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Crossing Pirate Waters
You don’t have to know a spinnaker from a mainsail to enjoy this adventure book. Join Glen and Julie as they continue around the world through less traveled, dangerous areas on the far side of the world.Turmoil in the Mideast convinces Glen and Julie to linger in the South Pacific visiting primitive villages on remote islands. But hang on tight, because to finish their voyage they must leave friendly shores and navigate through trouble in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea before arriving in Europe.
Full of dry wit and compelling descriptions, Julie takes the reader along for the ride of a lifetime in this sequel (book 2 of the Escape Series) to her previous bestseller, Escape from the Ordinary.
GREAT PEOPLE, PLACES AND PROSE
From natives in penis sheaths on tropical islands to tribesmen on camels in the desert, this gripping story satisfies hardcore sailors and armchair adventurers alike. You will want an atlas by your side as you travel from one epic adventure to the next as the intrepid couple immerse themselves and you, the reader, in places such
-Vanuatu
-New Caledonia
-New Zealand
-Lord Howe Island
-Australia
-Bali
-Borneo
-Indonesia
-Singapore
-Malaysia
-Thailand
-Maldives Islands
-Djibouti
-Eritrea
-Sudan
-Egypt
-Turkey
-Malta
Full of dry wit and compelling descriptions, Julie takes the reader along for the ride of a lifetime in this sequel (book 2 of the Escape Series) to her previous bestseller, Escape from the Ordinary.
GREAT PEOPLE, PLACES AND PROSE
From natives in penis sheaths on tropical islands to tribesmen on camels in the desert, this gripping story satisfies hardcore sailors and armchair adventurers alike. You will want an atlas by your side as you travel from one epic adventure to the next as the intrepid couple immerse themselves and you, the reader, in places such
-Vanuatu
-New Caledonia
-New Zealand
-Lord Howe Island
-Australia
-Bali
-Borneo
-Indonesia
-Singapore
-Malaysia
-Thailand
-Maldives Islands
-Djibouti
-Eritrea
-Sudan
-Egypt
-Turkey
-Malta
- GenresNonfiction
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2020
314 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 29, 2024
Continuing the story of sailing around the world, Bradley and her husband, face incredible unluckly situations and pirates. I would give this a 4.5 - this likely wasn't a choice of Bradley's but the audiobook version has the narrator at times use the local accent, which I just think is unnecessary and seems in bad taste.
Otherwise, I found this book fascinating and learned much about countries I didn't even know the name of. Bradley's story is thoughtful and inspiring. Facing two devasting disasters in the Indonesian Tsumani and Hurrican Katrina, was written about respectfully and eye opening.
Highly recommend if you like to be an armchair traveler like me!
Otherwise, I found this book fascinating and learned much about countries I didn't even know the name of. Bradley's story is thoughtful and inspiring. Facing two devasting disasters in the Indonesian Tsumani and Hurrican Katrina, was written about respectfully and eye opening.
Highly recommend if you like to be an armchair traveler like me!
February 21, 2020
Got this book for my brother who is sailing enthusiast. I only read the section from Sudan to Egypt than Turkey and enjoyed it. Very little about sailing in those sections and more of travel observations and cultural experiences.
January 17, 2022
Impact
Sailing stories are great, I love the varied tales of the places visited, storms conquered and people discovered.
The two books written by Julie Bradley - especially this one have reached a level of reality, personal exposure and wonderfully interesting stories that I just couldn’t put down. Their journey is fantastically varied - yes there are the usual boat related tales, sandy beaches and cruising friendships but bam! The impact on their cruising lives of world level disasters, wide spectrum of local attitudes and living conditions just leap off the page and smacked me between the eyes!
This isn’t just a sailing story, it’s a total life story.
Thank you so much for telling us your story.
Sailing stories are great, I love the varied tales of the places visited, storms conquered and people discovered.
The two books written by Julie Bradley - especially this one have reached a level of reality, personal exposure and wonderfully interesting stories that I just couldn’t put down. Their journey is fantastically varied - yes there are the usual boat related tales, sandy beaches and cruising friendships but bam! The impact on their cruising lives of world level disasters, wide spectrum of local attitudes and living conditions just leap off the page and smacked me between the eyes!
This isn’t just a sailing story, it’s a total life story.
Thank you so much for telling us your story.
Read
February 19, 2021What I found intriguing about this book, my first time with Julie Bradley, is her writing style. The word that comes to mind is "generosity". She has stories in this adventure that some writers might chose to dramatize because many of the couple's experiences are death defying. Others were tender, presenting images exciting or achingly beautiful, while some offer slap-in-the-face realities found on foreign shores. Bradley doesn't pull punches. But never does she use writer tricks in taking us along dusty roads, mine fields or across wind ripped deserts. She writes like it is. Many of my previous visions of places visited, some of which I have seen myself, opened further to reveal surprising attitudes and changes since my times there. Some encounters were sweet and others very bitter but never did cynicism enter the recording of them. Bradley reports but with charm and grace. When my reading of the book, was interrupted, I was always pulled back to It's Enough, their seafaring steed, the inanimate hero of the tale. I felt that Ms Bradley, herself, was a hero, not just as wifemate on their boat but in her own personal take on life as well. She is one brave, but humble lady and a gifted writer among the finest.
December 3, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It continues from the author’s first book. This time she and her husband are sailing in the Asia-Australia waters. There seems to be more of life’s problem in this book: her husband’s health, problems with the mechanics of the boat, etc., but they manage to get through it all and keep a positive attitude.
I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with the cultural places she visited. She describes so well how they found a guide and how other cultures view Americans. Most of the places she visited, I would never go. I guess I’m not that adventurous, nevertheless, she gives a detailed account of everything that happened on the tour.
The book is also a motivator. After reading through it, the reader realizes that we should all give back in our own way. Money is not always the answer. Human kindness and quiet understanding would make this world a better place.
It’s also a good book to read if you are considering sailing. She describes some of the duties and issues surrounding sailing including visas from one country to the next.
Definitely worth reading!
I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with the cultural places she visited. She describes so well how they found a guide and how other cultures view Americans. Most of the places she visited, I would never go. I guess I’m not that adventurous, nevertheless, she gives a detailed account of everything that happened on the tour.
The book is also a motivator. After reading through it, the reader realizes that we should all give back in our own way. Money is not always the answer. Human kindness and quiet understanding would make this world a better place.
It’s also a good book to read if you are considering sailing. She describes some of the duties and issues surrounding sailing including visas from one country to the next.
Definitely worth reading!
May 11, 2020
More than a sailing adventure, though there's plenty of that.
The second of this two-book series takes up the circumnavigation of the world by sail at the point where the author's and her husband have become competent blue water sailors. With flashbacks to their previous experience in the military, they complete a journey that covers as much spiritual and emotional territory as geographical. Against a background that includes the political pushback from 911 and the U.S. response in the middle east, the effects of Canadian Tsunami, and the Americas Cup in New Zealand, the couple find perspective and fulfillment in relations with people they meet--from the wealthiest "yachting," to the humbles spokespeople living in tropical islands or war-torn desert communities. A rewarding read.
The second of this two-book series takes up the circumnavigation of the world by sail at the point where the author's and her husband have become competent blue water sailors. With flashbacks to their previous experience in the military, they complete a journey that covers as much spiritual and emotional territory as geographical. Against a background that includes the political pushback from 911 and the U.S. response in the middle east, the effects of Canadian Tsunami, and the Americas Cup in New Zealand, the couple find perspective and fulfillment in relations with people they meet--from the wealthiest "yachting," to the humbles spokespeople living in tropical islands or war-torn desert communities. A rewarding read.
January 18, 2021
Not Just an account of a Sailing Journey but a eye opening world view within a personal journey.
Captivating non-technical account of a couples' retirement goal to circumnavigate to world under sail.
Although my wife and I are Chesapeake Bay power boaters, we both agree that all the perfect days on the water are why we go onto the water but the memories of those experiences are not nearly as vivid as the days when things go not as planned and become learning experiences. This book and its first volume are filled with those experiences both at sea and on land. Although the sailor may find personal attachment to the usual boating mishaps, there is even more for the person who has no floating experience beyond a swimming pool.
Captivating non-technical account of a couples' retirement goal to circumnavigate to world under sail.
Although my wife and I are Chesapeake Bay power boaters, we both agree that all the perfect days on the water are why we go onto the water but the memories of those experiences are not nearly as vivid as the days when things go not as planned and become learning experiences. This book and its first volume are filled with those experiences both at sea and on land. Although the sailor may find personal attachment to the usual boating mishaps, there is even more for the person who has no floating experience beyond a swimming pool.
January 31, 2020
Great sailing adventure
A well written and descriptive book , makes you feel your along with the ride , meeting people of other cultures, learning non judgemental attitudes. Dealing with some very scary moments and facing a life threatening diagnosis. The description of the heartbreaking aftermath of hurricane Katrina brings tears to your eyes. All of this culminate 's into a understandable ending on what the author and husband decided to do after the sailing is over. How they give back to the world is inspiring.
A well written and descriptive book , makes you feel your along with the ride , meeting people of other cultures, learning non judgemental attitudes. Dealing with some very scary moments and facing a life threatening diagnosis. The description of the heartbreaking aftermath of hurricane Katrina brings tears to your eyes. All of this culminate 's into a understandable ending on what the author and husband decided to do after the sailing is over. How they give back to the world is inspiring.
July 14, 2020
Absolutely loved it
Well written, lots of adventure, and great sense of humor. Also enjoyed the love and respect that this husband and wife share in the good and bad situations. Nice to read true stories of sailing. I read it as we are sailing our new AMEL 50 down the west coast of Portugal wondering what adventures lay ahead of us in the Mediterranean. This book kept me thoroughly awake on the night passages. Thank you for sharing your passages and adventures around the world.
Well written, lots of adventure, and great sense of humor. Also enjoyed the love and respect that this husband and wife share in the good and bad situations. Nice to read true stories of sailing. I read it as we are sailing our new AMEL 50 down the west coast of Portugal wondering what adventures lay ahead of us in the Mediterranean. This book kept me thoroughly awake on the night passages. Thank you for sharing your passages and adventures around the world.
November 4, 2021
Great read
Wonderful storytelling. An experience far too few people get to enjoy. The rest of us lead comparatively empty lives! Pacific voyage magnificent absolutely the best ocean to cross. Presumably if you did it against would go round South Africa rather up the Indian Ocean with all that congestion not to mention the painful trips through the Gulf and Red Sea. Fantastic writing Julie you and Glen deserve medals for what you have achieved/contributed.
John Perry
Johannesburg
South Africa
Wonderful storytelling. An experience far too few people get to enjoy. The rest of us lead comparatively empty lives! Pacific voyage magnificent absolutely the best ocean to cross. Presumably if you did it against would go round South Africa rather up the Indian Ocean with all that congestion not to mention the painful trips through the Gulf and Red Sea. Fantastic writing Julie you and Glen deserve medals for what you have achieved/contributed.
John Perry
Johannesburg
South Africa
December 16, 2020
What an adventure!
THANK YOU JULIE! Just finished reading Sailing Through Pirate Waters and Escape From The Ordinary. I am touched, moved, and grateful to have been able to experience your life and adventures through your book. Thank you so much for your honesty, candor, and acute observations and reflections of your and Glen’s experiences. You inspire me to live fuller, enjoy the moment, and plan my own adventure. I applaud your commitment to service. Thank you again.
THANK YOU JULIE! Just finished reading Sailing Through Pirate Waters and Escape From The Ordinary. I am touched, moved, and grateful to have been able to experience your life and adventures through your book. Thank you so much for your honesty, candor, and acute observations and reflections of your and Glen’s experiences. You inspire me to live fuller, enjoy the moment, and plan my own adventure. I applaud your commitment to service. Thank you again.
July 17, 2021
4.5 stars.
Really enjoyed this and the first book - escape from the ordinary. Very much spoke to my wanderlust sensibilities.
And man do they get themselves into some harrowing situations!
I think I will pass on any trip through the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea!
That said, The books definitely are inspiring me to try out a sailing voyage some day — though maybe first for a few days and somewhere calm…
Really enjoyed this and the first book - escape from the ordinary. Very much spoke to my wanderlust sensibilities.
And man do they get themselves into some harrowing situations!
I think I will pass on any trip through the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea!
That said, The books definitely are inspiring me to try out a sailing voyage some day — though maybe first for a few days and somewhere calm…
May 5, 2021
Highly Recommend!
I absolutely enjoyed this book and the first one. I am saddened I finished them. Very few books keep me reading into the night...these two did! I highly recommend and although I rarely read books a second time since there are just too many out there I want to read, these two may just be worthy of a second reading.
I absolutely enjoyed this book and the first one. I am saddened I finished them. Very few books keep me reading into the night...these two did! I highly recommend and although I rarely read books a second time since there are just too many out there I want to read, these two may just be worthy of a second reading.
October 2, 2021
Beautifully written book filled with true adventures
This is s rare find amongst the travelogue collection of sailing books. Beautifully written, concise and filled with experiences that us sailors live through. Well done Julie. I hope to cross paths with you and Glen someday. Capt. Tom, SV Paradise
This is s rare find amongst the travelogue collection of sailing books. Beautifully written, concise and filled with experiences that us sailors live through. Well done Julie. I hope to cross paths with you and Glen someday. Capt. Tom, SV Paradise
July 7, 2022
a refreshing tale of what it’s really like to sail around the world
Thank you for not only a great insight into sailing, but a real honest tale of the good times and dramas of sailing around the world.’
I thoroughly enjoyed both books, you captured the moments of Serenity and outright fear so well that it was almost possible to feel like your readers were actually there experiencing what you were. Your honesty as to how you felt in certain situations and your ability to admit your fear and true feelings made this one of the most truthful sailing books I’ve ever read. Thank you.
Thank you for not only a great insight into sailing, but a real honest tale of the good times and dramas of sailing around the world.’
I thoroughly enjoyed both books, you captured the moments of Serenity and outright fear so well that it was almost possible to feel like your readers were actually there experiencing what you were. Your honesty as to how you felt in certain situations and your ability to admit your fear and true feelings made this one of the most truthful sailing books I’ve ever read. Thank you.
July 28, 2023
This is a sequel of sorts to Ms. Bradley's first book, which I enjoyed thoroughly! I'm a sucker for a good sailing story and the author tells it well. There's enough detail to keep it interesting but not enough to get bogged down. This book in particular kept me on the edge a little more as was true to the title. Throw in some human issues along with the adventure and you've got yourself a great story. The author and her husband's relationship throughout was inspiring. They seem to balance each other so well. I guess I'll have to keep up with the Bradleys through their blogposts and articles from now on since these adventures appear to be done for now.
May 30, 2020
So much more than I imagined
I started out thinking this would just be another “we sailed around the world” books, of which I am very fond. In truth I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the author. However, it is not only a book of courage and adventure but one full of thought regarding other people’s’ lives and cultures and how to face huge adversity and come out the other side. The author’s observations on how all this has shaped and re-shaped her were deep and very interesting. Above all, perhaps, it is a great love story.
I started out thinking this would just be another “we sailed around the world” books, of which I am very fond. In truth I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the author. However, it is not only a book of courage and adventure but one full of thought regarding other people’s’ lives and cultures and how to face huge adversity and come out the other side. The author’s observations on how all this has shaped and re-shaped her were deep and very interesting. Above all, perhaps, it is a great love story.
May 16, 2023
This was the second book and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you did not read the first book, go back and read it!
Julie’s writing style has developed along the way from good to great.
These two books have a place in my “Will read it again” collection.
As cruisers we found both books very relatable.
Perspectives on places, cultures, and people were so well described that I have added destinations to my bucket list.
And as I mentioned in my previous review, you can tell Julie and Glen are incredible human beings.
Julie’s writing style has developed along the way from good to great.
These two books have a place in my “Will read it again” collection.
As cruisers we found both books very relatable.
Perspectives on places, cultures, and people were so well described that I have added destinations to my bucket list.
And as I mentioned in my previous review, you can tell Julie and Glen are incredible human beings.
August 25, 2023
Excellent conclusion to the two-book series detailing the circumnavigation of the world via sailboat by the intrepid couple, Julie and Glenn. Their adventure was brought to life with a vivid account of both the good and the bad times they encounter. We armchair travelers lived vicariously experiencing rough weather, torn sails, seawater fouled gas, and an endless encounters with new friends and those with no scruples trying to take advantage. On balance, they show that most people are good hearted, a welcome reminder in turbulent times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2020
Fascinating travelogue
A well written adventure story of an American couple who circumvented the globe in their sailboat. Her detailed description of sailing the seas and visiting many ports is fascinating. She is forthright about many undesirable characters and places they're visited. Their eight year journey took them to many unusual places. My one criticism is no maps! You need an atlas to follow their cruise.Her Nonetheless I recommend both books.
Len C.
A well written adventure story of an American couple who circumvented the globe in their sailboat. Her detailed description of sailing the seas and visiting many ports is fascinating. She is forthright about many undesirable characters and places they're visited. Their eight year journey took them to many unusual places. My one criticism is no maps! You need an atlas to follow their cruise.Her Nonetheless I recommend both books.
Len C.
March 12, 2020
I love Julie Bradley's writing. She takes you on the adventure and along the way shares her joys and fears. In this second book in the Escape series the reader is taken through the many curved balls and harrowing experiences experienced by this brave and determined couple. I especially enjoyed the peeps into their philosophy of life. They are truly an example of living for the moment and making the best from every situation.
April 21, 2020
Intense and absorbing real life story.
This book and the first one, "Escape from the Ordinary" tell the story of a hard but wonderful voyage around the world on a sail boat designed to be a new life for a retired military couple. It is well written and absorbing enough to truly help me escape from the boredom of "shelter in place" at its 5th week! I enjoyed going with this amazing couple to the many exotic places having only to imagine the hardships.
This book and the first one, "Escape from the Ordinary" tell the story of a hard but wonderful voyage around the world on a sail boat designed to be a new life for a retired military couple. It is well written and absorbing enough to truly help me escape from the boredom of "shelter in place" at its 5th week! I enjoyed going with this amazing couple to the many exotic places having only to imagine the hardships.
June 17, 2020
Because I enjoyed Ms. Bradley's first book, I immediately continued on to Book 2. She provided such eye-opening & interesting bits of information about so many countries that I've either wanted to visit or have no desire to visit, but either way, I learned so much about the societies, people, traditions, and cultures.
The details of crossing pirate infested waters in their 20-foot sailboat kept me on the edge of my seat!
The details of crossing pirate infested waters in their 20-foot sailboat kept me on the edge of my seat!
July 6, 2021
Realistic Sailing Adventures
Thank you for the truthful view into the reality of liveaboard sailing adventures. It's good to hear of the lows as well as the highs for a voyage of this caliber. I feel your depictions were realistic and not overplayed, but were not all sunshine and cocktails either! This book is a great read. I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
Thank you for the truthful view into the reality of liveaboard sailing adventures. It's good to hear of the lows as well as the highs for a voyage of this caliber. I feel your depictions were realistic and not overplayed, but were not all sunshine and cocktails either! This book is a great read. I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
March 10, 2022
A truly wonderful read
This book takes you on the journey of a lifetime with a couple seemingly meant for each other in every sense. They are inspirations as explorers, sailors and problem solvers. They support each other through many hardships and share many beautiful moments together. Theirs is an adventure and relationship that anyone would be blessed to have. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
This book takes you on the journey of a lifetime with a couple seemingly meant for each other in every sense. They are inspirations as explorers, sailors and problem solvers. They support each other through many hardships and share many beautiful moments together. Theirs is an adventure and relationship that anyone would be blessed to have. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
April 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book easily as much as I enjoyed book 1 in the series about Julie’s sailing trip around the world. It was so easy to get into the flow of the circumnavigation and Julie continued to be completely honest in her writing - telling the good and the bad.
Although it was part of their trip, I didn’t really enjoy the America’s Cup section but I did read it.
Loved both the books in the series.
Although it was part of their trip, I didn’t really enjoy the America’s Cup section but I did read it.
Loved both the books in the series.
September 18, 2024
Best sailing memoir I have read!
Both of her books are amazing and I can’t recommend them enough! All through both books I highlighted things I wanted to remember for my husband and I’s trip. Such a wealth of knowledge and entertaining at the same time. You feel the highs and the lows right along with them. Get this book, better yet get the first one and the second one you will not be disappointed !
Both of her books are amazing and I can’t recommend them enough! All through both books I highlighted things I wanted to remember for my husband and I’s trip. Such a wealth of knowledge and entertaining at the same time. You feel the highs and the lows right along with them. Get this book, better yet get the first one and the second one you will not be disappointed !
December 4, 2024
Sailing around the World from the comfort of your favorite reading place.
Loved reading the adventures of a wife and husband team navigating their new France made Amel sailboat around the world. Their story is exrodiary in the places they visited, the kindness they recieved and struggles they faced. If you enjoy adventures reading Julie Bradley's well written story should be on your reading list
Loved reading the adventures of a wife and husband team navigating their new France made Amel sailboat around the world. Their story is exrodiary in the places they visited, the kindness they recieved and struggles they faced. If you enjoy adventures reading Julie Bradley's well written story should be on your reading list
June 9, 2020
As far as a sailor sharing their personal experiences of travel and adventure, this book (actually a partnered pair of two books) is the best I've read so far. It kept me glued from beginning to end and I hopped right from the first to the second book. Loved it! (So many of these books about adventures of travel read like a list of experiences--this one is very well done--captivating!)
July 7, 2020
Fantastic book!
I loved this book and loved its prequel, Escape From The Ordinary. Both are so well written, so full of crazy and heartwarming experiences and made me wonder just how well I might survive sailing around the world. A truly wonderful book about great people and a great adventure.
I loved this book and loved its prequel, Escape From The Ordinary. Both are so well written, so full of crazy and heartwarming experiences and made me wonder just how well I might survive sailing around the world. A truly wonderful book about great people and a great adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews