The book I reviewed for May is Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland. There can be no doubt that Abby Sunderland who comes from a family of nine children all home-schooled, has always listened to her 'inner' voice. Following her inner voice led Abby to the pivotal date of January 23, 2010, where at sixteen years old Abby set forth to become the youngest person to sail around the world. She set sail from Marina Del Rey on this very day.
It was hard to put this book down, the rolling seas and Abby's wise words on handling her different challenges kept me glued to this adventure narrative. One of the things, I love the most about this book is how Abby built up her confidence and character and offers sage advice that we can all relate to such as: "It seems like people my age are over-protected today. Even to the point where a lot of parents refuse to put their kids in the position to make important decisions, to aspire to great things, because they don't want to put them in a position to fail." Listening to your child's voice is important to instilling confidence in their decision making skills even from a very young age. On a practical level to most of us, that means giving your child the power to choose what they may want to wear in the morning.
Abby's most unexpected end to her odyssey, I believe is the beginning to her next adventure. I recently, happened upon her website where she says she wants to learn to fly. This world needs more female, adventurous souls who say "Why not world?" and "Here I come!!"
I think that one of the best statements she makes in this book is: "When you're in a sailboat, especially on a nonstop attempt, your whole purpose in life is to find wind and make way." So should we all!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
By Candace Duiker--May 16, 2011
