Almost all of the catastrophes were to Julia herself. I knew nothing about boats before reading this book, and wouldn’t even consider myself a novice after reading it, but the author does a fine job of explaining all of the wear and tear that Julia suffered on her long journey and how the crew was constantly tending to her. It’s almost as if you are learning along with them.
A bevy of friends and fellow cruisers join Larry and his crew along the way. In fact, my only complaint early on in the book was that the relationships were not clearly defined amongst Larry and his crew. Larry is gay and I assumed his long-time companion was joining him on board, but in fact, he stayed behind. Instead, a “bed buddy” of Larry’s named Ken joins him for the first six months. Being gay myself, I had to wonder about this relationship. Besides a mention of breaking his heart when Ken left, our author focuses entirely on the voyage and keeps personal dramas off the page – which is the way this book should be. It is indeed not about the destination, but all about the journey getting there. We constantly read of Larry just in awe of himself and what he is accomplishing. In fact, the book itself is quite an accomplishment. It contains two sets of color photographs and small thumbnail images to help you distinguish which parts are emails, journal entries, or later additions. As a hardcover book, the dust jacket is stunning and as I mentioned before, the map on the inside front and back covers is a very nice touch. This is not a how-to book or can-do book by all means, but you just can’t help but be inspired by Larry’s big heart and kind nature that shines throughout. I learned through researching the book that Larry started his own publishing company just to give this book the attention it deserved, and probably to satisfy the perfectionist in him as well. A businessman, a sailor, and now a published author, Larry has worn many hats. And if you read his book, you will certainly be inspired by his success at all of them.
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The Boy Behind the Gate
by Larry Jacobson Buoy Press Copyright © January 2011 ISBN: 9780982878798 Hardcover $27.95 Kindle: $9.99 372 Pages Larry Jacobson has sailed around the world! And I don’t just mean that in a literal sense. He actually did it. From 2001 to 2007, Larry and a small crew set out on a journey around the world on a beautiful sail boat he named Julia, after his Mom. His book, The Boy Behind the Gate, tells his story. I like The Boy Behind the Gate a lot, so i decided to write my essay about it and describe my impression to you. This book begins with Larry describing how he fell in love with sailing as a young teen. He became very successful in business and eventually sold his company, making enough to fund his around-the-world journey. And the journey begins with picking the right boat, which Larry and his crew overhauled from top to bottom before beginning the trip in late 2001 – right after 9/11. With a heart and a head full of both determination and second thoughts, Larry’s voyage begins with letting go in December of that year. It was definitely one of those moments where everyone else was questioning his decision, but Larry wasn’t listening. Throughout the book, Larry’s hunger to succeed and to enjoy life shine through. He’s definitely a spokesperson for positive motivation if I’ve ever read one. From California to Mexico, and eventually across the Pacific to the Marquesas Islands, I loved following Julia’s journey which is outlined on a map in the front and back of the book. The book is meticulously organized into journal entries, emails, and personal notes from Larry and from the Captain’s log – pieced together into a story that’s as smooth as, well, sailing. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Much of the conflict in the book comes from rough waters, rain storms, and the ultimate fear of being on a boat in the middle of a massive ocean with no land in sight. While it doesn’t hardly ruin the ending of the book, you will be happy to know there were no major catastrophes and everyone came back alive and unharmed. |
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