Andrew
In 1968, 29-yr old Robin Knox-Johnston set off from Falmouth Harbour in Suhaili, a 32 foot wooden sailboat that he had helped build himself. Three hundred and twelve days later he returned to Falmouth, becoming the first person to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. This book is Knox-Johnston's first-hand account of the trip, including excerpts from his logbooks and diary during the voyage. It is a riveting tale of adventure and man against nature. His wry sense of humor and "stiff upper-lip" attitude undersell the phenomenal challenges he faced but there is no hiding the bravery, courage, and self-actualization.
My mother, when asked for her opinion of the voyage before I sailed, had replied that she considered it 'totally irresponsible' and on this Christmas Day I began to think she was right. I was sailing around the world simply because I bloody well wanted to - and, I realized, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.
Because this book was published just months after completing the race and while the accomplishment was still fresh in public awareness, it dives directly into the action with scant little set-up. For readers not already familiar with the story of the 1968 Golden Globe Race, I highly recommend picking up Peter Nichol's A Voyage for Madmen, which does an excellent job of explaining the build-up to the race, the other competitors, and helps set Knox-Johnston's achievement into greater context. Also well worth reading is The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier, a much more philosophical first-hand account of the race from one of the other entrants, who either went a little a crazy or ascended to a higher plane of nirvana depending on your interpretation.
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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.
In 1968, 29-yr old Robin Knox-Johnston set off from Falmouth Harbour in Suhaili, a 32 foot wooden sailboat that he had helped build himself. Three hundred and twelve days later he returned to Falmouth, becoming the first person to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. This book is Knox-Johnston's first-hand account of the trip, including excerpts from his logbooks and diary during the voyage. It is a riveting tale of adventure and man against nature. His wry sense of humor and "stiff upper-lip" attitude undersell the phenomenal challenges he faced but there is no hiding the bravery, courage, and self-actualization.
My mother, when asked for her opinion of the voyage before I sailed, had replied that she considered it 'totally irresponsible' and on this Christmas Day I began to think she was right. I was sailing around the world simply because I bloody well wanted to - and, I realized, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.
Because this book was published just months after completing the race and while the accomplishment was still fresh in public awareness, it dives directly into the action with scant little set-up. For readers not already familiar with the story of the 1968 Golden Globe Race, I highly recommend picking up Peter Nichol's A Voyage for Madmen, which does an excellent job of explaining the build-up to the race, the other competitors, and helps set Knox-Johnston's achievement into greater context. Also well worth reading is The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier, a much more philosophical first-hand account of the race from one of the other entrants, who either went a little a crazy or ascended to a higher plane of nirvana depending on your interpretation.
_____
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.
