The White Boats

by Mark Marinovich

The White Boats is is a rousing tale of daring adventure and harrowing survival on the open ocean with echoes of The Old Man and the Sea, updated with a contemporary environmental theme. The White Boats tells the story of a young boy named Cesar who, like Hemingway’s title character, Santiago, dreams of catching a big marlin. Cesar ventures far out to sea in a tiny skiff to pursue his trophy fish. Unlike Santiago, Cesar must overcome a very different obstacle—a humpback whale entangled in plastic debris that he will risk life and limb to save.

The White Boats contains elements of magical realism and will strike a deep, resonant chord with readers of environmental fiction.

A heartfelt tale of courage and adventure for all ages—and an essential story for our time.

Genres: Fiction

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2016

About the author

Mark Marinovich is a former journalist who has written for Silicon Valley technology companies during his career. He has also written numerous screenplays, including award-winning scripts in prestigious contests, and two novels. Previous novels explored the environmental impacts of human behavior. His third novel, Seacliff Park, is a historical thriller set on Monterey Bay in 1929.

A San Francisco native, Mark resides on Monterey Bay.

Reviews

[Kelani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free on the goodreads giveaways. I was super excited to read this! This was a good book. It was about a young boy, Cesar, who loves the sea and after his grandfather dies he goes on an adventure that changes his life. He encounters, whales, sharks and plastic.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My opinion is just that...mine, and completely unbiased.

Other reviewers have said that they lost "sight" with this story when it went to recycling/greening of the world. I beg to differ. I think that this was the whole point all along. It is a beautiful, well told story of family, bonding, strife, threats, challenges, loss and gain; which all intertwine with the message of giving a damn about this our great planet. Pollution IS A VERY VALID POINT, and this is told in an amazing way! This young boy, Cesar, and his Abuelito do not have an easy life, but they sure do make the best of it. They enjoy each others company, they value the small bits that they have, they value the stories that they make together, they live from and by the sea, and they decide to make a difference by "picking up" after others. I absolutely encourage all who care about this planet to read this book. To feel the want to make a difference as Cesar and his Abuelito did. I challenge anyone who reads this to not think 2, 4, 5 times about those "recyclable" things you so carelessly toss away from now on. We have generations after us who have to live on this planet...respect it! Thank you to Mr. Marinovich for the welcome, and heart felt, eye-opener...the encouragement to do our best to make a difference.

[Linda Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most novels have multiple messages and this book is no different. The message for keeping the environment clean is strongly emphasized almost to the point of boredom. It may not seem that way to a middle school pupil. The bond between the grandson and his grandfather was well illustrated, and even in death nothing changes. One of the facts of life, is that one is not always believed. Confirmation of the whale's entanglement in the netting was a refreshing turn. I appreciated how the author brought characters into the story to expand the boy's vision for education. The book is a quick read with several strong messages great for middle school children. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I appreciate the author for sharing it with me.

[Koby · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up The White Boats I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for. The blank back cover gave no description of what I was about to read. After deciding to give the story a chance I found myself immersed in an incredible story. This book details a kid’s dream and his struggle to get to it, and also includes some real life problems. The coverage of plastic pollution not only makes this story fun, but also gives this story some purpose. I would rate this 4/5 stars.

[Kasandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway - thanks, Goodreads! The message here is important and urgent, so though this fable had a little too much embellishment and suspension of disbelief for my taste, I still recommend it. Will especially appeal to children, but it's a tale for all ages. Told with an obvious love for the sea and its creatures.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the author’s passion for ridding our oceans of plastic waste. The author beautifully captured the innocence of Cesar, his struggle with grief, and the reality of the cartel’s hold on Mexico. I wish the author’s need to promote solutions would be been left to the reader to come to their own conclusion.

[Lori Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet book about a little boy with big dreams that he shared with his grandpa. After his grandpa was killed, he still listened to everything he was taught by his grandpa. One of the cutest books I have read this year. Heartwarming.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went into this one without knowing much about it and I really enjoyed it! Very well written, I absolutely recommend it.

[Holly Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I won it in a giveaway and I am so glad that I read it. I'm sorry it took so long to write this review, but it was truly wonderful!

[Cameron Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won via goodreads giveaway

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short read with an environmental statement -- too much plastic pollution in the ocean.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep it in my work truck. When i have time to kill i just open it and read from there. I enjoy the book.

[Joe Ortiz]

Wonderful story and descriptions. One helluva read!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging story of a young boy who loses his inspirational figure, his grandfather, and goes on to follow the moral road he has been taught. After his grandfather's murder, Cesar goes out to catch the trophy marlin and encounters a humpback whale trapped in old plastic lines. After freeing the whale at a great cost to himself, his focus is to clean the oceans of the plastic debris pollution that has and is accumulating. There is a loud and clear warning here regarding the danger this plastic waste presents to our seas and ourselves. Along with this, there is also the underlying message of the importance of responsible and honorable adults in the lives of our youngsters.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Amber Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a great message about waste and about a boys relationship with the sea. I enjoyed the story and the characters

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, The White Boats, how you let me down. From page one I was connected to everything about this story. It was beautifully written, the characters were amazing, the setting was incredible, the story was fascinating. Everything was so well-crafted. I thought for sure this book was going on my special bookcase reserved for favorites. And then, out of nowhere, I was no longer reading The White Boats. I was reading a pamphlet about recycling and trash in the oceans. It was that abrupt. The author placed two characters in the novel whose entire existence was to serve the expository function of telling the reader all about the importance of not dumping waste in the ocean. It was like watching a PSA in class about pollution. You know, they try to have a story but it's just filler for the information they're trying to (dryly) relay to you. It ruined the entire book for me, and the only reason I didn't give it one star is because the rest of the novel was so impressive.

I'm not anti-message in a book. But do it in a way that isn't insulting to your readers. We're not dumb. I understood the message the author was trying to relay with the simple scene of the main character freeing the whale from a net it was ensnared in, and the related scenes of him cleaning up the beach. I got it without a lecture. The author could have then included an addendum at the end of the book with links to resources for anyone looking for more information.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[LynetteMountainCloud · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
The White Boats is about a child's dream of catching a Blue Marlin. It told a good story for a while and then changed into a recycling pamphlet. Maybe it fell flat since Cesar's journey/experiences were so epic at first

Characters: Cesar and Abuelito, Rosa & Ramos

Cesar: He lives with his mother and his Abuelito/Grandfather. He dream of catching a Blue Marlin. However he has no means to do this, as he is very poor.

Rosa: Cesar's mother works as a maid.

Ramos: A man who follows Rosa home one day. Rosa and Ramiro Ramos argue loudly and it becomes physical. Ramos kills Abuelito.

Abuelito: Granddad to Cesar. Abuelito ends up confronting Ramos while aiming a shotgun.

This book also touches on environmental plastic pollution of our oceans and how it impacts everyone.The author should of included an addendum at the end of the book with links to resources for those looking for more information. . I understood the message the author was trying to relay with the simple scene of the main character freeing the whale from a net it was ensnared in, and the related scenes of him cleaning up the beach. I did pick up on the parallels to The Old Man and the Sea. Overall the story was ok until it turned into a book about keeping the ocean clean. I agree with it but I wanted a story with a plot not a written lecture on environmental issues.

[Lori Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received The White Boats from Goodreads and really like the message the story delivers. We are all stewards of our planet, and this is demonstrated well, with a focus on our oceans. I also like the parallels to The Old Man and the Sea. The protagonist, a young man who had a very close relationship with his grandfather, sets out on his own, making this also a coming-of-age story.

The author does a good job of making this a character-driven plot, which is always a plus, but I really struggled with the overly simple resolution to young Cesar and his mother's plight in life. There is also a more minor scene toward the end that takes one of the characters completely out of character and seems entirely unnecessary overall. I can't help but wonder if the author needed to fill more pages to meet a minimum.

I give this three out of five stars because for its shortcomings, the story still contains a great message and Cesar is a great kid who is able to propel the story to its conclusion; he is a terrific character.

[KarnagesMistress · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel terrible that I don't like this book more. I think I'm just too old and jaded. That's awful; I sound like I don't care about the environment. I do! But, I'm not nine years old anymore. I would've adored this book at that age. There are a couple of subplots that don't make this book appropriate for a fourth grader, however. (Those were the parts I enjoyed most as an adult.) So, I guess that's my fundamental problem with this book: it's too sordid for a fourth-grader, too naive for a forty-year-old. I think the author should sanitize it for younger readers; they really are the audience it will affect the most positively. This book will also satisfy the 2018 Watauga County Public Library Reading Challenge categories: A Debut Novel; A Book That Is Set At Sea; A Book With The Color Blue In The Title OR On The Cover. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is autographed.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

I jumped right into the story and fell in love with the close relationship of Cesar and Abuelito. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the memories and lessons that my grandfather created with me. Throughout the journey, I welcomed life's lessons as they flowed in on the waves- cresting with the smiles and triumphs and crashing with the unfortunate lows of Cesar's journey.
I couldn't help but brainstorm ways to use this novel with current middle school students. So often, they miss opportunities to encounter a life-changing novel that will leave a lasting impression upon them. I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would read this book and not walk away wanting to go out into the world and do as much good as he or she could.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

I jumped right into the story and fell in love with the close relationship of Cesar and Abuelito. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the memories and lessons that my grandfather created with me. Throughout the journey, I welcomed life's lessons as they flowed in on the waves- cresting with the smiles and triumphs and crashing with the unfortunate lows of Cesar's journey.
I couldn't help but brainstorm ways to use this novel with current middle school students. So often, they miss opportunities to encounter a life-changing novel that will leave a lasting impression upon them. I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would read this book and not walk away wanting to go out into the world and do as much good as he or she could

[Ashley Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to by saying I received this novel through Goodreads Giveaways.

I absolutely loved this novel! Cesar is the hope many have in saving the planet from its current destruction. Like Cesar and his grandfather, my boyfriend and I always try to pick up trash at the fishing holes, forest preserves, and camping sites as well as beaches. Keeping the oceans plastic free is one thing that Cesar knows is important to him, just like fishing from a white boat. After his grandfathers death Cesar begins a harrowing journey to follow his dream of catching a marlin but end up somewhere completely different. This is an amazing novel about the influence one person can have on others as well as the environment! I would highly recommend this novel to anyone!

[Susan Csoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exhilerating story of a boy named Cesar who dreams of his big day riding the white boats and catching his first marlin. He lives with his mother and his Abuelito/Grandfather. Rosa works as a maid and was followed home one day by a Ramiro Ramos. They argue loudly and it becomes physical to the point of Abuelito confronting the man while aiming a shotgun. Sadly shortly after this incident, Ramos kills Abuelito. At just ten years of age, heart broken Cesar was determined to follow his grandfathers traditions. A very good read. THANK YOU GOOD READS FIRST READS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!!!

[MaryKaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The White Boats is about a child's dream of catching a Blue Marlin. He has no means to do this, as he is very poor. His determination takes him down several different paths and harrowing experiences. All of which he had not anticipated. It is a wonderful story for any age, and I could not stop reading it.
This book also touches on environmental plastic pollution of our oceans and how it impacts everyone.

So take a wonderful ride on a skiff and read this book!

I received this book free from Goodreads for an honest review. ' '

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first received this book (goodreads giveaway, free) I had a feeling it would be pretty special. The beginning of this book confirmed that assumption, but the second half of the book...well, I was a tad bit disappointed. Maybe it fell flat since Cesar's journey/experiences were so epic at first. Still a good story. Abuelito was also a fantastic character. I was stuck between a 3.5 and 4 for a rating.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing tale that is a variation on The Old Man and the Sea with an environmental and political twist. The fact that it involves a young boy instead of an old man lends the perspective of how certain events change the character's perspective, as opposed to the old man's memories in the Hemingway novel.

The book is well written, with a well structured plot and clear writing. I recommend this author.

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of a young boy realizing the world extends beyond himself and the things and people immediately around him. He may not have been able to guess where his goal of catching a marlin would take him, but it was a remarkable journey none the less. There are so many things that other young people could take away from this book, and I hope they read it soon.

Stop pollution, be the solution!

[Vicky Boackle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.It told a good story for a while and then changed into a recycling pamphlet.It is all good information that we need to know and to make changes to our environment.It did change back to a good story . I hope this does raise awareness to protect our planet for the future.I received this book through goodreads.I look forward to reading more from Mark Marinovich.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Palancar press and Mark Marinovich for sending me this good reads give away. Well written and an easy to read odyssey of Ccsar and his wish to catch his marlin. Not just the fish but insights into family and friends. Throw in environmental protection and the story leaves the reader with several ideas to think about.

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read that i was able to get through in one day. It had action, adventure, and animals. Whats not to love about this book! I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read.