Customer Reviews

Changing Course

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked it up on a Saturday morning, meaning to only read for an hour or so. I finished it at 11:30pm that same day! It was a riveting true life story that even days later I am still thinking about.

I've often wondered, when seeing an ocean tanker sitting at dock; where are the people and what kind of lives do they have? Now I know. I feel like I was on the journey with Jeanne. She pulled me into the story. It has been some time since I have had a book inspire such emotion that I have been brought to tears.

This story portrayed a great lesson to remind us that compassion can open the door to forgiveness. And that forgiveness not only frees the recipient, but also the giver. It also reminded me how healing it can be to use an adventure to shake up your life sufficiently so it gets back on its intended path.

I, for one, am eager to hear more from this author.

Lutz's novel is based on her real-life experience as a merchant marine. She signs up during a tumultuous period of her life--
as a recent divorcee and disillusioned teacher, she's disappointed with her salary and lack of respect for her profession.

Although she's excited by the promise of more money and an adventure, she has no idea what lies in store for her as she ships out on an aging freighter.

Battling exhaustion and terrible working conditions, she's forced to face issues from her past.

One of the most moving parts of the book is when she tapes a letter to her daughters into her tiny dorm-room style refrigerator, hoping that somehow the message will remain safe when the ship capsizes.

Lutz is a fresh, honest Northwest voice--she captures what it's like to be a single woman who bucks the system.

Bravo! Hope to see more from this writer soon!

This book paints a vivid picture of life at sea, and an even more striking picture of what it's like to change careers and venture into what is completely unknown. I read it in one sitting, and immediately ordered another copy for a friend. It's inspiring to see someone decide to make a change, plan for the change, fight for the change, and then shine in her new work. A person who can do that, can do anything.

This entertaining book about one woman's love of adventure, courage, and perseverence was awe inspiring. Jeanne Lutz dared to enter the all-male world of the merchant marine, proving herself every day for months at sea. The insight into her life is shown through letters exchanged with family and close friends, but the real story is her daily struggle and accomplishment in the job itself, her enormous courage in dealing with her pain and loneliness, and the example she sets for us all in male/female working relationships. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves challenge and adventure.

"The pre-war merchant marine had about 55,000 active mariners. A big newspaper and radio campaign by the government brought out many who had left the sea, and attracted young recruits. Navy and Coast Guard recruiters sent thousands of young men to the 37 official U.S. Government Recruiting Offices of the U.S. Maritime Service, the training organization set up by the government. The U.S. Maritime Service trained about a quarter of million men. The USMS staff (ship's company) and trainees were denied veteran status by the Secretary of the Air Force. [On the other hand, Women Air Service Pilots (WASPs) who never had any battle casualties or saw any action, their trainees who even flunked out were given veteran status.]"

I didn't know this, but then most likely there other things that I don't know either.