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There's nothing like a good book. Here's a selection — some for reading and others for listening.
That Reminds Me: Shipyard & Tugboat Stories
By Robert Mattsson, Narrated by Pete Ferrand
Tugboats, like steam trains, have long held our collective fascination. Many of us have dreamed about what it would be like to work on one of these powerful, mysterious monsters. Glimpse life aboard through the eyes of this veteran in the commercial maritime industry. His exciting descriptions put the listener right there on the deck of the various tugs and barges that spanned his half-century on the waters of the Hudson River and New York Harbor.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
By Mark Twain, Narrated by Paul Newman
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
By Mark Twain, Narrated by Theo Holland
Most of us read these books in our younger days and came to know two of literature's greatest adventures and most enduring characters. But to listen to the tales as an adult is to hear far more nuance and complexity about life along the Mississippi River during the late 1800s, about family and race, and about our young country's moral dilemmas. Perfect listening for puttering along the Great Loop.
Cape Cod Catboats
By Stan Grayson
Synonymous with Massachusetts' Cape Cod and the surrounding islands, the outline of the catboat is well known, even to nonsailors. First developed in the early 19th century for fishing, it wasn't long before the catboat gained popularity as a recreational craft. With a voluminous cockpit, shoal draft, and easily handled rig, the boat was perfect for the shallows and swatchways of Cape Cod. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and line drawings, Cape Cod Catboats traces the history of these most distinctive of boats. There's nostalgia aplenty for sure, but also sections on buying, maintaining, and sailing modern fiberglass versions.
Escape From The Ordinary
By Julie Bradley
Who hasn't thought of packing in the day job and heading off to sea on a round-the-world adventure? A wish for many, but few actually have the means or wherewithal to follow their dreams. Not so for Julie Bradley. After retiring from a 20-year career in the Army as a Russian foreign area officer in the Military Intelligence Corps, she set off on the trip of a lifetime. More than just another narrative of long-distance voyaging under sail, this aptly named book includes in-depth discussions of preparations, both practical and mental.
To read more about this book see "Escape From The Ordinary Book Excerpt".
40 Knots & How To Tie Them
By Lucy Davidson
BoatUS Magazine receives a lot of books on knot tying, but this one is different. In addition to showing how to tie each of the knots, there are suggestions, with illustrations, for things you can make using it. Want to make a hammock, coasters for the coffee table, decorative storage net, or a plant hanger? You're in luck. The author has them all covered. The front section of the book includes tools needed, safety information, and a brief explanation of different types of rope and line. The book contains no photos, but the drawings are clear and easy to follow.