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Ready to Come About
When Sue Williams set sail for the North Atlantic, it wasn't a mid-life crisis. She had no affinity for the sea. And she didn't have an adventure-seeking bone in her body. In the wake of a perfect storm of personal events, it suddenly became clear: her sons were adults now; they needed freedom to figure things out for themselves; she had to get out of their way. And it was now or never for her husband, David, to realize his dream to cross an ocean. So she'd go too.
Ready to Come About is the story of a mother's improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one's own course, and that risk is a good thing...sometimes, at least.
Ready to Come About is the story of a mother's improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one's own course, and that risk is a good thing...sometimes, at least.
- GenresNonfictionCanadaMemoir
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 19, 2021
Sue’s husband has a health scare and soon thereafter, he’s laid off his job. They’re in their fifties and their first instinct is to panic, but then Sue changes course and suggests that rather than wait for retirement, the two of them should fulfil David’s life-long dream of sailing across the ocean. With barely any sailing experience, this perhaps wasn’t the wisest decision they could have made, but they realized life is too short and there’s no time like the present.
Sue’s description of their trip from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to the other side of the Atlantic is one filled with mishaps, danger and adventure, but it’s also filled with lots of humour and Sue really writes in a way that, by the end of the book, makes you feel like you know her and David and they could be your friends or neighbours. This is more than a log book about a journey across the ocean, though. It’s also a story of a couple of parents who are navigating parenthood as their three young adult sons slowly make lives for themselves out in the world, in ways that Sue and David don’t necessarily expect. They learn that just as the two of them have dreams, so too do their sons, and although they may not all agree with each other’s decisions, they all learn to respect them.
This was a wonderful tale told by a Canadian author (she lives in Guelph, Ontario). There’s a lot of sailing information here for readers who have an interest, but you definitely don’t need to know how to sail in order to enjoy their adventurous journey!
Sue’s description of their trip from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to the other side of the Atlantic is one filled with mishaps, danger and adventure, but it’s also filled with lots of humour and Sue really writes in a way that, by the end of the book, makes you feel like you know her and David and they could be your friends or neighbours. This is more than a log book about a journey across the ocean, though. It’s also a story of a couple of parents who are navigating parenthood as their three young adult sons slowly make lives for themselves out in the world, in ways that Sue and David don’t necessarily expect. They learn that just as the two of them have dreams, so too do their sons, and although they may not all agree with each other’s decisions, they all learn to respect them.
This was a wonderful tale told by a Canadian author (she lives in Guelph, Ontario). There’s a lot of sailing information here for readers who have an interest, but you definitely don’t need to know how to sail in order to enjoy their adventurous journey!
June 1, 2019
There’s an art to telling an epic tale, and Sue Williams does it with an engaging mix of sensitivity, humour, and aplomb. She spins a tale that intertwines the nuances of family dynamics with the ostensibly straightforward challenges of taking on nature. In each of these domains, she succeeds, making this a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read. In my experience, most books documenting epic journeys leave me feeling that I am reading about superhuman people who are vastly superior to me, and certainly more capable than I could ever be. In this book, however, Sue demonstrates the potential for heroism, growth, and insight in all of us, and does so in ways that we, the non-super humans, can relate to. Ready to Come About may well be your elusive “pleasant surprise” read for 2019.
July 26, 2019
Compelling read both from the perspective of the courageous journey across the Atlantic but also the journey of parents as they learn to let their children become the incredible beings that they were destined to become. Loved the humor and the insights the author gained from the journey,
June 19, 2019
Initially, I thought why would anyone want to sail across the Atlantic when it involved eternal careening from disaster to discomfort? But that is exactly what Joseph Campbell's hero-quest is: the hero's reluctant acceptance of the call to adventure, of incessant setbacks and ultimate return that results in personal insights and benefits for her community.
Odysseus is extraordinary because he is a wily, warrior-strong demigod who has powerful friends in all the right places.This protagonist is extraordinary because she is an honest occupational therapist, without nautical expertise, who has the balls to do what most of us fear: to accept the challenge to plumb and know ourselves.
Williams prose is elegant, clean. Her character sketches are, by turns, touching, charming and downright hilarious. Lots of wisdom, humour and nautical education that made my subsequent reading of Melville's Benito Cereno and a popular adaptation of The Odyssey easier to understand.
A satisfying read.
Odysseus is extraordinary because he is a wily, warrior-strong demigod who has powerful friends in all the right places.This protagonist is extraordinary because she is an honest occupational therapist, without nautical expertise, who has the balls to do what most of us fear: to accept the challenge to plumb and know ourselves.
Williams prose is elegant, clean. Her character sketches are, by turns, touching, charming and downright hilarious. Lots of wisdom, humour and nautical education that made my subsequent reading of Melville's Benito Cereno and a popular adaptation of The Odyssey easier to understand.
A satisfying read.
May 22, 2019
What can I say without being biased? I've known and liked Sue and her family for many years, our children played together when they were young. To hear that she authored a book made me curious and I immediately ordered it from the publisher. It was like speaking with an old friend, Sue writes the way she speaks, clear, energetic enthusiastic and colourful. I was on that boat with her and David on every swell and every time she experienced sea sickness! Every thought and questioning she had about her children and their futures were the same thoughts and questions I also have/had as a parent. Her relationship with David is epic, he is exactly as she has depicted him, kind, loving, quiet, yet very funny. I have always found this family to be experimental and innovative, and adventurous (Sue seems to think she isn't adventurous, but I always did.) I so enjoyed this book, I kept saying, "one more chapter" knowing that it would be 3 or 4 more. It is a fun read, a thoughtful read, and somewhat of a study on human spirit. I would totally recommend this book to anybody who wants to, at the end of the book, close it and go, "ahhh, that was soooooooo good."
June 23, 2019
One doesn't need to be a "sailor" or a parent to thoroughly enjoy Ready to Come About. The quality of the writing, the plot and the vivid character descriptions all make this book a "good read". Sue Williams' honesty regarding her emotions about the adventure, about her children and about her relationships made this story resonate with me. Her sense of humour and skill at weaving it throughout, created a number of "laugh out loud" moments. The message Ready to Come About delivers is relevant for everyone, not just sailing enthusiasts and parents.
June 9, 2019
Sue's book took me on a journey to many different places -- childhood memories, love of the sea, being in a place where one has to let go of so many things and just be in the present. Her courage on this voyage, physically and mentally, is an inspiration, and is so relatable, even to those who aren't parents. We all have our own paths to follow, and we need to take risks and face adversity in order to really grow. Sue provides us with a deep and meaningful narrative, and quite a few laughs, in sharing her experiences with us. That in itself is also very courageous, and so very worth the read. Thanks, Sue. You're amazing.
June 15, 2019
This book appealed to me on many levels. I love stories about “ordinary” people achieving extraordinary things. (Although I can no longer think of Sue as ordinary.) I also love efficient and careful use of words, and Sue delivers, keeping this story moving at a breezy pace, and putting me right there on the boat with her. (Although I’m glad I wasn’t on it.) I am also interested in the eternal question of when parents should prop up our growing (or grown) children, and when we should let them fall and get back on their own feet. Sue’s honest portrayal of her own journey on that front is another excellent reason to read this book.
June 4, 2019
Like the craft Sue Williams and her husband cross the Atlantic in, the writing in this story is deft and seaworthy. Filled with equal measures of blue water tension and parental worry. Ready to Come About is as much about a courageous journey as it is about family, following your dreams, and letting go.
—Adam Lindsay Honsinger
—Adam Lindsay Honsinger
June 2, 2019
"Ready to Come About" had me living a sailing adventure I would never have the guts to attempt.....................and touches on the realization every parent must come to.
Sue is a delightful raconteur, with a story to tell!
Sue is a delightful raconteur, with a story to tell!
June 13, 2019
This is the type of book all mothers would like to write-honest and open how we try to make everything right and then somehow we find ourselves in all the commotion
August 1, 2020
We bought Sue and David's sailboat many moons ago. So reading this, I felt an extra connection to the author and her journey. Loved it.
March 16, 2022
Recommended for parents and sailors.
Dave Williams has always dreamed of crossing an ocean. Sue has not.
Their sons are at that age when they need space to discover themselves. But how can a mother grant them that freedom to screw up?
When Dave unexpectedly loses his job, they decide that now is the time to realize the dream.
If you have ever dreamed of sailing away on a small boat, this is the book for you. Share their experiences as if you were there - unvarnished. The book is a page turner and you will find yourself unable to put it down.
Meet the characters who have decided to forego the 9 to 5 for the freedom of adventure on the high seas and in the small ports. On a budget. They are unforgettable.
Discover, along with Sue, the value and price of freedom.
A year at sea and a good book can go by too quickly.
Dave Williams has always dreamed of crossing an ocean. Sue has not.
Their sons are at that age when they need space to discover themselves. But how can a mother grant them that freedom to screw up?
When Dave unexpectedly loses his job, they decide that now is the time to realize the dream.
If you have ever dreamed of sailing away on a small boat, this is the book for you. Share their experiences as if you were there - unvarnished. The book is a page turner and you will find yourself unable to put it down.
Meet the characters who have decided to forego the 9 to 5 for the freedom of adventure on the high seas and in the small ports. On a budget. They are unforgettable.
Discover, along with Sue, the value and price of freedom.
A year at sea and a good book can go by too quickly.
January 18, 2021
A wonderfully-written adventure, featuring inspiring anecdotes about unconditionally supporting your partner's dreams, overcoming adversity with a playful attitude, and coming to terms with giving your children space as they find their own paths in the world.
October 19, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable seagoing adventure story written with style and precision. An ex-sailor myself, I can assure you that it is highly realistic and includes just the right amount of boating jargon and terminology to be easily understood by all.
June 9, 2020
A wonderful book and an amazing, true adventure.
May 20, 2020
This was recommended by a good friend who happens to be a neighbour of the author. I'm so glad she did, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't imagine having the guts to attempt a voyage like this, especially when it wasn't her dream; it was her husband's. It took such courage and a huge leap of faith to leave her family and friends for a year long adventure.
October 28, 2020
Wow!
I’ve read SO many books about people sailing around the world, and most were no more than either a string of locations, or some picturesque idea, but THIS book here had the warmth of family, the insights of a sailor, and the wisdom of age.
One of the very best books on this subject.
Would LOVE to count this couple as my friends.
I’ve read SO many books about people sailing around the world, and most were no more than either a string of locations, or some picturesque idea, but THIS book here had the warmth of family, the insights of a sailor, and the wisdom of age.
One of the very best books on this subject.
Would LOVE to count this couple as my friends.
April 26, 2020
Interesting true Canadian story. I would never go on such an adventure I thought they were crazy the whole time I read the story but admire their courage.
June 26, 2023
Enjoyed it. What a trip!
December 2, 2022
I was gifted this heart stopping thrilling adventure written by Sue Williams,
“Ready to come about.”
This book is about one of those magical lifetime dreams. This author, along with her husband David, embarked on a life long dream of David’s, to cross the Atlantic in a sail boat.
Thrilling, absolutely terrifying, and above all, extremely magical this journey was to read. Congratulations on the completion of that journey, the bravery you and your husband continually exhibited throughout. What a team!
Above all thank you for sharing your experience of those days, I feel like I took the trip with you.
“Ready to come about.”
This book is about one of those magical lifetime dreams. This author, along with her husband David, embarked on a life long dream of David’s, to cross the Atlantic in a sail boat.
Thrilling, absolutely terrifying, and above all, extremely magical this journey was to read. Congratulations on the completion of that journey, the bravery you and your husband continually exhibited throughout. What a team!
Above all thank you for sharing your experience of those days, I feel like I took the trip with you.
November 18, 2020
Great inspiration and I greatly admire this couple for following a passion (David's) and showing us the strength of a loving relationship. I'm a prairie girl so the first part of the trip had me on the edge of my chair and vowing never to board a sailboat; while the second part had me longing to travel to some of their stops. Good writing, nice mix of sailing, travelogue, family and a loving relationship.
January 8, 2021
An excellent read! What a great adventure for this couple to embark on. Despite many obstacles they pursued a dream and conquered what many would deem as impossible situations. Truly an inspirational story! Would have rated with more than 5 stars if I could have! Was also fortunate to meet this author in person and she is lovely! Thanks Sue for a great read!
January 7, 2022
I didn’t expect to like this books as much as I did, given the subject matter (risky boating is terrifying to me). While they had more than their share of scares and dangerous situations, I was impressed by their teamwork. Williams wrote a beautiful book about a life changing event, and it’s worth the read.
January 25, 2020
A thrilling adventure, a profound love story, and a testament of self-discovery that will make you cheer. Williams is a fine writer - both bold and sensitive - and she has created an empowering memoir that's a true page-turner.
July 30, 2020
Good read
A good read of sailing, family, realization, growth, acceptance, adventure, chasing a dream, accomplishment, adversity, challenges, overcoming & coming full circular.
A good read of sailing, family, realization, growth, acceptance, adventure, chasing a dream, accomplishment, adversity, challenges, overcoming & coming full circular.
September 28, 2020
Watched their presentation on their trip via Zoom and l was in awe .
Will now read Sue’s book .
Will now read Sue’s book .
September 29, 2020
A delightfully written narrative - almost made me want to take up sailing. I could really relate to the issues that convince Sue she needed to make this daring commitment to danger and adventure.
July 21, 2019
An incredible tale of mid-life adventure on the high seas, navigating the Atlantic as well as the trials of parenting adult children. Sue makes me want to sail off and do something brave and wonderful with my life. Make sure you get onboard.
April 6, 2021
For someone who has a hard time getting on the ferry over to one of our islands which is only 20 minutes away I can not image anyone doing this type of trip and putting themselves in this type of danger. But we all have our own scratches to itch and for David Williams this was his and his wife joined him in his quest.
Just reading of all the problems and issues that arose which was one thing after another. O M G !!! Loved reading about the adventures and mostly those in the Azores in Sao Miguel. I read the ebook and was hoping there would be pictures at the end and NONE. They were guests at our Probus Club and showed a few photos to us and was really hoping for more of them. Sad. Not sure if there are any in the actually book format. But too late now.
Very easy read and enjoyable.
Just reading of all the problems and issues that arose which was one thing after another. O M G !!! Loved reading about the adventures and mostly those in the Azores in Sao Miguel. I read the ebook and was hoping there would be pictures at the end and NONE. They were guests at our Probus Club and showed a few photos to us and was really hoping for more of them. Sad. Not sure if there are any in the actually book format. But too late now.
Very easy read and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews