By the Grace of the Sea : A Woman's Solo Odyssey Around the World

by Pat Henry

"Henry's captivating account fills readers with admiration for her courage and stamina." -- Booklist "A wonderful voyage of self-discovery." -- Indianapolis Star "A powerful and compelling personal account of [Henry's] battle with the elements--plus inner and outer demons--while struggling to complete her solo journey around the world. What a book and what a woman!" --Willard Manus, author, This Way to Paradise

Genres: Nautical

383 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2002

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as I was preparing for surgery. I knew it would be a long 6 weeks so I stocked up on reading material. That was years ago and few books have captured my interest like this one.

Pat Henry left the dock with her sailboat and ended up sailing around the world. Every page was a new destination. Adventures and danger, a single woman sailing alone; it was a thriller. Arriving at a new marina and with all the problems that go with a boat needing repairs and a stomach needing food. She made her money on that journey through her talent for painting.

Years later, I would find an email for her and buy one of her paintings. It hangs in my living room today and my copy of this book sits directly under its frame.

It probably is not a book for everyone. But, if you like true stories of adventure and the idea of seeing the world appeals to you, then climb aboard and see the world with her.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat is fearless - she sails around the world with no money by herself and faces many cultural differences, but enjoys all the adventures. She actually makes sailing a 31 foot sailboat around the world sound very doable. She is escaping from the real world which holds horrors worse that sailing peacefully - her company has failed and is working its way through bankrupcy and income tax issues. Family issues, etc. It is a very readable story. I didn't like some of the family drama, and found some of her risk taking foolish decision making, but that is why she did it and I haven't!

[Cindy]

I liked this book a lot. Pat Henry has travelled to many of the places I have been so it was nice to read about them from a different perspective. This book gave me ideas for the format of my own memoir and brought back many memories for me.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its Pat HEnry, not Patrick! She's a grandmother who sailed solo around the world. We met her in several ports. I am the Kat she speaks of in the book. A good read, proving that opportunity is the other side of adversity, we don't always have to be perfect, and that people really are the same everywhere. A tribute to courage and self-sufficiency. AN honest look at life's successes and failures.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting look at an amazing woman. Pat Henry travled around the world in her sailboat ALONE! I was amazed by her courage, strength and tenacity. It was not only interesting to read about her various adventures on land and sea but she is an example of someone who had a dream and totally went for it!

[Susanna]

I only finished this book because I wanted to see how it ended. I do enjoy sailing stories, and I can appreciate how Henry persevered--and I think it's pretty cool that she came into her own as an artist during a circumnavigation--but my oh my does she complain. She reminds me of someone I tend to avoid because enough is enough already.

[Larry L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the immense challenges, both physically and emotionally, that Pat was able to overcome on this journey of renewal and self-discovery. Not always a pleasant read, but a tremendous inspiration to anyone who's lost nearly everything and is starting all over again from the bottom.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to any person who dreams of testing their personal limits, or seeks to find where in this world they really belong.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pat Henry - It is written by Pat Henry!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, ok, so I'm reading another sailing memoir. What can I say? I like them.