Granite - A Book Review

A Review by Chad & Nick

Granite by Susan Butcher and David Monson
Summary:
Susan Butcher liked in the winter wonderland known as Alaska. While on the outside it may have appeared that she lived alone, but Susan was surrounded by her sled dogs. Susan would train with her dogs to race in the infamous Iditarod race, a trip of over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Granite is the story about one particular sled dog in Susan’s family: Granite. The book really focuses on Granite’s start as a puppy and his rise to the lead dog of the race. The book discusses his challenges in encountering a moose, overcoming a major illness and leading Susan and the team of dogs through a massive blizzard while Susan’s health was failing. Granite sensed Susan’s failing health and persevered through the blinding storm.  Granite didn’t stop until he safely reached a check point. The whole time everyone doubted his ability to finish the race.  He would not accept this and rose to the challenge of leading his team.  Beating the odds and the doubts of everyone the team continued on.  In the end, Susan’s team was the only one to finish the race.  As a result, they won the race and set a record for a new finish time.  In 1988 Granite became the only lead dog to win the Iditarod three times in a row.  This honor allowed him to meet the President of The United States.  Granite died at the age of 17 in Susan’s arms.

Additional Information and Media:

Susan Butcher death - Obituary
Susan Butcher Family Center - In Memory of Susan & Granite
Iditarod - The Race
Iditarod Trail - The Race Map
Alaska - Official State Site
Susan Butcher Documentary Video: Part 1  |  Part 2