Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit (Paperback)

~ (Author), Ed Gannon (Author) "The world is a funny place..." (more)
Key Phrases: sail solo, navigation table, solo sailor, Cape Horn, David Dicks, Herald Sun (more...)

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.com Sales Rank: #389,167 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

2 of 2 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

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:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspiration for everyone!!, May 7, 2006

By	Space Toaster "Reaching for the pot of gold a... (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

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!