First You Have to Row a Little Boat : Reflections on life & Living

Rating:
Summary: Just buy this book, you'll be glad you did.
Review: A very very good read.

I read this first from the perspective of a yachtsman, but have read it now probably 7 or 8 times and still get a new appreciation every time.

I guess if you are fortunate enough to have a boating background it makes sense in a different way, however the 'real life' approach to his writing is rewarding in itself. I have bought several copies of this book for others and universally it has been well received and enjoyed. Every time I row (my little boat) out to my (bigger) boat, I think about this this book. It has that kind of long lasting effect on you.

Rating:
Summary: Light weight life's philosophy book.
Review: Ok, this book appeals to me, but the basic message is one that I've followed all my life. "To give your life meaning, get a boat!" , ok that's not quite what he says, its more like, "follow your dreams." But his dream was to own and mess-a-bout in boats and that's mine too. So landlubbers aren't going to get the "follow the dreams" message because he talks about it in boating concepts... row when you can't see where you are going, but trust that you'll avoid the rocks.. tack if the straight way is impossible but don't lose sight of the marks...

Sailors will love it.

Rating:
Summary: Just a good book.
Review: This is just a good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in love with the water. First you have to Row a Little Boat by Richard Bode is a wonderful book about reflection on life and living. I can truthfully say that this book is the best book I have ever read. R. Bode uses his young life as a sailor to show philosophical views on life, and what views they are! I feel a connection to Mr. Bode's childhood. I too have a little blue boat that I love so much and sail during the summer. In this book I have learned that the fastest way to a certain spot is not a strait line, but a zig zagging one. Just simple sailing lessons like this one can relate to everyday life and help a person through it. If you are a sailor too you will easily relate to this book in that same way as I have. The wonderful way that Richard Bode writes this book is that everyone, who is a sailor, can relate, but in his/her own ways. Everyone draws from his/her own experiences but gets the same result, understanding life. I really enjoyed reading this book. It brought up ideas in my mind that I would have never though of otherwise. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sailing.