Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit [Paperback]

Jesse Martin (Author), Ed Gannon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

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.

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.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 186508347X
• ISBN-13: 978-1865083476
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,041,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Big Surprise, June 6, 2004

By 

A Schiemer (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams can come true, December 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Educational Story, May 28, 2002

By 

Jon Carnegie (Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit (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.