Instruct: Classify the given Amazon review as either positive or negative.
Query: A reader from San Jose California

I have always wondered what kind of person it took to make a commitment to this type of event. This book dives headfirst in the pains and pleasures of training and racing in the Iditarod. Gary Paulsen is a superlative writer and storyteller making you laugh with one story and cry with another. This is honest, down-to-earth stuff and there is never a dull moment. Everyone I've recommend this book to comes back to me and wants to discuss the different situations Paulsen finds himself confronted with during his training as well as during and after the race. I loved this book and I have gained a healthy respect for the participants of the Iditarod and the spirit that drives them.