loved that I got a sense of the other dogs as well, and a sense of Mike and the other people. This book does have a lot of proofreading errors, likely because it was either self published or had no proofreading. This didn't bother me that much, as I can't blame a less known author. Overall it is a very sweet, hopeful encouraging story.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 1 in a series of three books and would be excellent reading for all young adults. Actually, the way things are in the present world, I think it should be mandatory.
There is so much in video games, some music and many areas of life that teach a disrespect for all forms of life that anything teaching empathy and the value of good judgement is a must to guide these young people. We really have to impress the good in life on them as early as possible.
We can help! Please donate these and any books that may be beneficial to a library or maybe a school (here's the really important part) in a depressed area. These are the areas that often can't afford a major selection of worthwhile literature but are the ones that have young thirsty minds that need the best to become the best!
Please make the extra effort to pass it forward.