Reviews (22)

Totally Awesome!!!!!!!!!
This book was GREAT! Bethany Hamilton shares the story of her family, friends, and what happened to her on Halloween morning in 2003. She does a good job showing her faith in Jesus, and made it clear that it was one of the reasons she survived. This book had plenty of action, enough history and extra info to explain it, and an easy going, fun writing style. It was readable,and written so that it is clear Bethany (not professional writers) wrote the book. I really enjoyed this. This is a good book for anyone, old or young, Christian or nonChristian. Get it! This book is AWESOME!!!!!

Soul Surfer Review
This book is a true story about a 13 year old girl named Bethany Hamilton who was attacked by a shark while surfing near her home in Hawaii. During the attack she lost her arm to a 15 foot shark. But instead of letting the attack ruin her life, she got right back on her surfboard as soon as she could after the accident. Today she competes in professional surfing competitions even though she only has one arm. When she lost her arm she said it didn't hurt at all. If I were her I would have to say it hurt.Her best friend Alana was right next to Bethany when the shark attacked her and she has been a great friend to Bethany through the whole recovery. She also mentions that her parents and her brothers supported her through everything that she went through or will be going through in her life. I learned a lot from this book. I learned not to ever give up on your dreams and to keep faith in yourself.Another thing is always try to keep a positive mind about anything you want to do. I also learned how important having your family and having their support is and that having faith in God can help you get through difficult times in your life. I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone. It is a great family book. The book is intended for young teenage girls. But is a great book for both boys and girls.I think people of all ages can learn a lot by reading this book.

Soul Surfer
Title:Soul Sufer
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Subjects:  1. Accidents and injuries    2. Amputees    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Hawaii    8. Juvenile literature    9. Kauai    10. Personal narratives    11. Rehabilitation    12. Religious    13. Shark attacks    14. Sports - General    15. Surfing    16. Water Sports    17. Biography & Autobiography / General    18. Biography: sport    19. Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing   

Reviews (22)

Amazing.
After hearing about Yossi Ghinsberg on the Discovery Channel's show "I Shouldn't Be Alive" I had to pick up his book and get the details. I was enthralled from the first page. As astonishing as Mr. Ghinsburg's experiences are - and believe me, there were many times I felt like he wasn't going to make it, even though I knew he had lived to write the book - what truly stands out in my memory is the way the writing took me into the jungle with him. His storytelling is rich with descriptions and details. It left me feeling triumphant, as though I had been rescued with him, and incredibly grateful for all of the blessings and comforts in my life.

Unbelievable
I had the privilege of meeting Yossi at an international event that I had attended and it touched me to meet him in person after such a harrowing experience.He has definitely humbled and has become more spiritual and I guess thats what becomes of people who go through such unbelievable and miraculous escapes in life.
Suspenseful, but lacking.
I sat down and read this book in an almost entirely uninterrupted 6 hour sitting.That's how thrilling it was.It is an amazing story.However, my only critique is that it felt all for nothing by the end.Yossi spoke only of the survival, but nothing of the questions provoked throughout his journey.The reader is forced to question and experience some hard things: the nature of man, the nature of the jungle, why or how mother nature manipulates the mind, the body and then swallows it or spits it out.The very nature of survival is constantly at bat.I found his experiences incredibly difficult to face even in the comforts of my bedroom, and relished the opportunity to explore these tough questions with him - someone who looked at them in the eye in the darkness of a barbaric existence.But I felt almost that he had led me to that place and then left me at a dead end.It's not that Yossi does not necessarily have some answers, or at least has not attempted to answer some of those hard realities.If you look at his website, it seems as if he has come to many conclusions and at least adopted a variety of "slogans" for them.In spite of this, I was disappointed that the book left me hanging there.There were various opportunities to discuss the nature of his predicament, but in the end, I did not learn from it.Except perhaps never to go into the Amazon with a man named Karl.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Bolivia    5. Description and travel    6. General    7. Ghinsberg, Yossi    8. Outdoor Skills    9. Special Interest - Adventure    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. Travel    13. Tuichi River (Bolivia)   

Reviews (3)

Mr. Long-tail and Mr. Banana-nose
I read "The Most Glorious Crown" after Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby, then didn't have the heart to write a review until after he was back on his feet, cleaning up his hay rack, nickering at nearby mares, and scratching at his ear with his leg cast.I'm just a fan.I have no right to my affection for him, being neither owner, nor trainer, nor even hotwalker.However, it's terribly saddening to see one of these beautiful, spirited creatures break down, especially one who had a chance to win the most glorious crown.
A must for Triple Crown Fanatics
If you adore the yearly triple crown thoroughbred races, you gotta get this book. I was born in a triple crown year,1948, and of course learned much more about the wonderful colt, Citation, in 1973, when the media kept saying about Secretariat, "the firsttriple crown winner since Citation 25 years ago".Since I was so wowwed by that gorgeous creature Secretariat, I wanted to learn more about the great Citation. What a gem he was! Eddie Arcaro said "he was a doll to ride," meaning he did exactly what the jockey wanted and more. Then I wanted to learn about ALL the T.C. winners, since there are only 11 of them! This isn't a book you read like a novel, though you can; it's more like a reference book that a fanatic has to have; plus it may be the only such book in print, if I recall. There's even a DVD by the History Channel on the inside front cover. Need any more encouragement?If ya love or own horses, or just yearn to watch them on TV, like me, you will adore this book. The photos are wonderful - all B & W, but that doesn't bother me one bit. I find that most color photos of horses markedly distort their color: dark browns look black, blacks may have a reddish cast, etc. Ya gotta go to the track to see the REAL color of the horse, I guess. I digress. The statistics presented are so interesting, like triple crown "near misses". I'm so glad this book was published for the likes of me. It's a beaut!

Must have for casual and hard-core fans alike
When this book was first released in 1975, I read it cover-to-cover so many times it finally fell apart. It's a great way for casual fans to learn about America's Triple Crown winners;even the most hard-core of fans will enjoy all the pictures of these spectacular thoroughbred stars. The 2005 edition is updated to include Seattle Slew and Affirmed. If you already have the book without these additions, don't bother spending the money unless you want the DVD. You can get better information on Affirmed and Slew in the Thoroughbred Legends series. But if you don't have this book and you love horse-racing, I highly recommend it. The DVD is nice, too. I enjoyed seeing Man o'War, Whirlaway and of course, Slew. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Equestrian    3. Horse Racing    4. Race horses    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. Triple Crown (U.S. horse racin    9. Triple Crown (U.S. horse racing)    10. United States   

Reviews (2)

Mr. Hockey, plain and simple...
I read this book back in November of 1999.The co-author Frank Condron did an excellent job with Gordie Howe in putting this historical book together.On top of the simple fact that a picture is worth 1,000 words. The whole book is a Hockey Pictoral Treasure.Mr. Condron did an excellentjob of writing this book.What I mean by that is.Simply because youdon't feel your reading Gordies words.Its like Mr. Howe is right next toyou and he is pointing at each picture as you turn every page.Also it isquite obvious after all the press, awards and fame, Gordie Howe is still agentleman.

TRUE HOCKEY MEMORBILIA!
This work represents the finest photo collectionof GORDIE HOWE'S career to date. If YOU are old enough to remember the epic battles between the Montreal Canadians and the Detroit Red Wings of the 1950's-60's, YOU canrelive these times in photo concepts - eg. Howe's 545 goal in the MontrealForum eclipsing Rocket Richards's record and the 15 minute standing ovationby Montreal fans; Howe's commentary on the Montreal dynasty once JacquePlante and Jean Bellevue arrived on the hockey scene; the skilledfis-ti-cuffs of Gordie Howe against bad boy, Lou Fontinato of the New YorkRangers; and Howe's best picks of NHL players he most admired! ... BUY TWOAND MAKE A FRIEND! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1928-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Canada    5. Hockey - General    6. Hockey players    7. Howe, Gordie,    8. Ice Hockey    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - General    13. Hockey players - Canada - Biography    14. Howe, Gordie, 1928-   

Reviews (8)

Reflections from Largely Ignored Golfing Foundation
Little publicity gained from club pro, other than the infamous club pro's students who do good. These pros (male and female now) are true backbone of the sport, feeding the sport. In this case, Claude Harmon Jr. reflects on his father, famous club pro and player who wore the coveted Green Jacket.
A most remarkable budle of stories about golf
Highly recommended book a few super nce stories about one of golf's lost hero's the club pro that copeted at international level. And a tribute to a father from his sons.

Ordered a copy quickly for my son
This is the type of book I wish I had available growing up. It is a wonderful source of advice on golf and life. Butch blends the right amount of information on his background and famous students along with a touching tribute to his Dad.
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Subjects:  1. 1943-    2. Biography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Fathers and sons    5. Golf    6. Golf - General    7. Golfers    8. Harmon, Claude,    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Editorial Review

For as far back as he could remember, Sam Keen had dreamed of flying. And so just before his 62nd birthday, Keen enrolled in a trapeze class at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts, thus becoming "the oldest student at the circus." In this richly written memoir, Keen uses the details of trapeze training to frame his spiritual understanding of the world. Not surprisingly, the flight metaphors work--giving room for chapters titled "Leap of Faith," "A Fledgling Among the Eagles," and "On the Wings of Spirit."Read more

Reviews (6)

Part memoir, part metaphor.
At age 62, Sam Keen learned to fly.In 1993, he started training on the flying trapeze at the San Francisco School of Circus Arts.The fact that he was the oldest student at the school did not deter Keen from pursuing his "strange passion" (p. 15) for the flying trapeze."Over the years," he writes, "I have discovered that it is hazardous to ignore passing fantasies and emerging passions.To begin with, in the degree that I cease to pursue my deepest passions, I will be gradually controlled by my deepest fears.When passion no longer waters and nourishes the psyche, fears spring up like weeds on the depleted soil of abandoned fields.I suspect the major cause of depression and despair and the appetite for violence in modern life is the result of the masses of people who are enslaved by an economic order that rewards them for laboring at jobs that do not engage their passion for creativity and meaning" (pp. 16-17). Part memoir, part metaphor.
At age 62, Sam Keen learned to fly.In 1993, he started his training
Inspiration, courage and vitality
Everyone who reads Keen knows he writes very well and from the heart. But in this book his very soul flies through the air with his words. When Sam reviewed my book, PRIMAL AWARENESS, he said it was an adventurous searchfor the lost ark. LEARNING TO FLY is about finding the lost ark. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Educators    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Self-Help    6. Sports - General    7. Biography: general    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (50)

How One Book "Shaped" A Life....
I received this book in 1980 when I was fifteen years old. The funny thing is, I don't really remember how it came to me. Did I receive it as a gift? Did I buy it? I don't really remember, all I remember is that I owned a copy of this book and it really changed my life.
Makes you go to sleep.
This is a long over written book, I know Arnold has lot to say about body building, but the text is so boringly written, it should be sold as a sleeping pill.

The Pump.. It's Great Right?
The Education of a Bodybuilder is one of the greatest books I've read. Obviously it's in no comparison to say MacBeth or something like that, but it is as entertaining as it is educational. In the first portion of the book Arnold tells his life story of how he got into bodybuilding, his trial and error process, and ultimately leads up to his first Olmpia win. There are many great stories in between that make both for a good laugh, and also serve as motivation. Secondly, there is a section in the middle that has many of his photos from various contests, teen-Olmypia's. The last part of the book is an intro to certain styles of lifting and techniques, followed by some programs/splits to use as you progress. Overall, I'de say it's the best book I've ever read but that may be because I idolize Arnold and respect the work ethnic he had to become in my eyes the greatest bodybuilder of all time. Either way, I think anyone even semi-interested in exercise, bodybuiling or even a good read will thoroughly enjoy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Biography    3. Bodybuilders    4. Bodybuilding    5. Bodybuilding & Weight Training    6. Massage & Reflexotherapy    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Biography: sport    10. Sports & Recreation / Bodybuilding & Weight Training   

Reviews (7)

The man and the legend!

SORRY
Well, sorry to be the only one in disagreement, but this is a trivial and sophomoric book with absolutely nothing original in it. First off, I did live during Mickey's time, and I knew him casually. There are a lot of books describing Mickey's faults, all of which he admitted to himself. The pop psychology, done from a distance, with just the right amount of politically correct sociology really gets old in sports books. The Author contradicts himself several times and does not understand at all the mentality of managers or players in the late 40's and 50's. Hegets off on the strangest tangents, and I can't for the life of me figure out what he was driving at. It's a pointless book that reminds me of an article in a checkout stand tabloid. Skip this, get Golenbock's "Dynasty" or "Wild, High and Tight".

meticulously researched
if this is your first interest in a book about "the mick", castro's work is a great place to start.i wish this one was available before i read the other three in my collection.what sets this book apart, is the journalistic integrity that is apparent with it, and the avoidance of sensationalism just for the sake of it.it is complete with dozens of anecdotes told by those that knew mantle - a feature that undoubtedly serves to make it more interesting than standard biographical non fiction.it is obvious that the author, seeking to be impartial, had a love for the player and the person.if you are looking for a mantle biography that is an honest portrayal of mantle as a ballplayer with the dynastic yankees, and as a man with weaknesses, look no further.if you are a american history buff, you will also enjoy how santos weaves events of the day and the flavor of the time into the flow of his book.all and all a great read.i highly recommend it, especially to those who, like myself, grew up "worshipping" the yankees of the 50's and 60's and, of course, their centerpiece center fielder from oklahoma. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1931-    2. Baseball - General    3. Baseball - History    4. Baseball - Specific Teams    5. Baseball - Statistics    6. Baseball players    7. Biography    8. Biography / Autobiography    9. Mantle, Mickey,    10. New York Yankees (Baseball team)    11. Sports    12. Sports & Recreation    13. Sports - Baseball    14. United States    15. Baseball    16. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    17. Biography: sport    18. History    19. USA   

Reviews (7)

Never count yourself out!
This book is great, but sad. For anyone to lose their morther at such a young age is devastataing. Johnny wanted to give up at times, but his wife never counted him out. A compassionate book with the attitude that says "always get back on your feet, no matter what."

mi vida loca
Wow Tapia has lived a crazy life. If you are or are not a boxing fan you should read this book just because how he has made it this far in life is amazing not to mention his boxing accomplishments.

Gut wrenching
Great read. I met Johnny in Vegas back in 96'. One of the best people i've ever met. You feel for him after reading his life, may he find peace in this crazy world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1967-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Boxers (Sports)    7. Boxing    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. Tapia, Johnny,    11. United States    12. Sports & Recreation / Boxing   

Reviews (36)

Painfully un-funny
I passed on buying this book for a couple of months, mainly because for twenty bucks it's very thin and it appeared to be yet another book detailing the last decade of WWE shenanigans. After finally picking it up, man I wish that I could get my money back.
A Great And Enjoyable Read
I know James Guttman from back when he first started writing JG's Raw Insanity Reports when he wrote at Pro Wrestling Torch. His wrestling reviews were both hilarious and spot on. When he informed everyone that he was writing a book, we all waited with baited breathe until it came out. What a wonderful read. James takes you inside the crazy world of WWE and shows you some of the craziness that happens in the wrestling business that we all know and love. For some (like me) who hates the direction in which WWE has turned than this book is for you. Every WWE fan needs to read this book. Great job James!

Rolling on the Floor
I think this is the first book since I was three, that I wanted to read out loud.My boyfriend and I took turns reading out loud.It is a great read for any wrestling fan, especailly those that have become annoyed with the absolutly ridiculaous storylines.He also does a great job of reminding us of the few things they do very well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Personal Memoirs    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Sports - General    6. Wrestling    7. Sports & Recreation / Wrestling   

Reviews (6)

Is there a ZERO-star rating?
What drivel! Couldn't get past page 20

MY LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER ROBERTS RULES
I was a twenty year old who aspired to achieve. I had all the hopes and dreams imaginable. I had the fire in my belly and was confident that I would make it big when I grew up. Someone had given me Roberts Rules as aChristmas gift and somewhere around the end of January I decided to readit. Well MR. Roberts Rules have inspired me to get going in my quest forsuccess. Although I have not acheived my ultimate goals I have conqueredmany. Some say you have to see it to believe it. I say yes but in themeantime Read this book. An be on your was to SUCCESS!!!!!

excellent writing, great ideas
I think the book was very influential and encouraging.it made me want to get right up and get started on my own business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life    3. Entrepreneurship    4. General    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports (Specific Aspects)    9. Sports agents    10. Success    11. Advice on careers & achieving success    12. Biography: sport    13. Roberts, Marc    14. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    15. USA   

Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Basketball - General    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Sports - Basketball    8. Sports - General    9. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (1)

The Sporting Art of Frank W. Benson
The Maine Antique Digest (Sam Pennington, Editor mad@maine.com) wrote this neat review and I am sharing it with everyone who might want to know more about this great book.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1862-1951    2. American - General    3. Art    4. Artists    5. Artists, Architects, Photographers    6. Benson, Frank Weston,    7. Biography    8. Biography / Autobiography    9. Childhood Memoir    10. Individual Artist    11. Natural History Illustration    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Waterfowl in art    15. Benson, Frank Weston   

Reviews (8)

I liked it better than Junction Boys
Stoddard is a proven commodity after this one.I found it very revealing.I almost liked it as much as "A Tailgater's Guide To SEC Football" by Dr. Chris Warner.I highly recommend it.

"My Dads Greatest Mentor"
I have not yet read Mr. Stoddards book "Turnaround". However, I have just purchased this book for my dad because he played for Coach Bryant. As a son of a former player of Coach Bryant, I must say that any book about Coach Bryant will always be a special book to me and my family and especially to my Dad. My Dad has always and will always "look up" to Coach Bryant. Even though Coach Bryant was not successful in the beginning at the University of Alabama, I am quiet sure this book is great because it will illustrate his "NEVER QUIT" attitude, which is a philosophy that my Dad has lived with throughout his life.

"Stoddard Nailed It"
I have most likely read almost every book that has been written about the legendery college football coach. With the possible exception of "Bear", (which was an autobiography written by John Underwood) this is the best book ever written on Paul "Bear" Bryant. It was meticulously researched and led the reader on a journey throughout the year of 1958 (Bryant's first year at Alabama) which laid the foundation for a football dynasty during the 1960s and 1970s. While books like "The Junction Boys" might be more entertaining (but not always factual), "Turnaround" does not suffer the numerous embellishment problems that "Junction" did. Tom Stoddard deserves a great deal of recognition for this work. It is a must for the serious student of Bryant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Bryant, Paul W    4. Football    5. Football - College    6. Football - General    7. Football coaches    8. History    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - Football    12. United States    13. University of Alabama   

Reviews (14)

A motivational read about Natalie
I found this book to be a great read about a swimmer who overcame issues to win 5 Olympic medals.As the mom of two swimmers on a less serious, more recreational, swim team, I can still understand all the pressures she felt.
A unique insite into ultra-competitive swimming
As a former collegiate All-American swimmer, I found Silver's book to be illuminating in many ways.While the writing style is a bit forced at times (for drama's sake), it is overall an interesting read and an honest look into the inner workings of competitive swimming.
Glad I got my copy at the library
As a former swimmer and a CAL grad who always admired Natalie, I looked forward to reading this book.It was a big disappointment:poorly researched, poorly written, and highly biased.Natalie comes across as narcissistic and emotionally fragile; I'm not surprised she had a hard time getting along with her teammates.With the exception of Terry McKeever, the women's coach at CAL who is painted in a saintly, long-suffering light, the profiled coaches were portrayed as insensitive and overbearing; hardly fair in terms of their records of success and the esteem in which their former charges hold them (especially true of Richard Quick at Stanford).I second another reader's recommendation of Gold In The Water as a considerably superior book on competitive swimming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Olympic Games    3. Olympics    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Surfers    8. Swimming    9. Swimming And Diving    10. United States    11. Women surfers    12. Sports & Recreation / Swimming   

Reviews (2)

Paddy's Magic
All good writers have a story to tell. Rus Bradburd does just that and brings you with him on this journey to Ireland.It is here that a universal story unfolds as you meet the people of Tralee, and where Bradburd has come to a crossroads in his own life:career, music, writing and a special romance.
A Journey Worth Accompaniment
The book is an engaging, compelling, highly readable account full of the sights and sounds of Tralee, Ireland. Bradburd decides to leave his well-paying jobs as a college basketball coach in the U.S., for the relative obscurity and monetary scraps as a head coach in the Irish Super League.
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Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Sports - Basketball    6. Sports - General    7. Basketball    8. Biography: sport    9. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (1)

Schumacher against history
Delves on how Schumacher stacks up against the best driversRead more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Automobile racing drivers    3. Automotive - General    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Motor Sports    7. Schumacher, Michael,    8. Sports - General    9. Transportation    10. United States    11. Biography: sport    12. Car racing    13. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Hockey - General    3. Hockey - Specific Teams    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General   

Reviews (8)

Great book!
This is a great easy reading book for anyone interested in Chuck, or Archery, or hard work and inspiration.
This book is very exciting!
I highly recommend "Life at Full Draw," because it tells a lot more about the life of Chuck from boyhood through his Super Slam!Reading these hunting adventures makes a bowhunter dream about some of these hunts. I felt that this book was much better than Super Slam, because I got to know who Chuck Adams is and how he thinks.I have tried contacting him through a magazine, but have not heard back from him.I'm not sure how to take that, did he not get my message, is he to busy to respond, or is he simply ignoring me?I highly recommend this book!

Could anyone be this good?
Chuck Adams. Any archer who doesn't know the name of the most prominent bowhunter today -- the one with the trademark smile and knit cap, the one often mentioned in the same breath as Howard Hill, Fred Bear and other archery luminaries -- isn't paying attention.
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Subjects:  1. Archery    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Hunting - General    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports - General    7. Biography: sport    8. Hunting or shooting animals & game   

Editorial Review

When your marriage fails and life in England gives no solace, the solution, thought Peter Nichols, is to take his beloved boat Toad and sail across the Atlantic to Maine. Nichols, who has spent years sailing small boats but who is far from a wealthy yachtsman, had lovingly restored his 27-foot boat with his former wife. At sea, he reflects upon the busted marriage and upon the odd turns his life has taken. He also engages in some fascinating thoughts detailing the rigors of sailing single-handedly across an ocean. This book is very well written, and as Nichols slowly realizes that Toad has a flaw below the waterline making her less than seaworthy, it turns into a poignant battle for survival on the open ocean. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A book about love
Peter writes about his love for boats that he developed early in life from his teacher Mr. Earl; his love for his wife J; for Toad, his little wooden boat that he rebuilt and sailed for so many miles, often alone; his love for the sea; the Hiscocks; even for the Captain that rescues him (without telling the end of the story).His is a very entertaining and inspiring story, which also teaches a whole lot about sailing offshore.This is a true story with all the elements of an intense life, as real as it gets.I definitively recommend reading this book. At one point Peter is thousands of miles offshore, alone in his small boat, and taking on water at an increasing rate.Hard to put down.

Excellent Read
A story that weaves the threads of life is found in this book.I first read it when it came out, and recently re-read it. I found it more enjoyable the second-time around.The stories within the story are filled with great tales, danger, introspection, teak, and global adventures.The reward of getting through this book will stay with you long after it has been put away.It is true that this is a story of sailing, but it is really so much more.It contains much more than other books in the same genre.
A good sailing or break-up book
Peter Nichols book interweaves two stories quite well- his emotions as his marriage declines, and the story of trying to get a wooden boat across the Atlantic.Both stories are told in a very honest manner, reminding the reader that even the best sailors and partners can hit troubled waters.The sailing lore is impressive, and will give a day-sailor a new respect for long distance sailing. ... <