The Young Man and the Sea [Audio CD]

Rodman Philbrick (Author), Kirby Heyborne (Narrator)

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Books On Tape (2004)
• ISBN-10: 0739367110
• ISBN-13: 978-0739367117
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,751,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rodman Philbrick grew up on the New England coast, where he worked as a longshoreman and boat builder. For many years he wrote mysteries and detective novels for adults. Inspired by the life of a boy who lived a few blocks away, he wrote 'Freak The Mighty', the award-winning young-adult novel, which has been translated into numerous languages and is now read in schools throughout the world. The book was adapted to the screen as 'The Mighty', starring Sharon Stone, Gillian Anderson, James Gandolfini, Kieran Culkin, and Elden Henson, with original music provided by Sting.

Rodman Philbrick's novels for young readers include 'The Fire Pony', 'Max the Mighty', 'REM World', 'The Last Book In The Universe', 'The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds', 'The Young Man And The Sea', and 'The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg', a 2010 Newbery Honor book.

The Private Eye Writers of America nominated two of his T.D.Stash series as best detective novel, and then selected Philbrick's 'Brothers & Sinners' as Best Novel in 1993. A gothic tale of slavery and sea captains, 'Coffins' was published in 2002. Writing under the pen name 'William R. Dantz' he has explored the near-future worlds of genetic engineering and hi-tech brain control in books like 'Hunger', 'Pulse', 'The Seventh Sleeper', and 'Nine Levels Down'. He has published three thrillers under the pen name Chris Jordan - 'Taken', Trapped', and 'Torn' - featuring Randall Shane, a former FBI Special Agent who specializes in recovering lost children. He's just now undertaken a new Chris Jordan series about the very private investigator Naomi Nash, set in Boston. The first volume, 'Measure of Darkness', will be published in December 2011 by Mira Books.

Rod and his wife Lynn Harnett, who have collaborated on a number of series for young readers, including 'The House on Cherry Street' and 'The Werewolf Chronicles', divide their time between Maine and the Florida Keys.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Young Man and the Sea, June 14, 2006

By 

Drama/English teacher "RD" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Young Man And The Sea (Paperback)

After reading this book almost a year ago (and rating it a 4 star book), then discussing it in my classes and letting it ferment a while in my noggin, I am moving my rating to 5 stars. This book resonates.

This may, in fact, be a good introduction to young adult novel for boys (especially those who do not like to read). The characters are relatively familiar, but still new. The writing style is superb throughout.

If I were one of those Hollywood producers for, let's say Nickelodeon Films, I would acquire the rights to this one immediately. It deserves to be made into one of those low budget, character-driven pieces than tell a personal story of a boy having to accomplish something personally significant to himself.

I heartily recommend this book.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Young Man and the Sea, September 1, 2004

By 

English teacher (Rhode Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Young Man And The Sea (Hardcover)

As an English teacher of 12 years, I have read countless books and I can truly say that this is an excellent, well written novel! My young son, who loves fishing and the ocean, loved this book. I was impressed with the quality of writing. The very first sentence of the book hooks you in. This is the ONLY book my son actually read w/o me having to tell him it was time for reading practice. (My son is in 3rd grade and the book was fine. It would also be good for anyone; I enjoyed it!)

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must read THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEA., June 17, 2004

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Young Man And The Sea (Hardcover)

I've never lived by the sea or been a fisherman, but Rodman Philbrick makes me feel the ocean spray in my face with his vivid descriptions of Skiff Beaman's adventures in Spinney Cove. The story of Skiff's memorable summer is told in the straightforward, humorous voice of Skiff himself.

Skiff Beaman is angry at the world, and he has good reason. After his mother dies, his father won't get off the couch or stop feeling sorry for himself. Skiff thinks that his dad will come to life when he tells him that their fishing boat, the Mary Rose, sank. But nothing short of a miracle will get his dad off the couch and out of the house.

With the help of the local fishermen, including old Mr. Woodwell, Skiff learns how he can raise the Mary Rose all by himself. The boat is badly damaged and repairs will be quite expensive. Skiff comes up with a plan to make money, but obstacles soon get in his way, his biggest one being Tyler Croft, the town bully. Tyler has it out for Skiff just because he's a swamper and therefore sabotages Skiff's moneymaking plans. But then Skiff gets a really "big" idea. If he isn't careful, though, this idea could cost him his life.

Skiff's determination is contagious, and I found myself rooting for him all the way, right up until the end of the story. If you want to find out if he can beat the odds and keep a promise he made to his mother, then you must read THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEA.

--- Reviewed by Renee Kirchner (...)