Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Feat
Review: This book is not about a nice long relaxing canoe trip on serene waters. Although Starkell and his boys DO have some quiet carefree times...the majority of this trip includes an astounding amount of obstacles that very very people would chose to endure. Numerous problems arise from the natural world...but the most frightening adventures are the frustrations and threats that the Starkells recieve from their fellow man.This is an amazing book and a must read for any canoe tripper. Also, anyone interested in true life adventure stories will surely not be disappointed. It's a gripping tale from start to finish. It's also a feat that will probably never be attempted again. The only big question I have after reading this book is..Why hasn't someone made this gem into a movie? With all the twist and turns you'd think it would be a great candidate for the big screen.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Feat
Review: This book is not about a nice long relaxing canoe trip on serene waters. Although Starkell and his boys DO have some quiet carefree times...the majority of this trip includes an astounding amount of obstacles that very very people would chose to endure. Numerous problems arise from the natural world...but the most frightening adventures are the frustrations and threats that the Starkells recieve from their fellow man. This is an amazing book and a must read for any canoe tripper. Also, anyone interested in true life adventure stories will surely not be disappointed. It's a gripping tale from start to finish. It's also a feat that will probably never be attempted again. The only big question I have after reading this book is..Why hasn't someone made this gem into a movie? With all the twist and turns you'd think it would be a great candidate for the big screen.
Rating:
Summary: A review by the author of ATLANTIS IN AMERICA
Review: This incredible account of the two year adventure of a father and son in paddling 12,000 miles down the west coast of the Americas must be read to be appreciated. It was inspired by a similar paddling, accomplished 60 years earlier by Dana and Ginger Lamb (from San Diego to Panama) and recounted in their classic ENCHANTED VAGABONDS (now out-of-print). For those interested in human endurance and cunning in the face of overwhelming adversity see the Lamb's spirited QUEST FOR THE LOST CITY, described by the NY Times as a "sort of overland Kon-Tiki."
Rating: 
Summary: A must read for anyone with interest in adventure
Review: This is an amazing account of courage and commitment to a long term goal. What I find remarkable about Starkell's style of writing is that he is very forthright about stating any errors of judgement he made during this expedition (as he also was in 'Paddle to the Arctic'). The man is obviously able to laugh at himself. Another interesting aspect of this book is how the father and son relationship is affected during the journey. My only complaints are related to the graphics, the text itself warrants 5 stars. These concerns are; a) there should be more photographs, b) there should be only 1 photograph to a page (especially with a paperback), c) the maps should be much more detailed. Any books by Starkell have alot of practical value to people who do backcountry travel.
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: This is the story of Don Starkell's incredible 12,000 mile canoe Trip from Canda to Brazil using various river systems and unfortunately a lot of dangerous coastline. A journey he started with his two sons, Dana and Jeff. Starkell says at the beginning of this book "If I'd known we were going to make it, the challenge would not have been the same." We, as the readers, of course know that he does complete his voyage - but it is by no means either straight forward or easy and in fact it contains many twists of fate along the way. I was quite surprised at just how good this book is - not just the story of the trip, but the writing. It is quite matter of fact and Don spares few punches about either his own behaviour or that of his sons. It is told mostly through what seem to be edited diary entries, there are good number of maps - each chapter has its own small map which makes following their physical progress much simpler. A very worthwhile and adventuresome read.
Rating:
Summary: His own person!
Review: You may not like Don Starkell, but here is the type of guy that makes for good reading. His tunnel vision and pursuit of his goal is uncanny. Sometimes one wonders what he actually prepared for during the ten years that he spent getting ready for this world record trip. But,nevertheless, it's quite an exciting read. I wish there were more adventure books like this one out there.
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