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Coming About: Life In the Balance
A mid-life crisis, a sailing adventure, and a rescue at sea, Coming About tells a story of survival and inner-strength through a foundational loving relationship. Coming About is a memoir of Mario and Jim who, at 40, quit their jobs and sell their home in San Francisco to follow their dream. They buy a 50-foot sailboat and move to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands where they discover many quirky facets of adjusting to life on the island as well as its many cultural idiosyncrasies. During the maiden voyage from the US mainland to St. Thomas, they encounter treacherous weather conditions and a series of life-threatening events that lead to a rescue at sea and the destruction of their dreams of retirement in a Caribbean paradise. Battling relentlessly crushing waves and shark-infested waters, their lives hang in the balance. Their struggles are vividly recounted as they search for meaning in the near loss of their lives and the shattering of their dreams.
276 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2018
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Mario Dell'Olio
11 books166 followersDr. Mario Dell’Olio is the author of several books. His latest novel, Tilting Toward the Sun, will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2022. Letters from Italy: A Transatlantic Love Story was released by Black Rose Writing in February 2022. New Men: Bonds of Brotherhood, published by 5310 Publishing. He has self-published two others, both of which are finalists for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The first is a memoir, Coming About: Life in the Balance, about a sailing adventure going terribly wrong. The second book, Body and Soul, is LGBTQ fiction that explores the strife of coming out during the 1980s. Body and Soul is also a finalist. His doctoral project examines the woman’s voice in the music of Hildegard von Bingen. Dr. Dell’Olio has published two articles on Medium.com. He is the music director at an independent school in Sonoma, California.
Previously, he was chair of the music department and ethics teacher at a school for girls in Manhattan. Dr. Mario Dell’Olio conducted the Concert and Chamber Choirs. He has led his choirs on international and domestic concert tours and released numerous albums on iTunes and Amazon.com. Dr. Dell’Olio was director of music at Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco, California, from 1990 to 2000. He led the Basilica Choir's first international concert tour to Italy in June 1999. Dr. Dell’Olio holds a Doctor of Sacred Music, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Master of Religious Education. He pursued postgraduate work in Theology as a seminarian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
With over 35,000 followers on Twitter and a solid social media presence, he actively participates in the Writing Community. Dr. Dell’Olio has scheduled numerous author events, readings, and book signings. In November 2020, The Empire City Men’s Chorus of New York City performed a concert/documentary based on Dell'Olio's book, Coming About.
Previously, he was chair of the music department and ethics teacher at a school for girls in Manhattan. Dr. Mario Dell’Olio conducted the Concert and Chamber Choirs. He has led his choirs on international and domestic concert tours and released numerous albums on iTunes and Amazon.com. Dr. Dell’Olio was director of music at Mission Dolores Basilica in San Francisco, California, from 1990 to 2000. He led the Basilica Choir's first international concert tour to Italy in June 1999. Dr. Dell’Olio holds a Doctor of Sacred Music, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Master of Religious Education. He pursued postgraduate work in Theology as a seminarian at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
With over 35,000 followers on Twitter and a solid social media presence, he actively participates in the Writing Community. Dr. Dell’Olio has scheduled numerous author events, readings, and book signings. In November 2020, The Empire City Men’s Chorus of New York City performed a concert/documentary based on Dell'Olio's book, Coming About.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 21, 2021
This is a fascinating, and at times harrowing, account of Mario and Jim, who make a fateful decision to leave their idyllic life in San Francisco to move to a tropical paradise. The challenges they encounter test their resolve, their faith, and their relationship. I found this to be a compelling read from beginning to end and highly recommend it!
April 17, 2020
Never again will I beg my husband to move (with me) to a tropical island.
This beautiful and harrowing tale of being tempest-tossed had me clinging to my lifeboat: my soft little couch in my comfy little home. So visceral was Mario Dell’Olio’s tale of moving from a lovely life in San Francisco to tackle the unexpected terrors of ocean sailing, I’m not sure I can make the canoe this year.
Mario and his husband Jim are an exquisite match. Their mutual love and support shine and ripple from every page, which makes this as much a love story as it is an adventure. And when the going gets rough — very rough — they still come together, even when they must pull apart.
Almost as cautionary a tale was their experience in St. Thomas, where the frogs in the cistern, the relentless heat and voracious mosquitoes had me sweating and scratching in sympathy. Be careful what you wish for, I told myself.
Altogether, what a relentlessly fast-paced and exciting read! No boring memoir, Coming About. I wept more than once, at broken glass, at broken spirits, at almost-broken hearts. I could barely read the final chapter, my eyes were so clouded with tears, even as my own heart swelled with understanding, revelation and actual reverence for Mario’s inspirational words.
It's rare that I find a new perspective on, or validation of, my own spirituality and values, and I certainly was not expecting it from a memoir or adventure tale. Yet there it was, and I must thank the author very much for that surprising boon.
This beautiful and harrowing tale of being tempest-tossed had me clinging to my lifeboat: my soft little couch in my comfy little home. So visceral was Mario Dell’Olio’s tale of moving from a lovely life in San Francisco to tackle the unexpected terrors of ocean sailing, I’m not sure I can make the canoe this year.
Mario and his husband Jim are an exquisite match. Their mutual love and support shine and ripple from every page, which makes this as much a love story as it is an adventure. And when the going gets rough — very rough — they still come together, even when they must pull apart.
Almost as cautionary a tale was their experience in St. Thomas, where the frogs in the cistern, the relentless heat and voracious mosquitoes had me sweating and scratching in sympathy. Be careful what you wish for, I told myself.
Altogether, what a relentlessly fast-paced and exciting read! No boring memoir, Coming About. I wept more than once, at broken glass, at broken spirits, at almost-broken hearts. I could barely read the final chapter, my eyes were so clouded with tears, even as my own heart swelled with understanding, revelation and actual reverence for Mario’s inspirational words.
It's rare that I find a new perspective on, or validation of, my own spirituality and values, and I certainly was not expecting it from a memoir or adventure tale. Yet there it was, and I must thank the author very much for that surprising boon.
May 20, 2021
Wow. What an incredible story of surviving disaster(s), and the impact that it has on how your life shapes even as a mature adult. This was a fascinating and gripping read, that had me empathising with the choices made, but at the same time sitting at the edge of my seat shouting “NO!”. A great reminder that sometimes the biggest adventures are not significant for having you end up in a new place, but to end up as a new version of yourself-interacting with the familiar as if it is new once more. As thrilling as the maritime horrors were, where this book truly shines is the depiction of personal growth, something we rarely see discussed in terms of a queer ‘mid-life crises’. Thank you for sharing.
July 6, 2019
Wow.
The way it is written brings you right into the story; you feel all the emotion, all the adrenaline, all of the struggles and hopelessness, it is all palpable in this remembering of a true story.
It was absolutely phenomenal to read and honestly hits a personal note for me just knowing everything the author went through before he came into my own life. Its inspiring to see all he has come from and what exactly formed him into the incredible man I know him to be now.
The way it is written brings you right into the story; you feel all the emotion, all the adrenaline, all of the struggles and hopelessness, it is all palpable in this remembering of a true story.
It was absolutely phenomenal to read and honestly hits a personal note for me just knowing everything the author went through before he came into my own life. Its inspiring to see all he has come from and what exactly formed him into the incredible man I know him to be now.
July 25, 2020
Mario brings the reader on a tour through the most difficult years of his life in an excellently written riveting tale.
The writing style is very personal and I sometimes felt like I was sneakily reading his diary. You will leave this book feeling like you've made a new friend. The tense retelling of surviving not one but two disasters on the open ocean will make you question if it's a true story, but the fact that it is makes this book the amazing read that it is!
The writing style is very personal and I sometimes felt like I was sneakily reading his diary. You will leave this book feeling like you've made a new friend. The tense retelling of surviving not one but two disasters on the open ocean will make you question if it's a true story, but the fact that it is makes this book the amazing read that it is!
August 9, 2018
The epic adventure of a couple of fierce sailors! I loved the passion with which this book is written and felt every tense moment as if it were happening to me. This tale really makes you think about what’s important in life and shows you how love and courage (and kindness) can really get you through anything. Great read :)
April 4, 2020
This will make a great book one day!
That’s no joke! I can’t imagine, I am at the age Mario is in this book. I can’t imagine changing my life so drastically! Harrowing tale. And if I do have any interest in sailing I don’t now! Thank you Mario for sharing this as both cautionary tale and hopeful
Reminder that love and a strong partnership conquers all!
That’s no joke! I can’t imagine, I am at the age Mario is in this book. I can’t imagine changing my life so drastically! Harrowing tale. And if I do have any interest in sailing I don’t now! Thank you Mario for sharing this as both cautionary tale and hopeful
Reminder that love and a strong partnership conquers all!
July 25, 2018
Felt like I was there
Great descriptive writing. Not sure I would take so many chances in my life. I was glad I was reading from the comfort of my living room. Very exciting!
Great descriptive writing. Not sure I would take so many chances in my life. I was glad I was reading from the comfort of my living room. Very exciting!
January 1, 2019
This was a beautiful story of love and joy and a search for peace. I couldn’t put the book down and felt truly inspired by it at the end. Wonderful read, I highly recommend it
August 24, 2021
I have never read a book in one sitting until this one. The story seems fictional but is all true! I cannot believe how much these men went through with their boat. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Well done to the author. I’m excited to read his other books.
February 17, 2019
I read this book as preparation for an author talk, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Dell'Olio's writing style really brought the reader into his life, and you felt a true connection with him and his husband. I appreciated the matter-of-factness surrounding the events in the book, especially in that he didn't try to exceptionalise any of the more difficult events that happened. If you want a quick, non-fiction read, this is definitely a book to pick up.
January 17, 2020
Who wants to read a true story about a year in the life of someone they don’t know? After reading this book, the answer should be, everyone.
Coming About details the life of author, Mario Dell’Olio. He and his partner Jim resided in San Francisco, fixing up their grand home and creating a happy and comfortable lifestyle. But as happens to all of us at some point, the little things start to niggle more than they should and the grass seems to look greener elsewhere. Selling their home, leaving their jobs and friends behind and moving away for a slice of paradise in the Caribbean sounds like a dream come true for many of us; the reality can be somewhat different. Mario describes every facet in extraordinary detail without ever straying into the mundane. Their move coinciding with the atrocities of 9/11 and losing all of their savings, to the excruciatingly slow pace of island living and the decision to buy a sailing boat in America and chart a course across the ocean to reach their new home on Saint Thomas. Here is where the story really draws the reader into the narrative and if it wasn’t for the fact Mario himself had written this book many years after these events, you would be sure he would perish at sea.
It is all too easy in hindsight to disagree with past decisions made, especially the ones Mario chose, but in the heat of the moment, when money and emotions are heavily entwined, I doubt there would be many of us who wouldn’t follow a similar course to ones laid out in this book. The lessons learned here can be applied to all of us in one way or another and I felt a great deal of emotion when reading this incredible, true story. The events that unfold in Coming About, I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but I do encourage all to read Mario’s account and how he was able to not only survive, but thrive after his many brushes with death.
Coming About details the life of author, Mario Dell’Olio. He and his partner Jim resided in San Francisco, fixing up their grand home and creating a happy and comfortable lifestyle. But as happens to all of us at some point, the little things start to niggle more than they should and the grass seems to look greener elsewhere. Selling their home, leaving their jobs and friends behind and moving away for a slice of paradise in the Caribbean sounds like a dream come true for many of us; the reality can be somewhat different. Mario describes every facet in extraordinary detail without ever straying into the mundane. Their move coinciding with the atrocities of 9/11 and losing all of their savings, to the excruciatingly slow pace of island living and the decision to buy a sailing boat in America and chart a course across the ocean to reach their new home on Saint Thomas. Here is where the story really draws the reader into the narrative and if it wasn’t for the fact Mario himself had written this book many years after these events, you would be sure he would perish at sea.
It is all too easy in hindsight to disagree with past decisions made, especially the ones Mario chose, but in the heat of the moment, when money and emotions are heavily entwined, I doubt there would be many of us who wouldn’t follow a similar course to ones laid out in this book. The lessons learned here can be applied to all of us in one way or another and I felt a great deal of emotion when reading this incredible, true story. The events that unfold in Coming About, I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but I do encourage all to read Mario’s account and how he was able to not only survive, but thrive after his many brushes with death.
February 7, 2020
What an incredible memoir! What an emotional, action-packed ride!
COMING ABOUT by Dr. Mario Dell’Olio (@DellOlioMario) details the perennial search for one’s life purpose in a wonderfully evocative fashion. In a leap of faith, a burst of courage, Mario and Jim leave city comfort for a sailing adventure, surrendering security for the fantastic, stability for the unknown.
The book keeps you on the edge of your seat while they battle weather, misfortune, and all manner of setbacks as they dare to leave well enough behind for a thrilling, nail-biting, oceanic adventure. And yet, throughout the fearsome perils, the love between Mario and Jim is palpable. It permeates every page, rising above the string of difficulties and dangers imposed by life in the Caribbean as they find beauty in balance and kindness in strangers.
Dr. Dell’Olio masterfully highlights the strength in struggle, the heroism in hardship. He paints an inspiring, motivational, and relatable story through the lens of dedication, determination, persistence. The underlying message of overcoming all odds and holding fast to your dreams (at times, quite literally, since their dream is a sailboat in high seas) will resonate with any reader. A memorable page-turner, this book will rekindle in you your own sense of adventure and ignite a spark, an itch to journey somewhere new, somewhere bold.
The timeless symbol of the sea as healing, of the ocean as rebirth, translates perfectly into this sailing excursion turned disaster turned existential quest for meaning. The lurid prose, the breathtaking action, and the unbreakable love between Mario and Jim make COMING ABOUT a must-read. 5 stars.
COMING ABOUT by Dr. Mario Dell’Olio (@DellOlioMario) details the perennial search for one’s life purpose in a wonderfully evocative fashion. In a leap of faith, a burst of courage, Mario and Jim leave city comfort for a sailing adventure, surrendering security for the fantastic, stability for the unknown.
The book keeps you on the edge of your seat while they battle weather, misfortune, and all manner of setbacks as they dare to leave well enough behind for a thrilling, nail-biting, oceanic adventure. And yet, throughout the fearsome perils, the love between Mario and Jim is palpable. It permeates every page, rising above the string of difficulties and dangers imposed by life in the Caribbean as they find beauty in balance and kindness in strangers.
Dr. Dell’Olio masterfully highlights the strength in struggle, the heroism in hardship. He paints an inspiring, motivational, and relatable story through the lens of dedication, determination, persistence. The underlying message of overcoming all odds and holding fast to your dreams (at times, quite literally, since their dream is a sailboat in high seas) will resonate with any reader. A memorable page-turner, this book will rekindle in you your own sense of adventure and ignite a spark, an itch to journey somewhere new, somewhere bold.
The timeless symbol of the sea as healing, of the ocean as rebirth, translates perfectly into this sailing excursion turned disaster turned existential quest for meaning. The lurid prose, the breathtaking action, and the unbreakable love between Mario and Jim make COMING ABOUT a must-read. 5 stars.
November 25, 2018
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down - what a story to be told! And told it was - Mario did an awesome job making me feel like I was right there in the story! I highly recommend this book
June 3, 2021
A story for all time.
Sometimes we can’t help but think a certain type of life would be better than the one we’re currently living, dreaming about the grass being greener on the other side of that fence. This book certainly disproves that theory. Dreaming of a quieter life in the Caribbean, Mario and Jim sell everything and leave behind the great life, friends and jobs to touch what seems like an unattainable life for the rest of us. They reach out for their dream of taking people sailing around the island of St. Thomas, their new home. They even bought their new “dream boat” to fulfill that dream. But things don’t go as planned from day one. In fact, things go from bad to worse. This is that story where every little thing that can go wrong does. But you know what happens afterwards? The human spirit grows. This is a story of fortitude and perseverance, of coming out stronger. This is a story for all time.
Sometimes we can’t help but think a certain type of life would be better than the one we’re currently living, dreaming about the grass being greener on the other side of that fence. This book certainly disproves that theory. Dreaming of a quieter life in the Caribbean, Mario and Jim sell everything and leave behind the great life, friends and jobs to touch what seems like an unattainable life for the rest of us. They reach out for their dream of taking people sailing around the island of St. Thomas, their new home. They even bought their new “dream boat” to fulfill that dream. But things don’t go as planned from day one. In fact, things go from bad to worse. This is that story where every little thing that can go wrong does. But you know what happens afterwards? The human spirit grows. This is a story of fortitude and perseverance, of coming out stronger. This is a story for all time.
December 31, 2019
I chose Coming About: Life in the Balance because it is a memoir and as an author of a recently published memoir, I wanted to read another author's work in the same genre for comparison. I loved this book! I was captivated from the very beginning and found the book hard to put down! It was so easy to imagine Mario and his partner as dear friends and don't we all secretly wish to retire to a Caribbean island? Dell'Olio writes well and his words and text paint vivid imagery for the reader. The scenes at sea are so descriptive that I almost felt seasick just reading his words. Throughout the book, I admired the resiliency of these courageous and adventurous men during some challenging and difficult times! In the end, their love and strong partnership triumphed over all the heartbreak.
JD Simmons, author of Lately Lesbian
JD Simmons, author of Lately Lesbian
October 28, 2019
Wow. What can I say. It takes a lot of courage to leave an area and to do something else that one may not have as much experience in. Yes, there was tough situations and I am not going to lie there were moments I was wondering why did he chose to do this but at the same time it kept me reading and wanting to see how everything turned out. I was glad to see that despite the many adversities and obstacles that he had to face he overcame and triumphed over it all. Coming About: life in the Balance is very well written. It is a definite must read if you had not read it. 5 stars.
August 25, 2019
Awesome book! Riveting. My heart was pounding as I read about their misadventures at sea. The best part is that is a true story! Highly recommended!
June 1, 2022
“Coming About” by the talented author Mario Dell’Olio is an immersive personal memoir with
many layers. He chronicles the idyllic professional and personal life he had in San Francisco with his partner, Jim. Then, with remarkable candor, he describes the pressures that caused him to believe life would be better for both of them in the Virgin Islands with a 50’ sailboat.
Conscious of avoiding spoilers, let me say, after selling a lovely home, quitting meaningful employment, bidding goodbye to dear friends, island life was not all it was cracked up to be. I found this part of the book engaging and laughed and cried with the author as he retails the travails of getting anything done in the St. Thomas’ slow-as-snails pace and his other relocation misadventures.
For most of the rest of the book, “Coming About” is a nail-biting, high-seas adventure. Part of the author’s dream scenario was cruising the islands in a luxury sailboat as well as chartering it to offset reduced income and unforeseen expenses. It all sounded good on paper. In life, not so much. An overriding issue was the author’s phobia about being on the water out of sight of land. The need to get the boat from the U.S. east coast to St.Thomas required open water sailing on the vast, unpredictable and, in this case dangerous Atlantic Ocean. I’ll simply say that everything that could go wrong, did, and it imperiled the couple’s lives not once, but twice. At this point, I was unable to put the book down.
In the final section of the book the author reflects on lessons he learned about himself and what’s truly important in life. He reveals he was not the same man who, with tremendous perseverance against the odds and solid, loving teamwork, survived near death. I found his revelations moving and instructive. Overall, this is an evocative must-read story, told with simplicity and candor. I highly recommend this book.
many layers. He chronicles the idyllic professional and personal life he had in San Francisco with his partner, Jim. Then, with remarkable candor, he describes the pressures that caused him to believe life would be better for both of them in the Virgin Islands with a 50’ sailboat.
Conscious of avoiding spoilers, let me say, after selling a lovely home, quitting meaningful employment, bidding goodbye to dear friends, island life was not all it was cracked up to be. I found this part of the book engaging and laughed and cried with the author as he retails the travails of getting anything done in the St. Thomas’ slow-as-snails pace and his other relocation misadventures.
For most of the rest of the book, “Coming About” is a nail-biting, high-seas adventure. Part of the author’s dream scenario was cruising the islands in a luxury sailboat as well as chartering it to offset reduced income and unforeseen expenses. It all sounded good on paper. In life, not so much. An overriding issue was the author’s phobia about being on the water out of sight of land. The need to get the boat from the U.S. east coast to St.Thomas required open water sailing on the vast, unpredictable and, in this case dangerous Atlantic Ocean. I’ll simply say that everything that could go wrong, did, and it imperiled the couple’s lives not once, but twice. At this point, I was unable to put the book down.
In the final section of the book the author reflects on lessons he learned about himself and what’s truly important in life. He reveals he was not the same man who, with tremendous perseverance against the odds and solid, loving teamwork, survived near death. I found his revelations moving and instructive. Overall, this is an evocative must-read story, told with simplicity and candor. I highly recommend this book.
May 17, 2019
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
14st May, 2019
TITLE: Body and Soul
AUTHOR: Mario Dell'olio
Star Rating: 4
CATCHY QUOTE
‘A gripping story of sexual awakening and coming to terms with the need to be loved. Highly recommended!’
REVIEW
There are many aspects to Body and Soul which are excellent. Firstly, the characters. Here is the strength of this novel. The author knows his characters, very, very well; this shows in the consistent and very individual way they act. This is not a plot-driven story; it’s character-driven. In this book, the characters are the jam which holds everything together.
There is a lot of self-discovery going on in this story, particularly for Luca. I must say, it is very well-written. It can get a little drawn out here and there, slowing the pacing slightly. But, overall, it’s insightful and very much helps the reader to not only understand Luca, but also start to care about what happens to him. The author also understands how important ‘speech’ is to not only develop the characters, but also the plot.
This is a story of self-discovery; of a man who is trying to balance his work with the church with his feelings for another man. The ‘sexual’ elements of the story are well-handled and always sensitively written. And the dilemmas the characters must face are interesting and thought-provoking.
I would happily recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys a character-led story. Also, the LGBT community might very well enjoy – and relate to – many of the problems facing this young man. Finally, anybody who is interested in the topical subject of church and how it’s possible to be a member of a church and also be gay, would find this interesting.
Overall, a stimulating and well-constructed story.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
14st May, 2019
TITLE: Body and Soul
AUTHOR: Mario Dell'olio
Star Rating: 4
CATCHY QUOTE
‘A gripping story of sexual awakening and coming to terms with the need to be loved. Highly recommended!’
REVIEW
There are many aspects to Body and Soul which are excellent. Firstly, the characters. Here is the strength of this novel. The author knows his characters, very, very well; this shows in the consistent and very individual way they act. This is not a plot-driven story; it’s character-driven. In this book, the characters are the jam which holds everything together.
There is a lot of self-discovery going on in this story, particularly for Luca. I must say, it is very well-written. It can get a little drawn out here and there, slowing the pacing slightly. But, overall, it’s insightful and very much helps the reader to not only understand Luca, but also start to care about what happens to him. The author also understands how important ‘speech’ is to not only develop the characters, but also the plot.
This is a story of self-discovery; of a man who is trying to balance his work with the church with his feelings for another man. The ‘sexual’ elements of the story are well-handled and always sensitively written. And the dilemmas the characters must face are interesting and thought-provoking.
I would happily recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys a character-led story. Also, the LGBT community might very well enjoy – and relate to – many of the problems facing this young man. Finally, anybody who is interested in the topical subject of church and how it’s possible to be a member of a church and also be gay, would find this interesting.
Overall, a stimulating and well-constructed story.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
September 11, 2020
This is a great book for those who want a realistic account of what it's like to sell their possessions and move to a new location for the adventure of a lifetime. Everything changes when Mario and Jim do just that: they quit their jobs and move to a tropical island. I think it's part of the human condition to crave the unknown, an escape from the mundane. It's what makes us crave our vacations and keeps us dreaming. That said, as Mario and Jim discover, a holiday in the Caribbean is very different from establishing a life there. Without spoiling the end result of this true story, Mario and Jim confront many obstacles. They also, however, make important discoveries that become life lessons.
I relate to this book because I, too, get captivated by the Virgin Islands when I visit. It's easy to get lost in the clear waters and in the rhythm of island time. At the end of a week, though, I start to crave the bustle of the mainland (and a solid internet connection). What I get from this book is that we should strike a balance between appreciating what we have and taking measured risks in life. Aside from this lesson, the book is a wonderfully fun read that's full of adventure.
I relate to this book because I, too, get captivated by the Virgin Islands when I visit. It's easy to get lost in the clear waters and in the rhythm of island time. At the end of a week, though, I start to crave the bustle of the mainland (and a solid internet connection). What I get from this book is that we should strike a balance between appreciating what we have and taking measured risks in life. Aside from this lesson, the book is a wonderfully fun read that's full of adventure.
June 28, 2022
This is a contemplative book that's also laced with suspense. How could that be? And yet...I can't think of any other way to describe it.
The author tells his true life tale of a comfortable life in San Francisco with his husband that is upended. Mario is at a point in his life where he's searching for something; but he doesn't know quite what that is. After a holiday trip to St. Thomas, he thinks he's found the solution to jump start his life in a new direction; persuading his husband to give up his job so that they can begin a sailing charter business from this Caribbean island. A new direction; yes. Just fraught with challenges they never expected! In the end, Mario learns valuable lessons on what is important in life, and what is not.
I found it hard to put the book down and read it in two sittings. (But it's only 175 pages). I could relate to their struggles in subtle ways. I am still thinking about it, and probably will for awhile.
The author tells his true life tale of a comfortable life in San Francisco with his husband that is upended. Mario is at a point in his life where he's searching for something; but he doesn't know quite what that is. After a holiday trip to St. Thomas, he thinks he's found the solution to jump start his life in a new direction; persuading his husband to give up his job so that they can begin a sailing charter business from this Caribbean island. A new direction; yes. Just fraught with challenges they never expected! In the end, Mario learns valuable lessons on what is important in life, and what is not.
I found it hard to put the book down and read it in two sittings. (But it's only 175 pages). I could relate to their struggles in subtle ways. I am still thinking about it, and probably will for awhile.
June 23, 2022
I lost sleep over this book. That’s how good it is.
A couple grows tired of their comfortable lives and tosses up everything up to try an idyllic life in a tropical paradise—with a sailboat. I’m sure it sounded like a good idea at the time.
Dell'Olio gives both a subtly nuanced portrait of a couple working through midlife dissatisfactions—and a flat-out adventure story of man against nature, human will against an implacable wall of pounding seawater. And sharks.
The author balances the elements brilliantly. On the one hand, he gives us a thrilling page-turner; and at the same time he allows us to understand the perfectly normal people—not adventure heroes, not macho a-holes—who put themselves in this terrifying situation, and who live to tell the tale.
What a great story.
c.t.h.
A couple grows tired of their comfortable lives and tosses up everything up to try an idyllic life in a tropical paradise—with a sailboat. I’m sure it sounded like a good idea at the time.
Dell'Olio gives both a subtly nuanced portrait of a couple working through midlife dissatisfactions—and a flat-out adventure story of man against nature, human will against an implacable wall of pounding seawater. And sharks.
The author balances the elements brilliantly. On the one hand, he gives us a thrilling page-turner; and at the same time he allows us to understand the perfectly normal people—not adventure heroes, not macho a-holes—who put themselves in this terrifying situation, and who live to tell the tale.
What a great story.
c.t.h.
June 9, 2020
Although this book didn’t quite grab me enough to earn five stars (if I could, I’d round up to 4.5), I really enjoyed it, and I would not hesitate to read another book written by the author. Recommended to readers who enjoy sailing based stories and memoirs.
August 24, 2021
A must-read! I could not put this book down. Harrowing, engaging, and loving—An amazing story of human strength and fortitude!
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