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The Sailboat
Phillip Winters is a computer guy with a dream to set sail. His lawyer wife Lucy only half shares his vision but begrudgingly follows Phillip to their first sailing class in the sailing capital of America, Annapolis, MD. She excels, while he falls behind. Setting out to find the perfect boat, whether his wife approves or not, Phillip finds a storm-ravaged boat and gets in over his head, much to his wife's disapproval. They move to Beaufort, NC, and fix up the derelict vessel without having the first clue of how to fix a boat or even how to sail for that matter. They quickly realize that it is a task they are ill-equipped to handle, and one which they lack the experience or know-how to tackle. Thankfully, like so many who have gone before them, they have the financial means to push forward, even if they should run away. A brief stay in a town that resembles a third-world banana republic and a run-in with what all Southerners affectionately call "water bugs", they manage to launch their dream boat and set sail after a rum-soaked christening in Oriental, the sailing capital of North Carolina. Bumping down the coast to Florida, hopping from port to port, the couple experiences the highs and lows of the live-aboard lifestyle, including surprise expenses, sweaty nights on the high seas, and morally questionable port adventures with fellow boat owners. The Sailboat is a cautionary tale about boat ownership and relationships and demonstrates to those who are dreaming of ditching their COVID cocoon by heading out on the high seas that the live-aboard life is rarely smooth sailing.
206 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2021
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About the author
Christopher R. German
3 books16 followersI'm a man with many facets. I sail, I cook, I write and I make videos. That probably is not in order of interest for me, but rather in order of how much I have earned from each trade.
I started writing as a kid. I was first awarded a book award for a children's book I wrote in first grade and that always kind of stuck with me. I always liked writing and books, but never really got to be much of a reader. I excelled in the liberal arts in high school and college but decided that I wanted to go to a military academy to please my Dad.
Because of my intention to go to a service academy, in my junior year of high school, I was selected to go to Boys State. It was then that I decided political office and politicians sucked. I then went onto the United States Coast Guard Academy where I learned that the military is a shit show and so is the federal government.
So, with nothing else to do and no inclination to write another college essay, I decided to go to UCONN. I majored in journalism and political science and in my senior year of college, I interned for the Republican Governor of Connecticut, John Roland.
He went to jail and I went to work for Subway restaurants as a PR man.
It was boring work, but I got to eat all day at the employee cafeteria, which was like a big Subway Restaurant and that was pretty cool. But the work was not very satisfying ( I discovered Jared Fogle haha), and so I got a job writing for a weekly newspaper.
The paper was the now-defunct Wilton Villager and I spent many an evening covering P&Z and Fire Board meetings. Turns out, I didn't have the attention span for print journalism and quickly bored with that when I learned of an opening teaching at a sailing school in Westport, CT.
From there my eyes were opened and I decided that I would sail until I got too old to do it. A busted knee in the BVIS convinced me to go back to radio and worked in commercial radio for several years while during the days, I taught sailing.
In 2003, I decided to go back to school and got accepted into Boston University's school of communications. I loved editing and video and discovered there that I really didn't like writing long-form pieces.
When I graduated I was offered a job running a camera out of a helicopter over Boston that paid $600 a month and another job teaching kids to sail in Fall River that paid $30K a year. I decided sailing made more sense because it was safer, had better hours, and paid better. I also couldn't handle the stress of a newsroom and would later learn that I was severely ADHD and that why the twitchy TV execs made my skin crawl.
When I got back to Connecticut, I was offered several jobs at several places teaching sailing and took a job at Pequot Yacht Club teaching high school and adult sailing. That was when I met my students and friends at Fairfield Prep Sailing. I loved those guys but life at Pequot was less than stellar.
And so, in 2007, I created my first opus in the form of a non-profit in Bridgeport, CT called Connecticut Community Boating. I taught thousands of kids and adults from all walks of life to sail. Unfortunately, the economy, Hurricane Sandy, and politics all combined to shut that down. So, in 2015, I moved from Connecticut to Eastern Carolina and found the love of my life, Jennifer, in the quaint seaside town of Beaufort.
I knew that one day I would have to grow up and get a real job and when Hurricane Florence trashed my boat and killed my business, I knew that it was time. I started my new career by launching a TV station called The Charted Life TV. It was more stress than I could handle and gave me shingles before I lost it to yet another economic setback.
That's when we decided to move into a trailer and hit the road. Our first stop was in Bull Frog Utah where I spent the summer driving a towboat and developing an idea for a Novel
We named the trailer "Tessa" and are now located somewhere in the deserts of southern Utah.
I started writing as a kid. I was first awarded a book award for a children's book I wrote in first grade and that always kind of stuck with me. I always liked writing and books, but never really got to be much of a reader. I excelled in the liberal arts in high school and college but decided that I wanted to go to a military academy to please my Dad.
Because of my intention to go to a service academy, in my junior year of high school, I was selected to go to Boys State. It was then that I decided political office and politicians sucked. I then went onto the United States Coast Guard Academy where I learned that the military is a shit show and so is the federal government.
So, with nothing else to do and no inclination to write another college essay, I decided to go to UCONN. I majored in journalism and political science and in my senior year of college, I interned for the Republican Governor of Connecticut, John Roland.
He went to jail and I went to work for Subway restaurants as a PR man.
It was boring work, but I got to eat all day at the employee cafeteria, which was like a big Subway Restaurant and that was pretty cool. But the work was not very satisfying ( I discovered Jared Fogle haha), and so I got a job writing for a weekly newspaper.
The paper was the now-defunct Wilton Villager and I spent many an evening covering P&Z and Fire Board meetings. Turns out, I didn't have the attention span for print journalism and quickly bored with that when I learned of an opening teaching at a sailing school in Westport, CT.
From there my eyes were opened and I decided that I would sail until I got too old to do it. A busted knee in the BVIS convinced me to go back to radio and worked in commercial radio for several years while during the days, I taught sailing.
In 2003, I decided to go back to school and got accepted into Boston University's school of communications. I loved editing and video and discovered there that I really didn't like writing long-form pieces.
When I graduated I was offered a job running a camera out of a helicopter over Boston that paid $600 a month and another job teaching kids to sail in Fall River that paid $30K a year. I decided sailing made more sense because it was safer, had better hours, and paid better. I also couldn't handle the stress of a newsroom and would later learn that I was severely ADHD and that why the twitchy TV execs made my skin crawl.
When I got back to Connecticut, I was offered several jobs at several places teaching sailing and took a job at Pequot Yacht Club teaching high school and adult sailing. That was when I met my students and friends at Fairfield Prep Sailing. I loved those guys but life at Pequot was less than stellar.
And so, in 2007, I created my first opus in the form of a non-profit in Bridgeport, CT called Connecticut Community Boating. I taught thousands of kids and adults from all walks of life to sail. Unfortunately, the economy, Hurricane Sandy, and politics all combined to shut that down. So, in 2015, I moved from Connecticut to Eastern Carolina and found the love of my life, Jennifer, in the quaint seaside town of Beaufort.
I knew that one day I would have to grow up and get a real job and when Hurricane Florence trashed my boat and killed my business, I knew that it was time. I started my new career by launching a TV station called The Charted Life TV. It was more stress than I could handle and gave me shingles before I lost it to yet another economic setback.
That's when we decided to move into a trailer and hit the road. Our first stop was in Bull Frog Utah where I spent the summer driving a towboat and developing an idea for a Novel
We named the trailer "Tessa" and are now located somewhere in the deserts of southern Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 23, 2021
This novel pursues the paths of two men in America's near future. One is intent on returning our country to it's original "glory" through a resistance movement. The other follows a journey of volunteering in the new army, helping out where needed to defend his homeland. We are introduced to our main characters in their personal lives. Gus Spiros returns from Fallujah to attend his ex-wife's funeral, feeling the isolation from her family as they blame him for her death. Simon Gates, an insurance salesman, enjoys Christmas with his wife, Sarah, as they disagree about their political views. However, when a car crash occurs between Gus and Simon, the story is off and running. Gus responds to the attending police officer by shooting the officer in the head and driving away. Simon is temporarily blamed until an eyewitness corrects the misunderstanding.
Because I am weary of current violent dissention in our country today I was concerned I would quickly tire of the narrative . I was wrong! The author successfully creates great characters and relationships as we follow our individuals into their new chosen directions. The story line is woven to move us toward the "expected" ending of a rebellion led by Gus, but not without creating intriguing sub-plots along the way. I found myself relentlessly reading to learn what would happen next. The tale is taken right into active combat where Simon finds himself engaged in defending the army post where he volunteers. I do not want to spoil the ending by sharing the story. However, the reader will be surprised - I dare say 'shocked' - to learn the outcome. This book is well worth the read and kept me involved wanting to know what happens next. I highly recommend it.
April 2, 2021
Set in the near future, Whither We Tend shows the descent of the USA into civil war. In such situations there are seldom good guys and bad guys, and Christopher German skilfully depicts the complex motivation of those on both sides, the events and accidents which lead to the individuals’ involvement, and the uncomfortable compromises made. We follow the exhilaration of the characters at the beginning through the start of the souring of the dream and a sense of betrayal. This is the first of a trilogy, ending at the point where war is just about to start. It is a deeply unsettling novel which warns of what could follow if the destructive forces under the surface in society are not restrained.
April 6, 2021
A Remarkable Story Teller
I was not sure at first if I was reading factual events. The storyline is not only believable but concerning as it is so close to recent current affairs that affected not just America but by its leadership, the whole western world.
The gifted storyteller of a delicate subject, both sides of this story were treated in a way that I as reader, could not determine the author's own political views. Because of his unique talent in crafting the characters, I became invested in their issues, empathetic toward one point of view while strangely sympathetic toward the other.
As America poises for civil war, the cause of each side is destined to come down to a one-on-one reckoning between two men. With more in common than they realise, each is convinced of the rightness of their cause. By a twist of fate, the smoke and mirrors of politics intervenes to bring about an unexpected ending that surprised me. I am very much looking forward to the sequel.
I was not sure at first if I was reading factual events. The storyline is not only believable but concerning as it is so close to recent current affairs that affected not just America but by its leadership, the whole western world.
The gifted storyteller of a delicate subject, both sides of this story were treated in a way that I as reader, could not determine the author's own political views. Because of his unique talent in crafting the characters, I became invested in their issues, empathetic toward one point of view while strangely sympathetic toward the other.
As America poises for civil war, the cause of each side is destined to come down to a one-on-one reckoning between two men. With more in common than they realise, each is convinced of the rightness of their cause. By a twist of fate, the smoke and mirrors of politics intervenes to bring about an unexpected ending that surprised me. I am very much looking forward to the sequel.
May 13, 2021
A realistic and well-written novel that reflects on a horrific but not impossible direction our current turbulent times could take. Wither We Tend examines how easily people with often extreme political perceptions can descend to, rationalize, and accept extraordinary violence.
July 25, 2021
"A powerful, enthralling fiction novel on the plan to reclaim America"
Christopher German's Whither We Tend is an absorbing military story on the plan to reclaim America by some terrorists; told alongside two protagonists, Gus Spiros, and my most admirable character, Simon Gates.
Starting from the preface page that tells the story of Gus's ex, Mellisa, who was a rigid, obstinate, and ostentatious drunkard. Gus's attempt to cub Mellisa's taste for alcohol all proved abortive, and Melissa ends up committing suicide due to her afterward health issues. Gus, who loved Melissa wholeheartedly was left in a saddening state after he heard about her death, though Melissa's mother blamed him for having killed her daughter.
The captivating, yet, elonging, and protruding story of Simon Gates began when he encountered an accident in which a cob was killed by a rebel operative; which was one of the reasons he accepted the offer to join the US Army for the Free Fight For American against terrorists.
Gus, on the other hand, was the author of the plan to reclaim America and the killer of the cob. The arrangement and the making of their troop were amazing and fascinating as the story unfolds.
It is interesting as the adventure of Simon to becoming an Army who would fight to protect the dignity of his beloved country stylishly unveils with ravishing stories told alongside his Insurance company, and his lovely wife, Sarah. The setting of the book is astounding - telling the story of a protagonist over another leading role as it advances in chapter placement. It reminded me of Gregory J. Ramsel's novel titled, Dust After Death.
I specifically love a trait about Simon, and that is, his characterization, he was a man who cannot solely decide without seeking the opinion of his wife, though this habit changed subsequently when he finally made his way to the Army. His sudden boldness emerges like a bushfire in the harmattan, more observable when his wife handed him a letter that was sent from Florida containing his business card, which Simon would in time past take nonchalantly. The old Simon was timid, a man not ready to face reality but would run from them to the safety of a woman's arm. Having arrived from the training, he has developed into a changed, refined man.
The story of Jamal made for an interesting read. The scenario of his weekly $1000 job offer by Cuz, his resignation from his previous job, and the announcement of his new job to his nervous, but caring mother made me fell in love with the book; it's obvious Jamal was ready to indulge himself working with Cuz, and ever ready to face the music. I look forward to a page that would tell the story of Jamal's family members, most especially his mother - before the novel ends, but I couldn't find this event developed further. I hope to read about them in the second series, or maybe they're just flat characters.
In a way, Whither We Tend reads like a movie in the war film genre. Its characterization, detailed illustration, and plot twist made for an arousing read. I admire the novel's idea on the effect of the outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States; its sense of American war history in character's conversation; and the author's distinguished choice of words added some beauty to the book.
The execution of a National Democrat, Ceal Mortimer, who is a heavy donor in Crawford Campaign by Cuz Military men; the afterward attack on the military installation by some Terrorist, who eventually killed fifteen Army service personal including Alteri which almost tear my eye up, made for a fascinating read.
I cannot wait to read the second book in this series, the Government of Men. Christopher R. German is an amazing novelist, and it'll be fun to know what he comes up with next. This book is a good read for military personnel and everyone in general.
Christopher German's Whither We Tend is an absorbing military story on the plan to reclaim America by some terrorists; told alongside two protagonists, Gus Spiros, and my most admirable character, Simon Gates.
Starting from the preface page that tells the story of Gus's ex, Mellisa, who was a rigid, obstinate, and ostentatious drunkard. Gus's attempt to cub Mellisa's taste for alcohol all proved abortive, and Melissa ends up committing suicide due to her afterward health issues. Gus, who loved Melissa wholeheartedly was left in a saddening state after he heard about her death, though Melissa's mother blamed him for having killed her daughter.
The captivating, yet, elonging, and protruding story of Simon Gates began when he encountered an accident in which a cob was killed by a rebel operative; which was one of the reasons he accepted the offer to join the US Army for the Free Fight For American against terrorists.
Gus, on the other hand, was the author of the plan to reclaim America and the killer of the cob. The arrangement and the making of their troop were amazing and fascinating as the story unfolds.
It is interesting as the adventure of Simon to becoming an Army who would fight to protect the dignity of his beloved country stylishly unveils with ravishing stories told alongside his Insurance company, and his lovely wife, Sarah. The setting of the book is astounding - telling the story of a protagonist over another leading role as it advances in chapter placement. It reminded me of Gregory J. Ramsel's novel titled, Dust After Death.
I specifically love a trait about Simon, and that is, his characterization, he was a man who cannot solely decide without seeking the opinion of his wife, though this habit changed subsequently when he finally made his way to the Army. His sudden boldness emerges like a bushfire in the harmattan, more observable when his wife handed him a letter that was sent from Florida containing his business card, which Simon would in time past take nonchalantly. The old Simon was timid, a man not ready to face reality but would run from them to the safety of a woman's arm. Having arrived from the training, he has developed into a changed, refined man.
The story of Jamal made for an interesting read. The scenario of his weekly $1000 job offer by Cuz, his resignation from his previous job, and the announcement of his new job to his nervous, but caring mother made me fell in love with the book; it's obvious Jamal was ready to indulge himself working with Cuz, and ever ready to face the music. I look forward to a page that would tell the story of Jamal's family members, most especially his mother - before the novel ends, but I couldn't find this event developed further. I hope to read about them in the second series, or maybe they're just flat characters.
In a way, Whither We Tend reads like a movie in the war film genre. Its characterization, detailed illustration, and plot twist made for an arousing read. I admire the novel's idea on the effect of the outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States; its sense of American war history in character's conversation; and the author's distinguished choice of words added some beauty to the book.
The execution of a National Democrat, Ceal Mortimer, who is a heavy donor in Crawford Campaign by Cuz Military men; the afterward attack on the military installation by some Terrorist, who eventually killed fifteen Army service personal including Alteri which almost tear my eye up, made for a fascinating read.
I cannot wait to read the second book in this series, the Government of Men. Christopher R. German is an amazing novelist, and it'll be fun to know what he comes up with next. This book is a good read for military personnel and everyone in general.
August 11, 2021
Whither We Tend is a story well steeped in the perils of our times, a lingering pandemic, deep division, and social unrest fueled by special interest groups, and spurred on by the diametric disunions that exist within the very government bodies that were once envisioned to unite, and keep US society strong. Into this setting are cast two men who could not be more different one from the other, Gus, a veteran soldier and security contractor, and Simon, a mild mannered, even timid insurance broker. These two divergent characters are brought together by Fate, and over the course of the book become ever more entrenched enemies, each married to an opposing side by their individual outlooks. After a methodical buildup that defines the men, their characters each galvanize in chapters 16 and 17 respectively, and the story truly hits its pace, building excitement and depth toward an unexpected twist at the end of this, the first of 3 books in the Author’s Reclamation Series. A good read that keeps the reader wanting more. Can’t wait for the next volume.
Ian Richard Gill. Canada, August 11, 2021
Ian Richard Gill. Canada, August 11, 2021
June 1, 2021
An interesting take on the drama that is being played in the US
Had a great storyline I like how you can see that I see that neither side would put a drama in both the book and the US are not innocent both has skeletons in the closet I just done some very questionable things have been anyone else since they would have been killed or at the very least put in jail.
There is always going to be someone trying to create change by creating as muxh destruction as possible. I cant wait to hear who is going to try and over through the government next
Had a great storyline I like how you can see that I see that neither side would put a drama in both the book and the US are not innocent both has skeletons in the closet I just done some very questionable things have been anyone else since they would have been killed or at the very least put in jail.
There is always going to be someone trying to create change by creating as muxh destruction as possible. I cant wait to hear who is going to try and over through the government next
June 9, 2021
Interesting Read, great perspective of what is happening in the world specifically in the US. I enjoyed how the characters and the story line of how the average citizen can change the course of history
March 11, 2021
I like this. Nice piece of art Christopher!
April 12, 2021
Whither We Tend is my book, so what can I say? I wrote it I love it. But what you might like to know is I am working on a follow-up called Governments of Men that I plan on finishing next fall. let see how the sales of this book goes though first right?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews