Stargazer's Diary: an Intimate Journal of the Cruising Lifestyle from California to Florida [Paperback]

Shirlee Sasenbery (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

An Intimate Journal of the Cruising Lifestyle from California to Florida

Editorial Reviews

Review

"StarGazer's Diary is a look into the life of a cruiser. The author shares her joys, fears, and intimate moments with readers as she cruises Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize, heading to Florida." -- Latitudes and Attitudes, May/June 1998

"StarGazer's Diary, subtitled "an intimate journal of the cruising lifestyle from California to Florida" is a mouthful but accurate. It reads like a journal with everything from details on anchorages, descriptions of local villages, shopping and fuel availability. It carefully logs monthly expenses. There is a lot of helpful information, especially if you are planning a cruise to the same areas. In general the book has a lot to offer." -- Santana Magazine, October 1997

From the Author

This book is also a dream, and expressing the story, feelings, and everyday happenings of our trip, is to share what I can only share through writing. Every time I read or write about our experience, I relive it, all the trauma, excitement, sadness, boredom, fear, wonder and love. I hope through this simple book I can create those feelings in your heart and spirit, as well as plant a dream in your mind. At the least, I hope the book will be enjoyed by both cruisers and armchair sailors alike, and that it will bring a sense of realism, wonder, and ultimately the desire to join the cruising life. Our adventure was the journey of a lifetime, and Gary and I hope that all who desire to take that journey, will make that dream come true. Make your dreams come true, Shirlee.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Kyocera/Qualcomm (September 1, 1997)
• ISBN-10: 0965855104
• ISBN-13: 978-0965855105
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,151,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read, October 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stargazer's Diary: an Intimate Journal of the Cruising Lifestyle from California to Florida (Paperback)

This is an up close account of a 2 year cruise. It is not written in the usual narrative format, but follows a cruising log style. At first I didn't like the format and found it difficult to read. Once I picked this book up again, I found that it is a fine read in its uniqueness. As Shirlee reveals her day by day thoughts and feelings she offers an insight into typical questions that I, as a cruising wannabe, ask. The usual style of the cruising narrative is more sketchy, humorous and forgiving. I like the straightforwardness of this day by day account. Shirlee reeals their intial excitement for the cruising lifestyle, the everyday joys, trials and disillusionments as well as their own questions. Lots of recipies and anchorage information along with personal observations. I'm glad to have read it and plan to use it as a reference when we cruise.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Less about boating and more about the social and emotional aspects of cruising, February 8, 2010

By 

E. Roeder (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stargazer's Diary: an Intimate Journal of the Cruising Lifestyle from California to Florida (Paperback)

I struggled with giving this book 3 or 4 stars. If you are mainly interested in the boating aspects of cruising, it's no more than 3 stars. If you want to know about the lifestyle and the emotional impact of cruising on you and your partner, then it's a 4. It gives you a good insight into the day-to-day life of living aboard- especially on a tight budget. Boredom becomes a big issue. While it's somewhat tedious and I didn't need to know each time the couple had sex, it did awaken me to the threat cruising can place on a relationship. It's worthwhile reading if you and your partner are considering long distance cruising.