Saturday Spotlight | Sailing Book Reviews

In addition to the usual blog posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday about our eccentric travel adventures and day-to-day life living aboard a sailboat, I also occasionally post on Saturdays, focusing on things related to writing such as cover reveals, book launches, reviews, interviews with authors etc. So if you're a bit of a book nerd like I am, check in on Saturdays - you never know what might pop up.

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Today, I'm featuring three sailing-related books focusing on quitting the rat race for a simpler existence living aboard a boat. Even if a sailing and cruising lifestyle isn't for you, you may find inspiration in these books to make changes in your own life and lead a life less "normal" and more fulfilling.

LEAP OF FAITH: QUIT YOUR JOB AND LIVE ON A BOAT by Ed Robinson

The author describes himself and his wife as carefree boat bums and beachcombers and in this book he tells you how they went about achieving a simpler life. He walks the reader through the process of getting rid of all of their stuff, his approach to debt, buying a boat, and living aboard full-time. Throughout the book, he spells out what he thinks is wrong with today's society and why living a “normal” life doesn't necessarily bring one happiness. His anecdotes and reflections provide compelling evidence that working hard to amass possessions, gain a certain social status, and achieve the “American dream” isn't the right path for everyone. His story may provide the inspiration you need to achieve your own dream, whether it's living a nomadic life on a sailboat or in an RV, getting out of debt and not worrying about making ends meet, or just choosing a simpler lifestyle.

Interestingly, I believe the author has just put his boat up for sale. I'm curious to see what new adventures he and his wife have planned.

Find out more about Ed and his book on Amazon | Facebook | Blog | Twitter


KEYS TO THE KINGDOM by Annie Dike

After spending six years as a lawyer, the author turned her back on a lucrative career and the potential of making partner at her firm, instead embracing the freedom of life living aboard and cruising on a sailboat. Dike interweaves stories of her former professional life and childhood with accounts of the her sailing adventures. And she's not afraid to share her misadventures as well and what she learned from them. Whether or not you're interested in a cruising lifestyle, if you're stuck in a career that doesn't bring you joy and are dreaming of a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle, this book may inspire you to make changes of your own.

Find out more about Annie and her book on Amazon | Facebook | Blog |

OFF THE GRID by Mark Reinhardt 

Off the Grid is an account of one man's journey from working 60-hour weeks and getting nowhere to living life off the grid and finding fulfillment and freedom in a simpler way of life. The author shares how he bought and outfitted a relatively inexpensive sailboat, cleared his debts, and his adventures cruising in Florida and the Bahamas.

One of my favorite sections was about an encounter with a powerboat at night in the Bahamas which had run out of fuel. The author tells us how he towed their boat to the nearest port, but what makes this even more interesting was that he also shares accounts from both the husband and wife on the powerboat where they share their views about what must have been a very stressful experience. I also really enjoyed the diary-style entries where the author shares sections of his Captain's Log in between chapters. Throughout the book, he shares his personal philosophy – the importance of a positive attitude, the law of attraction, and simply having gratitude for all that life gives you. It's these kinds of personal insights which makes this book such an engaging read.

Find out more about Mark and his book on Amazon 

Note: I won copies of all three of these books courtesy of Saving to Sail (a site dedicated to learning how to make money online, while sailing the world) and voluntarily chose to leave honest reviews. 

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What books have you been reading lately? Have you read any of the books featured here today?

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Murder at the Marina - a lighthearted & humorous cozy sailing mystery - available in ebook and paperback format at:

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