Facing the Frozen Ocean [Paperback]

Bear Grylls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2005

Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2004, this is the compelling account of the most recent adventure of the bestselling author of "Facing Up". It started out as a carefully calculated attempt to complete the first unassisted crossing of the frozen north Atlantic in an open rigid inflatable boat, but it became a terrifying battle against storm-force winds, crashing waves and icebergs as large as cathedrals. Starting from the remote north Canadian coastline, Grylls and his crew crossed the infamous Labrador Sea, pushed on through ice-strewn waters to Greenland and then found themselves isolated in a perfect storm 400 miles from Iceland. Compelling, vivid and inspirational, "Facing the Frozen Ocean" will appeal to all Bear Grylls' many readers and win him many more. "An epic story of hardship, friendship and faith" - "Daily Telegraph". 'Riveting" - "Daily Express". "Grylls is certainly proof that the age of great explorers has not completely passed us by" - "Scotsman".

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'An epic story of hardship, friendship and faith' Daily Telegraph '[Grylls'] writing allows you to feel you are sitting alongside him on his adventure... I could taste the salt spray in every sentence and the bone numbing chill in every paragraph' Herald Express 'Grylls is certainly proof that the age of great explorers has not completely passed us by.' Scotsman"

About the Author

Bear Grylls spent three years with the British Special Forces. During this time he had a horrendous parachuting accident in southern Africa, breaking his back in three places. Three years later he overcame the odds to become one of the youngest British climbers ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and this story forms the basis for his bestselling memoir, Facing Up. Bear Grylls is one of the most successful motivational speakers on the world circuit.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan (April 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0330427075
• ISBN-13: 978-0330427074
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing story, I can't believe they survived, September 27, 2007

By 

Alan Noble - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Facing the Frozen Ocean (Paperback)

This book is the account of Bear Grylls and 4 others crossing the North Atlantic Sea in a 40ft rigid inflatable boat. Picture similar conditions to "The Deadliest Catch" on Discovery Channel, only in a boat that sits 2 feet above sea level. At one point their tiny boat was subject to Force 7 winds (a moderate Gale) which caused a cruise ship traveling the same seas to turn back from its trip while Grylls' team ventured on.

Yes this book had a great story, but the thing I liked the most about it was its small lessons in life. Through Grylls' experiences you learn a lot about leadership, courage, teamwork, and a great deal of other things. There was a quote from the book when Charlie and Nige had been helming the boat for nearly an hour, after 2 days of no sleep, being soaking wet, and in freezing cold waters. When Nige had to ask for help at the helm and Bear notes "Often people think of climbers, sailors, and explorers as being brave, but few men are really brave enough to be honest." And he explains that in times of life and death its not about trying to be brave and make it through, but being honest and knowing that other's lives are in your hands, and valuing that more than your own pride.

Man vs Wild may be fake, but Bear Grylls is not. This really happened, as recorded in the book, and Grylls did risk his life on this ocean. Several times they came close to death and only by God's grace did they make it through.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If this book doesn't inspire you, you are dead inside!, June 17, 2008

By 

Erik P. Anderson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Facing the Frozen Ocean (Paperback)

This book will inspire you to get off your butt and go do something with your life.

Very well written. A+

4.0 out of 5 stars Extremely lucky journey, October 26, 2011

By 

Warden - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing the Frozen Ocean (Paperback)

Bear and his crew went through extraordinarily tough conditions and with luck survived in one piece! A great read, for boaters and any one who appreciates a good adventure. Only complaint; no maps of the trip or plans of his specially built RIB.