“Great book! Cathy got hold of it first and almost could not put it down until she finished it. She NEVER reads a book. Then my turn. I didn't like it, I loved it. The story was so true to life and what I have seen so many times throughout Alaska. The race part was so perfect that I got cold, was elated, depressed, all the emotions one gets while actually running. It took me out on the trail again, especially the early years. Congratulations.”
Dick Mackey, Winner of the 1978 Iditarod
Author: ONE SECOND TO GLORY
“I was not expecting a full-blown action and emotion packed, transporting reading experience. I could not put it down, and once the race started, did not. When I had finished, I reread it cover to cover. In forty years of fairly steady and broad-based book devouring, I have seldom done that! You are in good company; Kipling, Faulkner, and Scott.”
Skip Lynar
“I was flabbergasted by your book. I literally couldn’t put it down in the last half of the book. I was sort of mad at you for (book secret) but that allowed me to go to bed last night. When I took it up again I couldn’t let go until I had finished it. You are expert at keeping your readers on tenterhooks. The story flows smoothly and impacts all in its path.”
S. DePalatis M.D.
“I enjoyed every bit of the book, partly because I had a mental picture of everything. I think I read every word—and I usually skip some in most books. I was especially happy to share the journey on the Iditarod after listening to and following so many of the trips over the years. Felt like I was really there. At the end I felt the same way I do when every Iditarod ends—sorry that it is over.”
Mary D.
"I finished this action-filled novel at 4:00 a.m. and my heart was still pounding with excitement. Jim Misko develops his characters so well that they become alive with their illustrative experiences. He builds the main character from a listless youth that continues to break out of the expected mold into a young man who, in spite of tragic experiences achieves personal victory through his persistent determination, desire, and dedication. My only warning to the reader is that once the Iditarod Race starts, you will not be able to put the book down. "For What He Could Become" is similar to the book and recent hit movie "Cold Mountain," only it has so much more depth in the character and excitement in the story.”
G. Dennis Vaughan Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)
"The author quickly and expertly draws the reader into the life of a promising native Alaskan youth. A bond is formed, and you will find yourself emotionally involved as the character struggles to adjust to life outside the village from world war to a climactic sled dog race. It's a roller coaster of a life, but worth the ride. Not a boring moment."
J. Bell, Esquire
“I can see that old church where the natives stayed, walking to an early death. The effort the Gospel Mission gave to those people was incredible. In your novel the struggle of the Alaska native who leaves the village and subsistence lifestyle is clearly depicted. I sweat and bled and cried with him as he struggled to come back through the running of the Iditarod. An outstanding story.”
Don Jack
“Great book. Brilliantly narrated; gut wrenching story.”
George Wingard
Author: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
"For What He Could Become" became a favorite of the year on my current list of books.
Jeanne Tallman
“I like how you are able to so vividly describe in detail –you feel like you are there and can visualize the surroundings, the characters, etc. The story line is one that is hard to put the book down once you begin because you want to know what will happen next. It is very “real.” It sounds/feels like you had visited with an individual and wrote about what really happened to him.”
Corinne Hawley, Librarian
“I stayed up till about 12:30 this morning… can't tell you how enjoyable the book is and am looking forward to your next. Found myself laughing in some parts and sniffling in others. Exhausted at the finish line pushing the dogs and Bill along all the way.”
Joyce Delgado
“I struggled with Bill's addiction. Dad was alcoholic. The book's end was adventurous. I like the way the whole story flowed and kept pulling on me. Thanks for a good story.”
Michael C. Haley
Author: DURANGO GOLD and KILL THE MEDICINE MAN
"Jim Misko has lived in Alaska for over three decades and his writing reflects the deep research he has done in capturing the spirit of our 49th State. Not since Robert Service and Jack London has an author expressed the realities of life in the land...This novel is a page turner that captivates and holds the reader's interest until the very last page. Live the adventure in this very exciting book."
Mary Barrer, Book Reviewer for Miami Westchester World
Just finished your novel today, could not put it down.
The story of Bill Williams and his battle for redemption, moved me. From the prospective of an Alaskan, the novel is a reflection of the places and people we live with. Many people come to the last frontier for a chance for adventure and/or redemption. This novel encompasses both.
Keith Henson
