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Across Islands and Oceans
Across Islands and Oceans is the memoir of twenty-five year-old James Baldwin and his epic two-year, solo circumnavigation in Atom, his trusty but aging twenty-eight foot sailboat.
Early on and "as broke as [he] dared to be," James determined not only to sail around the world, but also to hike across every island that he visits. His inland forays are unique in the literature of circumnavigators as he finds danger, humor, friendship and romance in places most sailors will never visit. James' story unfolds in his earnest exploration of distant lands and seas, his meditations on the people whose lives he touched, and his greater voyage to explore his own private ocean of solitude.
His adventure is not merely an attempt to seek thrills, nor even to tempt death, but rather a voyage of discovery as he set out in the direction of his youthful dreams to meet the life he imagined.
"Go seek what you will, where you will,
but be a seeker all of your life."
-James Baldwin
Early on and "as broke as [he] dared to be," James determined not only to sail around the world, but also to hike across every island that he visits. His inland forays are unique in the literature of circumnavigators as he finds danger, humor, friendship and romance in places most sailors will never visit. James' story unfolds in his earnest exploration of distant lands and seas, his meditations on the people whose lives he touched, and his greater voyage to explore his own private ocean of solitude.
His adventure is not merely an attempt to seek thrills, nor even to tempt death, but rather a voyage of discovery as he set out in the direction of his youthful dreams to meet the life he imagined.
"Go seek what you will, where you will,
but be a seeker all of your life."
-James Baldwin
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2012
165 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
maybe
October 22, 2019********************
Just to keep things straight
Giovanni's Room 5 stars
is a different James Baldwin!
Just to keep things straight
Giovanni's Room 5 stars
is a different James Baldwin!
January 14, 2023
Beautiful. That's what I would say about Baldwins writing. There is a wonderful romantic quality in the way he weaves his odyssey around the world. Descriptions of deep oceans, endless horizons and swirling currents.
It feels like this is from another time and written with a hindsight like the best bedtime stories. That being said as it is from another time there are occasionally uncomfortable descriptions of natives, though they never reach into nasty territory.
Because this is also a true tale the narrative pace slows and quickens abruptly. However, if you can look past that I think that is some of the magic - this is a voyage not a cruise and Baldwins beautiful writing and spiritual insights from his youth are sure to charm and enchant.
Thanks for the trip James!
It feels like this is from another time and written with a hindsight like the best bedtime stories. That being said as it is from another time there are occasionally uncomfortable descriptions of natives, though they never reach into nasty territory.
Because this is also a true tale the narrative pace slows and quickens abruptly. However, if you can look past that I think that is some of the magic - this is a voyage not a cruise and Baldwins beautiful writing and spiritual insights from his youth are sure to charm and enchant.
Thanks for the trip James!
December 21, 2012
This book was more than I expected; for some reason I thought it would be a simple account of a long sailing trip, unpretentious and, well, uncomplicated. It took me longer to read it than I originally thought, partly because the book is more than just a straightforward description of the trip. The author writing about his long voyage on a small keelboat when he was in his 20s reflects on its spiritual purpose and the way the experience changed him, though not quite reaching the point of becoming obnoxious and smug. The bottom line is simple - you learn much more about yourself and the places you visit when you go on a long trip alone; there is no point to be scared or postpone experience due to perceived obligations or lack of money. I am not quite sure what to make of a bottom line like this. I am tempted to make fun of the author for refusing to eat the fish that was quite literally falling into his fry pan because he decided to become a vegetarian for the duration of trip but I was still drawn in by the poetry of his intentions, even if I don't fully share them.
June 22, 2012
I wanna sailboat.
September 17, 2023
This took a lot longer to read than I thought it would, but perhaps that's only right given the subject matter. It's somehow heartening one could go through a journey like that and not only survive but immediately want to do it again.
While I sympathise a lot with the minimalist approach of the author, and he tells a fascinating story, there were parts that I grew tired of over time, which diminished the book a little for me. For example, how beautiful the local women were on literally every island he set foot on – I believe it to be a true account of a young and lonely sailor's experience, but presented without the perspective/judgement he seems to have acquired later at least when it came to other topics such as his need to "conquer" mountain peaks even in circumstances when it was stupid and reckless to do so.
Still, it's an account of a voyage that could have hardly happened the same way now, 40 years later, and it feels useful to think about all the reasons for that, both good and bad.
While I sympathise a lot with the minimalist approach of the author, and he tells a fascinating story, there were parts that I grew tired of over time, which diminished the book a little for me. For example, how beautiful the local women were on literally every island he set foot on – I believe it to be a true account of a young and lonely sailor's experience, but presented without the perspective/judgement he seems to have acquired later at least when it came to other topics such as his need to "conquer" mountain peaks even in circumstances when it was stupid and reckless to do so.
Still, it's an account of a voyage that could have hardly happened the same way now, 40 years later, and it feels useful to think about all the reasons for that, both good and bad.
June 11, 2019
An eloquent look into a solo sailor finding his place in our beautiful world.
It is very special for me to occasionally come across books I have not read before and become emotionally attached to because I know from their writing that here is a kindred spirit, a wandering soul meant to search the world for an elusive something that is never really defined and yet constantly found, if only by stepping away from the “normal” human condition.
This book is well paced and well written as well as being a treasure trove of needed information for anyone considering sailing. The various cultures met and described in great good humor or sober examination, depending on the place, provides one with a real sense of “this is our planet, please explore”.
It is very special for me to occasionally come across books I have not read before and become emotionally attached to because I know from their writing that here is a kindred spirit, a wandering soul meant to search the world for an elusive something that is never really defined and yet constantly found, if only by stepping away from the “normal” human condition.
This book is well paced and well written as well as being a treasure trove of needed information for anyone considering sailing. The various cultures met and described in great good humor or sober examination, depending on the place, provides one with a real sense of “this is our planet, please explore”.
March 22, 2018
Awkward
Maybe worth 2.5 stars, but I cant feel like I took away much from this book. Granted, there are a few nuggets of wisdom in regards to sailing, specially solo navigatiom, and minimalism, but you are forced to drudge through way too many lackluster anecdotes. On top of that, even though it was written 25 years ago, the views on women and "noble savages" (a term used repeatedly) are annoying AT BEST, and actually form a significant portion of the authors attention, both in writing and in his travels. Very strange.
Maybe worth 2.5 stars, but I cant feel like I took away much from this book. Granted, there are a few nuggets of wisdom in regards to sailing, specially solo navigatiom, and minimalism, but you are forced to drudge through way too many lackluster anecdotes. On top of that, even though it was written 25 years ago, the views on women and "noble savages" (a term used repeatedly) are annoying AT BEST, and actually form a significant portion of the authors attention, both in writing and in his travels. Very strange.
March 8, 2020
Seeker
James Baldwin is a fantastic writer and a true seeker. Sailing to Islands solo and with the minimal equipment is a true accomplishment but only part of his journey as he also treks across those islands, reaches its peaks and meets and befriends locals. His account sets him apart from other solo circumnavigators and is sure to touch the readers heart.
James Baldwin is a fantastic writer and a true seeker. Sailing to Islands solo and with the minimal equipment is a true accomplishment but only part of his journey as he also treks across those islands, reaches its peaks and meets and befriends locals. His account sets him apart from other solo circumnavigators and is sure to touch the readers heart.
April 6, 2019
This book was bad. Rambling, self congratulatory travelogue of an immature man-child. The story quickly became a catalog of all the 'exotic' girls he left in his wake. Not much about sailing at all either. I don't recommend.
January 4, 2021
A Great Adventure
What a great read and adventure... Baldwin is a proficient writer and describes with great clarity each island adventure along his brave and spiritual path. Will be looking for more of his writings.
What a great read and adventure... Baldwin is a proficient writer and describes with great clarity each island adventure along his brave and spiritual path. Will be looking for more of his writings.
October 15, 2024
a pleasure to share his voyage
So well written and described with beauty and grace. Mr Baldwin drew me into his journey. As an armchair sailor I discovered lands and cultures I knew little about. Thanks for the ride.
So well written and described with beauty and grace. Mr Baldwin drew me into his journey. As an armchair sailor I discovered lands and cultures I knew little about. Thanks for the ride.
October 2, 2017
Really enjoyed Jame's story and honesty. Beautifull recollection of what must have been a testing journey both physically and spriritually. Only wish he had visited more places!
December 28, 2018
Another great sailing book. Lets you dream about distant lands and your own journey to come. But don't forget that you are already on your way, every moment, here and now...
January 24, 2019
Honest, raw and delightful clear writings. I did not quite expect those from this type of book. A wonderful surprise.
March 18, 2020
So... this isn’t “the” James Baldwin who wrote Go Tell it on the Mountain. Silly me. Pretty well written, very brave, but just not my cup of tea.
July 9, 2020
Well written but too much about island treks. I wanted more sailing
October 11, 2020
One of my favorite travel logs ever. A joyous and uplifting true tale of youth and adventure on the high seas.
February 14, 2021
Fascinating
A story of a young man who followed his dream....At the end of his life there won't be regrets of things undone
A story of a young man who followed his dream....At the end of his life there won't be regrets of things undone
August 16, 2012
James Baldwin not only had a dream to sail the world, he fulfilled it and then some. "Across Islands and Oceans" is a complete account of a sailing adventure and a thoughtful reflection of the explorations that extend beyond the ports of call.
Baldwin not only sailed the oceans alone, enduring storms and torturous encounters with rugged lee shores, he also explored the interior of the islands he visited. His descriptions of landscape and culture and the relationships he forged with locals add a richness to an already adventurous story.
The personalities of sailing's greatest solo sailors are referenced throughout this book. Inspired by Joshua Slocum, Bernard Moitessier, Robin Lee Graham, among a few others, Baldwin worked in a land locked steel foundry to save enough money to finance his travels. His writing is exquisite and contains the thoughtful reflections of one who spends time thinking about the larger context of humanity.
If being transported on an armchair adventure via some good reading is what you're looking for, "Across Islands and Oceans" is sure to satisfy the most discriminating reader. It is by far the best in its genre.
Baldwin not only sailed the oceans alone, enduring storms and torturous encounters with rugged lee shores, he also explored the interior of the islands he visited. His descriptions of landscape and culture and the relationships he forged with locals add a richness to an already adventurous story.
The personalities of sailing's greatest solo sailors are referenced throughout this book. Inspired by Joshua Slocum, Bernard Moitessier, Robin Lee Graham, among a few others, Baldwin worked in a land locked steel foundry to save enough money to finance his travels. His writing is exquisite and contains the thoughtful reflections of one who spends time thinking about the larger context of humanity.
If being transported on an armchair adventure via some good reading is what you're looking for, "Across Islands and Oceans" is sure to satisfy the most discriminating reader. It is by far the best in its genre.
November 14, 2012
I was happy with this book. I picked it up wanting an escape story, an adventure that would take me out of the ordinary into the fantastic and foreign, and I got it. Mostly. At times, the author got a little preachy, complaining about the European influence on the native cultures of places like Polynesia, but that's OK, I think. He took me around the world with him in this book, and I think that gives him the right to speak his mind about what he saw and how he felt when he saw it, even if I didn't particularly enjoy those parts. That, and a few other moments I found tedious, is all that keeps this from getting five stars from me. I wish Baldwin hadn't waited thirty years to tell us about his trip, and I look forward to reading about his latter-day voyages.
October 24, 2012
When I was younger, I spent a summer sailing on Lake Michigan. I've never returned to sailing, but I always said that, eventually, I would do so. This book captures the essence of the pursuit, chronicling an amazing voyage by an initially inexperienced sailor - but this book takes an amazing journey one "step" further by describing the author's experiences on land and the multiple cultures he interacts with. At times it's a bit wordy and perhaps a tad overdramatic/preachy, but you can't argue that it is not an emotional and very well-told journal of life on the seas.
February 14, 2014
Insightful, profound, practical, existential, amusing
Exactly the booking was looking for to vividly experience a circumnavigation second hand. Baldwin's narration is comprehensive, honest, colorful, and most of all very human. Taking his advice, I resolve to simply find a boat and take to sea (albeit with my wife more likely than solo). Paraphrasing: Seek what you will, but above all be a seeker of life.
Exactly the booking was looking for to vividly experience a circumnavigation second hand. Baldwin's narration is comprehensive, honest, colorful, and most of all very human. Taking his advice, I resolve to simply find a boat and take to sea (albeit with my wife more likely than solo). Paraphrasing: Seek what you will, but above all be a seeker of life.
January 7, 2013
This is a very good book for both sailors and non-sailors, particularly if they are interested in both sailing as well as taking a compassionate look at the many cultures and lifestyles along the journey.
December 24, 2013
An inspiring example to become (or remain) a seeker.
December 31, 2013
I loved reading this book. Apart from describing the sailing adventure, the author writes about the places and people he meets on the island stops on his circumnavigation. So much freedom!
July 19, 2015
living my dream!
October 26, 2015
I like reading about the stories at each port, hiking through a new island and meeting interesting people. The spirit of adventure is refreshing...
September 11, 2014
Loved it. A great adventure story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews