Taking on the World |
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Ellen MacArthur
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Pages: 416 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 0718145259
Pub: Michael Joseph Ltd
Pub date: 2002-09-25
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 206934
Editorial Review:
When Ellen MacArthur became the youngest person ever to complete yachting's most gruelling race, the Vendée Globe, she also assured herself of a place in sporting history as the fastest woman ever to circumnavigate the globe. As the world watched the images of her disasters and triumphs aboard her boat, MacArthur swiftly entered that pantheon of sportsmen and women whose emotional life we came to share over and above their achievements in their chosen field. We strove against the elements with her, we suffered with her when disaster loomed--and, finally, we could all take vicarious pleasure in her ultimate triumph.
This autobiography proves to have been more than worth the wait. The insights we are granted here into just what MacArthur went through genuinely tug at the heart--and never in any sentimental or manipulative way. Her very air of "ordinariness" (no film-star looks, no breast-beating egomania as in all too many sports personalities) was refreshing, but it's that monumental endurance and skill she demonstrated on her epic voyage that commands our admiration. The earlier sections of the book, detailing her childhood in Derbyshire (quite some distance from the sea) may have us impatient for her great ocean adventure, but they're skilfully and affectingly written. And when she begins her preparations for the Vendée Globe, we take a deep breath, knowing that we'll experience all the arduous adventure and danger that is facing her.
Some may argue that autobiographies are being written by younger and younger authors, with their lives still ahead of them. But surely (in this case) the timing is perfect. --Barry Forshaw
Reader Reviews:
Excellent (0/0 people found this helpful)
I know nothing about sailing but I found this difficult to put down. Very impressive acheivement. Not to mention scary!
Very enjoyable (1/1 people found this helpful)
This is really quite an incredible story. Very well written ... and such courage...it makes you realise that some people must just be wired differently to the rest of us just to be able to cope with such dangers and pressures. But Ellen has no airs and graces of a famous person. Very determined from an early age you just know that she would have suceeded in anything that she did.
Inspirational (2/2 people found this helpful)
It was thanks to this book that I sailed round Britain. It gave me the idea and it just grew into reality - so I have alot to thank Ellen for. If you are interesting in sailing round Britain use UK and Ireland Circumnavigator's Guide - you will find it very useful.
Great Woman, Great Book! (2/2 people found this helpful)
I had seen some news reports of what she had been doing which is what prompted me to buy this book, and its excellant. She tells her story in such a way that you feel that you are sat with her witnessing everything. Couple of the chapters are long which meant people only got grunts out of me for long periods of time. I think the glossary at the back of the book is a cracking idea as even the simple sailing terms i didnt know, so this i found very useful. Great read!
Great Girl...........Brilliant Book (5/6 people found this helpful)
As a sailor myself, I can understand the emotional rollercoaster Ellen experienced during her time at sea. The book not only gives an insight into what inspired her to sail but also how tough going the days at sea were. I could not put the book down from the minute i started to read it to the end.
This book is truely sensationl and inspiring. It is a must read and i guarantee anyone who reads this book will feel the same.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> Sport -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> Women
Books -> Subjects -> Biography -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Sports, Hobbies & Games -> General
Books -> Subjects -> Sports, Hobbies & Games -> Water Sports -> Boating -> Sailing -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Sports, Hobbies & Games -> Water Sports -> Boating -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Sports, Hobbies & Games -> Water Sports -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Sports, Hobbies & Games -> General AAS
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover
Books -> Refinements -> Font Size (format_browse-bin) -> Regular Size