Andrew
Yes, that Thomas Dolby ("Science!").
This is the coming-of-age story of young Davey Haskell, a poor Maine lobsterman who dreams of competing in the prestigious America's Cup yacht race.
The one positive of this book is that Dolby, himself a passionate sailing enthusiast, does an accurate and admirable job conveying the action of early 20th century yacht racing. There are some awkward, but necessary, expository sections when a particular bit of technical sailing knowledge needs to introduced, but overall the racing sequences are the best part of the book.
Unfortunately, they can't overcome the otherwise thin plot and one-note characters. A sassy, no-nonsense Latina nurse? A fiery but kind-hearted Irish scullery maid? A cool, smooth-talking Black doorman who takes Davey under his wing? There's room for all of them and more.
The story particularly falters at the finish line with an unearned and unrealstically sacchrine sweet bow to tie everything up.
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
Yes, that Thomas Dolby ("Science!").
This is the coming-of-age story of young Davey Haskell, a poor Maine lobsterman who dreams of competing in the prestigious America's Cup yacht race.
The one positive of this book is that Dolby, himself a passionate sailing enthusiast, does an accurate and admirable job conveying the action of early 20th century yacht racing. There are some awkward, but necessary, expository sections when a particular bit of technical sailing knowledge needs to introduced, but overall the racing sequences are the best part of the book.
Unfortunately, they can't overcome the otherwise thin plot and one-note characters. A sassy, no-nonsense Latina nurse? A fiery but kind-hearted Irish scullery maid? A cool, smooth-talking Black doorman who takes Davey under his wing? There's room for all of them and more.
The story particularly falters at the finish line with an unearned and unrealstically sacchrine sweet bow to tie everything up.
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.