Sailing Grace: A True Story of Death, Life and the Sea

by John Otterbacher

Sailing Grace is the author's account of drowning in heart disease, fighting back to the surface, and sailing on. It begins with him flat on his back in a local health club and ends 31 months and 4000 miles later when he and his family maneuver their sailboat Grace to Schull Harbor, Ireland.

Genres: Nonfiction, Family

258 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2007

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book I bought from the author at the AA book fair last month.
It probably wouldn't be something I would pick up to read because I'm not a sailor.....I'm not even a swimmer...but the author was enthusiastic and interesting and I wanted to read about his decision to sail the Atlantic instead of staying close to emergency care to nurse his damaged heart.

Eight surgeries in eight months is a good reminder of the dreams of life that have been put on hold and why a change of life style may be more healthy than a new heart. But still! To take his wife and two young children from Lake Michigan to Ireland on a sailing adventure carrying a bottle of nitroglycerine tablets in your pocket at all times seems risky.

John and Barbara acknowledge the risks, work on lessening their probability and live the dream, which is
"Do more than know about it." Visit the places you've only read about. In the process they visited the places in their own minds that define them and sustain them.

John reminded me why sailing is still not on my life list. But a thoroughly engaging story that was more than just a sail on Grace.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a story. We sailed for 27 years on Lake Michigan but I could never imagine going on that kind of adventure.
Wow! Descriptions were fantastic.

[Aaron Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. The author does a great job setting up the sailing and juxtaposing his struggles with heart problems. As a father of a teenage daughter I related to many of the fatherly thoughts and I was constantly laughing to myself. Even as someone who will never sail across an ocean, I could relate to the desire to challenge myself. I would recommend this book especially to fathers but I feel like anyone could enjoy it.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could change a person's life. It isn't the sailing so much as how the author dealt with a life-threatening heart problem. With his attitude and dedication anything is possible and for Otterbacher dreams certainly became reality. I have been thinking about these ideas ever since reading the book and would recommend it highly.

[Karen Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! John’s handling of his illness, his devotion to his family & the sailing adventure undertaken are all told in the light of his spiritual journey. Great storytelling from a sailor who faced more obstacles than I could imagine! I’ve passed this book on to a few friends none of whom sail but they all loved this book.

[Pat Haan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so inspired reading a book such as this. I love the courage and determination and grit the author put forth to carry out a dream in spite of an ominous diagnosis.
And, of course, I love that it is partially based in my city.

[Francine Cross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the sailing adventures the author had as I have sailed those same waters. His medical problems overwhelmed me.

[Heidi Dryfhout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational, true story. Another great MI author.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page-turner that combines the reality of literally facing death each day while at the same time trying to hold on to life and live your dreams.

John Otterbacher is a local author and much of the book is set in the Grand Rapids area. It's easy to make a connection to this story because many of the places mentioned are so familiar to others who live in the same area!

The book is also a great read for anyone who loves to sail or would like to learn how to sail....it is a testament to anyone who has dreams but is afraid to follow your dreams. The message is that no matter what age you are....living out your dreams can keep you alive!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book resells John Otterbacher's fight against heart disease and desire to have family sailing memories. I kept thinking, this man is crazy. Heart disease with no cure and he sets out to take his young daughters and wife on a lengthy journey is a new sailboat. Definitely works through his hears and his outlook on life. In the same position, I know I would not and could not take on a sailboat. Kudos to his courage and legacy he's built for his children.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hometown (mine, anyway) story is presented about John Otterbacher. It did make a good read, probably even better if you are a boat person or sail at all. I don't. He is very descriptive of his travails, heart problems and sailing adventure. He has an adventurous worldview, beyond the West Michigan, Lake Michigan roots.

[Pmoore66]

Recommended by a friend but I never got around to reading it. I usually am pleasantly surprised by most reccommendations as it pushes me out of my comfort zone but each time I picked this up, I just wasn't compelled enough to spend several hours on it.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great book to read on a plane or on a rainy day. It's more about passion for life than it is about sailing, but anyone who loves sailing will appreciate.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One man's story of following the dream to sail around the world despite his doctor's warnings of imminate heart problems.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and very thought provoking...

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I have long dreamed of sailing. This book just reaffirmed my desire.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an uplifting true story. Kept me turning the pages; was sorry I came to the end! Such a brave, adventurous family!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I know nothing about sailing, I do know health and the fear of things out of our control. Many parallels between the two are down in this book.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book inspiring and not preachie. Makes me want to set some life goals and work to accomplish them even though I am not as capable as I once was. Not just for old folks.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice story! Great because it has ties to West Michigan!

[Sue W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bragging sailor.