Books matching: sailing memoir
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- #1
'Love with a Chance of Drowning' by Torre DeRoche is a travel memoir that follows the author's journey of leaving behind her corporate lifestyle in Australia to join her new love on a sailing adventure from California to remote islands in Oceania. The book is filled with humor, peril, and heartwarming moments as Torre navigates the challenges of new love, life at sea, and exploring exotic destinations, all while facing her fear of the ocean.
DeRoche's writing style is described as easy to read, humorous, and engaging, allowing the reader to seamlessly flow through the ups and downs of the author's adventures on the sea. The book offers a blend of personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions of the destinations visited, and insights into the dynamics of a relationship tested by the trials of sailing across the Pacific Ocean.
A beam of morning sun pierces my closed eyelids and draws me from the dark depths of a hangover. Memories race in from last night. “I’ll have a dirty martini.” What was I thinking? I scorn myself as t... 'Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide' by Kay Redfield Jamison is a comprehensive exploration of suicide, delving into the psychological, emotional, and societal aspects of this tragic event. Through a mix of scientific information, real-life anecdotes, and historical context, Jamison provides a deep understanding of suicide, its risk factors, and its impact on individuals and society. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and informative, offering a blend of personal experiences, research findings, and cultural perspectives to shed light on this complex topic.
A tiny blade will sever the sutures of the neck, and when that joint, which binds together head and neck, is cut, the body’s mighty mass crumples in a heap. No deep retreat conceals the soul, you need...- #3
"The Long Way" by Bernard Moitessier is a sailing memoir that delves into the author's journey of self-discovery and connection with nature during a solo circumnavigation race. Moitessier's writing style captivates readers with his poetic descriptions of life at sea, the beauty of the ocean world, and the internal struggles and joys of a lone sailor. The book highlights Moitessier's decision to forgo the race's finish line in pursuit of a deeper spiritual connection, emphasizing his unique perspective on life and the natural world.
Our boats lie at anchor in Plymouth harbour and the BBC forecasts favourable winds today and tomorrow, but also fog. Too bad about the fog: it will have to be today. Sailors do not like to leave on Fr... - #4
'The Mirror of the Sea' by Joseph Conrad is a collection of memoirs and reminiscences about life at sea, particularly focusing on sailing ships and the experiences of sailors. The book provides insight into the transition from sail to motor power, while also delving into Conrad's personal life and experiences. Through poetic prose and vivid descriptions, Conrad captures the essence of life on the ocean, using ships, crews, and the sea as metaphors to explore the turmoils and triumphs of the human psyche. The author's deep connection to the sea and sailing shines through in this autobiographical work, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era of seafaring adventures.
A "Departure" is not what a vain people of landsmen may think. The term "Landfall" is more easily understood; you fall in with the land, and it is a matter of a quick eye and of a clear atmosphere. Th... 'Two Years Before the Mast: A Sailor's Life at Sea' by Richard Henry Dana Jr. is a memoir detailing the author's two-year journey as a common sailor in the 1830s. Dana, an undergraduate at Harvard seeking to improve his health, recounts his experiences aboard merchant vessels sailing from Boston to California and back. The book vividly describes life at sea, the hardships endured by sailors, the trading activities along the California coast, and the challenges of navigating treacherous waters, such as going around Cape Horn.
The narrative style of 'Two Years Before the Mast' alternates between moments of charm, tedium, and fascination, providing readers with a glimpse into the 19th-century sailor's life. Dana's writing captures the essence of maritime experiences, detailing the daily routines, challenges, and adventures encountered during his time at sea. The book not only serves as a personal account of Dana's seafaring journey but also offers insights into early Californian history, the social dynamics aboard a sailing vessel, and the struggles faced by sailors during that era.
The fourteenth of August was the day fixed upon for the sailing of the brig Pilgrim on her voyage from Boston round Cape Horn to the western coast of North America. As she was to get under weigh early...- #6
"A Pirate of Exquisite Mind" is a biography detailing the extraordinary life of William Dampier, an explorer, naturalist, and buccaneer who lived from 1651 to 1715. The book chronicles Dampier's adventures, including his three circumnavigations of the world, his encounters with different cultures, and his significant contributions to science and cartography. The narrative weaves together Dampier's observations of wildlife, botanical specimens, and native peoples, highlighting his keen scientific mind and insatiable curiosity. The Prestons skillfully bring Dampier's larger-than-life story to life, presenting a compelling account of a man who straddled the worlds of piracy and exploration during the golden age of discovery.
On 6 April 1674 the merchant ship Content sailed down the Thames, bound for the fast-growing colony of Jamaica. Onboard was a nervous, thin-faced young man on his way to work on a sugar plantation. Tw... In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick is a gripping account of the sinking of the whale ship Essex in 1819 after being attacked by a sperm whale. The book details the crew's harrowing journey of survival in small boats as they try to make their way back to civilization, facing starvation, cannibalism, and unimaginable hardships. Philbrick's writing style is described as a compelling page-turner, blending historical detail with memorable characters and thrilling adventure, reminiscent of a novel.
The book delves into the tragic tale of the Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick, providing a rich history of Nantucket's whaling industry and the psychology of leadership in extreme situations. Philbrick's extensive research is evident throughout the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of the crew's ordeal, the effects of starvation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hopeless odds. The story not only focuses on the disaster at sea but also explores themes of survival, humanity, and the sacrifices made in desperate circumstances.
IT WAS, HE LATER REMEMBERED, “the most pleasing moment of my life”—the moment he stepped aboard the whaleship Essex for the first time. He was fourteen years old, with a broad nose and an open, eager ...- #8
'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is the first book in the Aubrey & Maturin series, set in the British Navy during the early 19th century. The story follows Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, as they navigate naval warfare, battles, and adventures in the Age of Sail. The writing style is rich in historical detail, particularly focusing on nautical terminology, naval battles, and life aboard a warship, providing an authentic portrayal of the era.
The plot of 'Master and Commander' revolves around the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, their interactions, and their respective roles on the ship. The book offers a mix of action-packed sequences, character development, and insights into the dynamics of naval life during the Napoleonic era. While some readers appreciate the historical accuracy and detailed descriptions, others find the heavy focus on nautical terms and lack of a clear overarching plot challenging to engage with.
The music-room in the Governor's House at Port Mahon, a tall, handsome, pillared octagon, was filled with the triumphant first movement of Locatelli's C major quartet. The players, Italians pinned aga... - #9
Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi is a captivating true story of a young woman's solo circumnavigation of the globe in a small sailboat. The book details Tania's adventurous journey, facing challenges and triumphs as she navigates the world's oceans at a tender age, setting records and inspiring readers with her courage and determination. The plot unfolds with vivid descriptions of Tania's experiences, from the thrill of exploration to the emotional growth she undergoes throughout her voyage. The writing style is engaging, drawing readers into the world of sailing and personal discovery, making it a compelling read for both sailing enthusiasts and those seeking an inspiring coming-of-age tale.
October 23, 1987, another dawn—my thirty-seventh alone on the North Atlantic. Around me, the sea is a liquid mountain range of heaving swells, and I’m really scared. The winds and waves have been stea... 'Tightwads on the Loose: A Seven Year Pacific Odyssey' by Wendy Hinman is a captivating memoir of a couple's adventurous seven-year sailing journey through the South Pacific. The author's detailed storytelling style immerses readers in the challenges and joys of sailing to various island nations, meeting diverse people, and experiencing different cultures along the way. not only narrates the physical journey but also delves into the personal growth and relationship dynamics of the couple as they navigate through the highs and lows of life at sea.