Very cool nonfiction book about exploration of some of the most desolate places in Earth. had a fun time with this one and would recommend for anyone interested in the subject.

A real treat for anyone in love with the polar regions.

I am a fan of Neil Shubin - I have read and enjoyed two of his previous books, but this one is a bit different. First, it is not a classic popular science work - more of a travelog and history book. Second, it is more a series of essays on various polar-related topics than a coherent story - but it is so compelling you can hardly put the book down.

The author shares his experiences from many expeditions he was part of (or led), including many interesting observations (“with no news, internet, or external sources of information, the main distractions in camp are the ones we carry inside of us”). I especially liked his set of rules for working in polar regions: 1. Don’t get cold. 2. Don’t get hot (“The general advice for working in cold places is: rush only when necessary”). 3. Don’t get dry. 4. Keep your head in the game. 5. It takes a village. 6. Think inside the box (“Thinking ‘outside the box’ is for the whiteboard at home, not for polar expeditions.”) 7. Experts mess up.

In addition to these recollections, Shubin retraces other scientific discoveries in the Arctic and Antarctic from the so-called "Heroic Age" (which lasted from the end of the 19th century until World War I) to the present day. And on top of all that, there are even a few paragraphs about my favorite creatures: „Because they accomplish all these feats while looking like cute teddy bears under the microscope, tardigrades have developed a loyal fan following."

Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Group Dutton, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.