I Highly Recommend
Little Lady, One Man, Big Ocean: Rowing the Atlantic by Tori Holmes, Paul Gleeson and Liam Gorman (Collins Press)
This is a true story of a young Irish man (Gleeson) and Canadian woman (Holmes) who decide to row a boat in a trans-Atlantic race. The catch: they've never rowed before in their lives.
This is a gripping book with all the elements of a classic adventure: a goal that seems unattainable and to many, life threatening; conflict (raising funds, training, battling storms on the ocean, surviving days of thirst when the watermaker breaks down) and ultimately the strength of character needed to persevere and succeed.
Using humour and a conversational style while telling each stage of the story in turns, the authors keep the reader hooked until the last page. In other words: prepare to read it in 1 sitting.
Get more information on the authors at The Ocean Rowing Society website. Not available in Canadian book stores until Autumn 2009, you can order it from Amazon.ca.
The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeanette Walls (Scribner)
For anyone who thinks their family is a little weird and dysfunctional, this memoir will serve as a jarring reality check.
Raised by nomadic, poverty-stricken parents with a greater penchance for alcohol than child-rearing, Walls and her siblings were largely left to look after themselves. With jaw-dropping tales that are at turns chilling and inspiring, one thing still stands out for me months after reading the book: at no time does Walls' tone turn to anger or bitterness. Her spirit to survive led her to New York and a successful journalism career, while her parents followed, and chose to live on the streets.
Now, does sitting beside batty Aunt Betty at Thanksgiving dinner seem so bad?
Get more information on Jeanette Walls or order her book at Amazon.ca.
Feel the Fear... And Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers Ph.D. (Ballantine Books)
Have you been sticking your toe in the proverbial water, afraid to take the plunge? Whether it's a dormant dream or a habit you'd like to break, Jeffers' words will gently grab your shoulders... and give you a good shake.
Like a proud parent affirming their child, Jeffers' tone is inspiring and straightforward, reminding the reader that pushing a boundary or trying something new is liberating. This book can help you mute the devil resting on your shoulder and awaken the confidence to push boundaries and take a few risks that can lead to greater happiness.
Or, you could stand there with your toe in the water...
Get more information at Amazon.ca.