Imagine this: You're 16 and you've been dreaming of something for the last three years. It's a lifelong goal of sorts, and you're just brave enough to try it now! That's the true story in this book. Abby Sunderland has been sailing with her family since she was a baby. Her family spent more time on the water than on dry land. Abby grew up loving the adventure of it all. She was very skilled at captaining a boat even as young as 13... so she decided she wanted to sail around the world, alone. This book is part biography, part autobiography. We get to hear from Abby about how she was thinking, how she was feeling, as she set sail alone. There were some very good times for her out on the water. But then you get to see just how afraid she was when things finally went terribly wrong!
I remember this story in the news. Many were like, "what are her parents thinking?" I remember being afraid for this California teenager, but thinking that I would hope as a parent one day that I would be able to support my children in whatever dreams they have.
I really liked this book in many ways. I am a news producer by profession. This story took me beyond the news, to see the real people and their real story. There were some things I didn't like about the book, however. It goes into great detail about different problems with the boat, or different things about the boat. I know nothing about sailing, and I found these details weighed the story down a bit. SO, truthfully, I found myself skimming through these parts. But if you can get past that, the story is amazing.
WHile many thought it was crazy for Abby's parents to allow her to sail around the world, this was a great learning experience for her... and her faith became much stronger.
At the end of the book, she makes a very huge realization. One that everyone could learn from... She said,
"A lot of times the things that are most worth doing involve risk,
and I'm living proof that not everything works out the way you planned.
But I have learned an important truth: In stepping out and trying to
achieve great things, the only way I can truly fail is never to try at all."
2 comments:
If that is the only adventure she ever tackled at least she has that one to relive forever.
We have so much in common! We both reside in TN, we both suck at regular blog updates (smiles) and we are both intriqued with young, courageous Abby Sunderland!
I followed Abby's blog through most of her journey. I am thrilled to see that she has written a book about her ordeal.
I too watched at people questioned her parents decision to let her fulfill her dream. I remember Abby's reaction when she returned to the states at saw all the bad publicity her family was getting. Seemed as though everyone cheered her on until she got into some trouble. Then everyone wanted to cast stones.
I say good for her and her parents for having the courage to pursue a dream. I am an Abby Sunderland fan!
Trina
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