On October 31 1999, Melbourne school-boy sailor Jesse Martin completed one of the last great adventures of the 20th century. At 18 years of age, and after 11 months at sea, he became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. This is the story of why Jesse set himself such an astonishing task and how he managed to make his dream come true.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-In 1999, Martin sailed around the world solo and unassisted. In a 34-foot yacht named Lionheart, the 17-year-old Australian used no fossil fuels, received no supplies or visitors, and never stepped off the boat for the entire 10-month trip. His narrative is conversational in tone and unsparingly honest, revealing his insecurities as well as a quick wit. Restless and bored by school, he found that sailing became an obsession that intensified after some short excursions with family and friends. Martin wasn't deterred by the complexity or expense of a trip of this magnitude and he was resourceful in finding sponsors and sailing mentors. Remarkably, his mother mortgaged her house to help buy his boat. Once he set sail, the text changes to diary format and chronicles an unpredictable sea, loneliness and isolation, a troublesome leak, and near collisions with large ships. A map plots significant events such as a whale encounter, a force 10 storm, and the spot where he spent his 18th birthday. Solar panels and telephone and e-mail access remind readers that the author is a new breed of sailor, but his story is inspirational nonetheless. The narrative form is simple, and the book hits all the marks for scope, teen appeal, and emotion. Young adults will be heartened by Martin's message that even an ordinary kid can follow his dream.
Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A really inspirational story . . . it makes me want to venture out into the unknown and explore the world." -- Northern Breezes
"All of us who spend time on the water will learn something from this account." -- Gary Jobson, America's Cup winner and ESPN sailing commentator
"Engaging tale with fresh, revealing narrative style" -- Sailnet.com
"Enjoyable and easy to read" -- Nautical Library
"This true-life adventure, courageous and realistic should be appealing and inspirational to many teens" -- The Book Report
"All of us who spend time on the water will learn something from this account." -- Gary Jobson, America's Cup winner and ESPN sailing commentator
"Engaging tale with fresh, revealing narrative style" -- Sailnet.com
"Enjoyable and easy to read" -- Nautical Library
"This true-life adventure, courageous and realistic should be appealing and inspirational to many teens" -- The Book Report
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Schiemer
Format:Paperback
This is a fabulous book and I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I highly recommend it to anyone but especially to any young people as it shows just where enthusiasm, optimism and determination can get you and that you dont have to (shouldn't) follow the crowd to succeed in life. He is a wonderful storyteller and very modest about his achievement. Everyone I know who has read it has found it unputdownable.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I just finished reading Lionheart a book that has reminded me that dreams can come true. As a sailor, I dream about taking my boat to distant places but can't find the courage to do it, I think Jesse has opened a new window for me. This book is much more than a sailing story is about fullfilling your dreams.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Jon Carnegie
Format:Paperback
Jesse's account of sailing solo around the world is an outstanding resource for teachers.
Jesse's journey is inspiring to young people and a very easy read. Students between 13 and 20 love it but the book is also outstanding reading for anyone with a sense of adventure.
An outstanding read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Beach Bum
Format:Paperback
I read Lionheart around 3-4 years ago and it instantly reminded me of all the years I went sailing with my family when I was a small girl. It made me appreciate the art of sailing to the fullest. Jesse is an inspiration to everyone that reads his adventures and he gives a great motivation to follow your dreams until they become true!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Jesse's honest account of his experiences and his comments on success make this book well worth the read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I loved this book,and fell in love with sailing all over again. I've been sailing since I was a little girl, yet his out look on sailing affected mine all over again.
This book quickly became my favorite, replacing my old favorite books. I keep it by my bed and for inspiration I only have to open it up.
This book quickly became my favorite, replacing my old favorite books. I keep it by my bed and for inspiration I only have to open it up.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Jodi D
Format:Paperback
At first I imagined 'Lionheart' to be a day to day account of Jesse's sailing experience around the world and not the wonderfully inspirational and encouraging read that it is. Jesse's adventures and pure spirit will remind you of those dreams you had as a little kid that you were sure to do when you 'grew up'. Sailing is of course an element within the book, but certainly not the core. You will enjoy this book if you delight in seeing people acheive their goals whilst inadvertently inspiring others to do the same.
1 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By youdy young
Format:Paperback
It is verry cool to sail and he did it all.
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 5
books:
- Further Along the Road Less Travelled by M.Scott Peck on page 123
- The Road Less Travelled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth by M.Scott Peck on page 123
- The Road Less Travelled ('Xin ling di tu', in traditional Chinese, NOT in English) by Scott Peck on page 123
- No Barriers by Neal Petersen on page 150
- Earth Time: Essays by David Suzuki on page 123
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