Customer Reviews

A Year in Paradise : How We Lived Our Dream

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was captivated by this story of a 60-something couple taking the voyage of HIS dreams. While their particular trip in itself was not extraordinary --- many boaters do this --- the author's wry and self-deprecating sense of humor makes this account of their adventure an outstanding read. It is also chock full of very useful information, but primarily it is just a good book to curl up with when you feel like escaping to an achievable dream.

What I like about this book is that it captures the real sights and smells of traveling the Atlantic Intracoastal. I believe that this must be what it's really like to live on a 30-foot boat for a year cruising up and down the East coast of the US. The author's descriptions put you right in the picture, and his sense of humor will make you chuckle. There is also a lot of useful information in this book. Anyone who dreams of doing anything like this some day will get a lot of enjoyment from this book.

While the trials and tribulations Steve and Margaret Watterson faced in their year-long cruise from Cleveland to the Florida Keys and back were far from the perils of doomed expeditions scaling the face of Everest, the engaging voice of this narrative carries the reader along for the ride smoothly.

Watterson's anecdotes - from crazy bridge operators to the sluggish exploits of Pukka the Sea kitty - never fail to entertain. This book is refreshingly unpretentious and achieves exactly what is sets forth to do: tell the story of a retired Cleveland couple setting sail for the Florida Keys and coming home again. A how-to section offers practical advice for those of you who dare, like the Wattersons, point the bow south and call it home.

A crisp, full wind keeps the sails full in this travelogue/how-to combination. Step aboard the Witch of Endor. You won't be disappointed.

This account of the author's cruise from the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys and back is informative, easy to read, and entertaining. It's a must-read for anyone planning a similar get-away, or for armchair travelers who just dream of going. The author tells the good and the bad, detailing sights, sounds, and people. I enjoyed this story a lot, and found it chock full of useful details. Good book!

As an avid boater, I really enjoyed all aspects of this book. I have often thought (dreamed is more like it) of taking an extended trip aboard our boat, and reading this book really fueled that fire. I especially enjoyed the newsletter excerpts and all the nitty gritty stuff about the costs and preperation involved in undergoing such a voyage. The entire book was fun and informative reading. It would also be good preparatory reading for anyone who is contemplating an extended trip aboard a personal pleasure boat.

I found this book to be entertaining and fun to read. It details the author's boat cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway from start to finish, including all the planning involved. It is a "we did it, so can you!" book. But mainly, it is just an easy to read story, and the author's personal take on events is amusing. Buy it, you'll like it!

..you will love this book. From the banter between the sailor husband and the vacationing wife, to the struggles with demanding draw bridge attendants, you will find yourself wrapped up in their adventure. Included in the book are interesting breakdowns of estimated and real costs along with recommendations on places to stay and see. Mr. Watterson proves to be a good story teller keeping you afloat from front to back. Try it, you'll be hooked.

The book gives a quick overview of a long journey. It's an easy read, but the details are thin for anyone looking to make this journey. "Honey, Let's Get A Boat" provides better information and detail than "Our Year". Most of the pictures and maps appear to be borrowed from cruising guides. It does give some highlights, that are extracted from newsletters the author wrote - which is the impression I got while reading it - a compendium of personal newsletters to friends, rather than for someone looking to make this journey.

This is a very inspirational book for all boaters. It was very entertaining and informative. It is a lovely adventure to Florida making it apparent that Yes anyone can capture their dreams.

One of the best books I've ever read. Do yourself a favor and get this book. I finished the book in a day and a half.