No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer Paperback – March 20, 2007

This is a great book for others with Achromatopsia, their family and any person to get a gauge about what a legally blind person can achieve.I too have have the same sight condition as Rachael and am also legally blind. The read brought tears to my eyes and made me laugh at how much I could relate personally to much of what Racael went through. The teasing at school, the beaurocracy that doesn't care and those that hate and would do anything to see the blind girl excluded from the sport - of course because of their bigotry to the misunderstanding of 'blind' (and the told you so, she will fail). Then there's the supporters, the inner strength bred by the desire and can do attitude. The runs on the board and proving she can. And in the end she did it, mushed that 1200 miles as not only a blind girl but also a young competitor rockie. She did good.I am disappointed the book doesn't come in audio format or kindle version. Hard copy makes it barely accessible to any vision impaired person...including the author, ironic. I read two other books on Kindle with audio while reading this book because it just takes strain and time to read normal print. I also had to scoff at the descriptions in the book of scenery and her body mid section bruise. They were described in colour lol! As any person with Complete Achromatopsia knows, we don't see colour. Our description of colour is typified by 'lighter / darker/ comments and guaranteed when Rachael looked at her bruise she would NOT be describing it as yellow, purple etc etc. But, I do understand this book is written for sighted people and a realistic descripto just would not have connected with the audience. Whereas those that don't see colour can at least image the shade. Adaptability at work.It was great to learn a little about the dog mushing caper too.A great read.

Great story of overcoming obstacles. Well written biography of a heroine.

Amazing story of a courageous and brave young woman, overcoming all sorts of obstacles. She is an incredible inspiration to anyone who reads this book. I’m in awe of her spirit and will to succeed.

Very good!!! Wanted to cry for her

I came across this book while searching for books on the Iditarod. Rachael serves as an inspiration to many who have physical challenges, although she initially resisted this role. She has a lot of guts, stamina, and composure. I thank her for writing this book and giving all of us a reminder to go after our goals!

I was obsessed with the Iditarod when I read this book. It is AMAZING, with so much feeling and I just love it. Rachael tells you to never give up, or let a simple disability get in the way. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me cry tears of joy. The way Rachael writes is just... Beautiful.I recommend this book for children and adults 12+, for some mild swearing (like the b-word) but that doesn't stop the book from being action-packed, interesting and informational at the same time.Like I said, I rate this book 11 out of 10 stars. Good job, Rachael Scdoris!

I don't know much about dog racing, but this story had me mildly interested all the way through, and I learned a lot, not only about the sport, but about blind people and how one girl's courage catapulted her into a 500 mile, grueling endurance race across the wildest parts of a wild countryside. Rachel speaks candidly about how, when she was young, she wanted to be part of the clique of "popular girls" who ruled the roost at school, and how these uncaring girls mocked her and humiliated her for even trying.She didn't like being treated as some sort of second class and in a way, you can see the whole of her subsequent career as a sort of insolent salute to the girls who made her life hell. Her family was supportive, up to a point. But the challenge of the Iditarod Trail frightens even the most dedicated guides. And some unimaginative, if concerned, fellow sledders told her she was crazy, being blind to attempt such a physical feat. For even strong men with both eyes sometimes went mad along the trail. The ITC wasn't helpful, and she had to appeal to them in person. What would she do if she had to go to the bathroom, for example? Rachel answers these questions with the frank good humor for which she has been known all over the world of sled racing. One indication of the deeper pain involved is that, usually, Rachel cries sometime during a race. But finally she's at a point where she's having fun and it shows not only in her work, but in the pages of this delightful book. My brother who gave me NO END IN SIGHT knows of my love for the books of David Sedaris, and he thought that Rachel might be some relation! Well, there's no direct blood connection (and her name is "Sedoris") but she is like David Sedaris in being able to find the humanity and humor even in the most awful of straits.Yes, it's "heavy sledding" at times, especially if like me you're a newbie with next to no knowledge of anything she's talking about and anything she's been through. But, there's a helpful glossary at the back of the book so all you non-mushers can decipher the somewhat specialized lingo. You'll be crying out "Haw!" and "Hike!" like seasoned trailhounds. Ever wonder what kind of personality you would have as a canine? Are you the wheel dog type or the swing dog, a team dog or a lead? Check out NO END IN SIGHT.

True inspiration for overcoming obstacles - Rachael demonstrates amazing physical and mental stamina "grit" in her determination to excell at dog sled racing. Her father helped her develop it and also posseses considerable grit. A great read.