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The Shell and the Octopus: A Memoir
This is the story of Rebecca Stirling’s childhood: a young girl raised by the sea, by men, and by literature. Circumnavigating the world on a thirty-foot sailboat, the Stirlings spend weeks at a time on the open ocean, surviving storms and visiting uncharted islands and villages. Ushered through her young life by a father who loves adventure, women, and extremes, Rebecca befriends “working girls” in the ports they visit (as they are often the only other females present in the bars that they end up in) and, on the boat, falls in love with her crewmate and learns to live like the men around her. But her driven nature and the role models in the books she reads make her determined to be a lady, continue her education, begin a career, live in a real home, and begin a family of her own. Once she finally gets away from the boat and her dad and sets to work upon making her own dream a reality, however, Rebecca begins to realize life is not what she thought it would be—and when her father dies in a tragic accident, she must return to her old life to sift through the mess and magic he has left behind.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionTravel
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
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2167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 3, 2022
A memoir about growing up on a sailboat with a turbulent, charismatic freedom-seeking father. First with her mother and sisters, and then alone with her dad, Rebecca Stirling sails around the world.. Along the way she visits beautiful locations, meets a variety of people, falls in love, and struggles to figure out a woman's place in the masculine world of sailing. Much of that struggle is with her own father who is a chauvinist and renegade.
I enjoyed the travelogue sections most. Descriptions of life on a sailboat and descriptions of seaports were rich and descriptive. But attempts to write about her emotional life felt sophomoric and often fell into 'telling not showing.' I never felt I really understood her relationship with her father, although it is at the centre of this book. Also, while Stirling does work to acknowledge the effects of colonialism and US imperialism on cultures around the world, much of the sailing ethos and search for freedom still felt very rooted in unacknowledged privilege.
Nevertheless, I found the book mostly engaging albeit with uneven writing until the last few chapters when Stirling shifts to 2015 onward, describing the end of her marriage and a return to her father's way of life. It devolves into generic self-help, self-discovery drivel that, while I have no doubt was powerful to experience, was painful to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advanced copy.
I enjoyed the travelogue sections most. Descriptions of life on a sailboat and descriptions of seaports were rich and descriptive. But attempts to write about her emotional life felt sophomoric and often fell into 'telling not showing.' I never felt I really understood her relationship with her father, although it is at the centre of this book. Also, while Stirling does work to acknowledge the effects of colonialism and US imperialism on cultures around the world, much of the sailing ethos and search for freedom still felt very rooted in unacknowledged privilege.
Nevertheless, I found the book mostly engaging albeit with uneven writing until the last few chapters when Stirling shifts to 2015 onward, describing the end of her marriage and a return to her father's way of life. It devolves into generic self-help, self-discovery drivel that, while I have no doubt was powerful to experience, was painful to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for an advanced copy.
April 15, 2023
Her story is impressive, amazing, beautiful, shocking, sad, happy, awesome, thought provoking on so many different levels...I could go on and on but what I will just say is that this book has taught me and showed me things I didn't even realize I needed to know. My love of people, the moon, the stars, the universe, our planet and all of creation is enhanced even more because I have read this book and know her story. It will be a long while before I stop thinking about this book, if ever.
April 18, 2023
I walked through my local library a few weeks ago, saw the spine of this book and was intrigued. I just finished reading it, and WOW! Gorgeous, honest, enlightening, and overall an important story. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book, and I have suggested it to many. Please read this if you're looking for something a bit different, in the BEST WAY.
July 11, 2022
My Thoughts:
In chapter one Rebecca starts by telling about the day she receives a phone call about her dads accident and then we go on to learn about her life sailing around the world
Growing up mostly on a 30 foot sailboat with her family and then her unstable dad Rebecca was privileged to be able to sail around the world and see most places most only dream of. While sailing she got to meet some interesting people at the ports where they would stoped she has some interesting stories on that.
She also grew up being out at sea for weeks and dealing with and surviving horrible storms.
Living around mostly men Rebecca ends up following in love she wants to live in a real home and sets out to make that come true. But she soon realizes that, that life isn’t what she thinks it is.
Now Rebecca lives in Aspen, Colorado,Kauai ,Hawaii with 2 children she still continues to sail, travel,read and write and she writes about some interesting stories. If you ever dreamed of sailing around the world or just sailing this is a great memoir with some great stories about people and places and a interesting life Rebecca has and is still living.
In chapter one Rebecca starts by telling about the day she receives a phone call about her dads accident and then we go on to learn about her life sailing around the world
Growing up mostly on a 30 foot sailboat with her family and then her unstable dad Rebecca was privileged to be able to sail around the world and see most places most only dream of. While sailing she got to meet some interesting people at the ports where they would stoped she has some interesting stories on that.
She also grew up being out at sea for weeks and dealing with and surviving horrible storms.
Living around mostly men Rebecca ends up following in love she wants to live in a real home and sets out to make that come true. But she soon realizes that, that life isn’t what she thinks it is.
Now Rebecca lives in Aspen, Colorado,Kauai ,Hawaii with 2 children she still continues to sail, travel,read and write and she writes about some interesting stories. If you ever dreamed of sailing around the world or just sailing this is a great memoir with some great stories about people and places and a interesting life Rebecca has and is still living.
June 27, 2022
The Shell and the Octopus
A Memoir
by Rebecca Stirling
Pub Date 26 Jul 2022
She Writes Press
Biographies & Memoirs | Outdoors & Nature
I am reviewing a copy of The Shell and The Octopus through She Writes Press and Netgalley:
Rebecca Stirling had what was far from a traditional upbringing. She was raised by the sea, by men and by literature. She circumvented the world on a thirty four foot sailboat, the Stirlings spend weeks at a time on the open ocean, surviving storms and visiting uncharted islands and villages. Ushered through her young life by a father who loves adventure, women, and extremes, Rebecca befriends “working girls” in the ports they visit (as they are often the only other females present in the bars that they end up in) and, on the boat, falls in love with her crewmate and learns to live like the men around her.
Having a driven nature and reading about successful women in the books she reads makes Rebecca determined to be a lady, continue her education, begin a career, live in a real home, and begin a family of her own. When Rebecca finally gets away from the boat and her dad and sets to work upon making her own dream a reality, however, Rebecca begins to realize life is not what she thought it would be and when her father dies in a tragic accident, she must return to her old life to sift through the mess and magic he has left behind.
I give The Shell and the Octopus five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
A Memoir
by Rebecca Stirling
Pub Date 26 Jul 2022
She Writes Press
Biographies & Memoirs | Outdoors & Nature
I am reviewing a copy of The Shell and The Octopus through She Writes Press and Netgalley:
Rebecca Stirling had what was far from a traditional upbringing. She was raised by the sea, by men and by literature. She circumvented the world on a thirty four foot sailboat, the Stirlings spend weeks at a time on the open ocean, surviving storms and visiting uncharted islands and villages. Ushered through her young life by a father who loves adventure, women, and extremes, Rebecca befriends “working girls” in the ports they visit (as they are often the only other females present in the bars that they end up in) and, on the boat, falls in love with her crewmate and learns to live like the men around her.
Having a driven nature and reading about successful women in the books she reads makes Rebecca determined to be a lady, continue her education, begin a career, live in a real home, and begin a family of her own. When Rebecca finally gets away from the boat and her dad and sets to work upon making her own dream a reality, however, Rebecca begins to realize life is not what she thought it would be and when her father dies in a tragic accident, she must return to her old life to sift through the mess and magic he has left behind.
I give The Shell and the Octopus five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
July 25, 2022
This is the story of Rebecca Stirling’s childhood: a young girl raised by the sea, by men, and by literature.
“And I know in my heart, from the ocean, from the boat, from my dad, that when we don’t confine ourselves there is no end to possibilities. You need truth, faith, love and virtue, and a bit of moderation to guide you the right way, but you need not be limited.”
What a beautiful and unique upbringing leading to a beautiful and unique life. In this memoir Rebecca takes us along on the story of her life, from her nomadic father with his myriad of girlfriends to her attempts at living a “normal” family life. Her writing is beautiful and even haunting at times.
“America can be so materialistic. Takes the earth for granted. Here I guess it is the difference between respectfully using what the earth can provide and then the balance of the luxury of civilization, which creates such a division. It is tempting and confusing, I suppose.”
Read this if you enjoy the ocean, strong women, culture, and memoirs. Thank you for including me in this #SummerPopUp #BookSparks and for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
“And I know in my heart, from the ocean, from the boat, from my dad, that when we don’t confine ourselves there is no end to possibilities. You need truth, faith, love and virtue, and a bit of moderation to guide you the right way, but you need not be limited.”
What a beautiful and unique upbringing leading to a beautiful and unique life. In this memoir Rebecca takes us along on the story of her life, from her nomadic father with his myriad of girlfriends to her attempts at living a “normal” family life. Her writing is beautiful and even haunting at times.
“America can be so materialistic. Takes the earth for granted. Here I guess it is the difference between respectfully using what the earth can provide and then the balance of the luxury of civilization, which creates such a division. It is tempting and confusing, I suppose.”
Read this if you enjoy the ocean, strong women, culture, and memoirs. Thank you for including me in this #SummerPopUp #BookSparks and for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
This book tells of the adventures of a girl sailing around the world with her adventurous but hard drinking father on three different voyages: the first with Becky a young child, the second a young teen, and the third a young adult. The story demonstrates in vivid detail the good, the bad, and the ugly of long sailing trips: the beauty of the ocean, the seasickness, the small sleeping quarters, the isolation, and the lack of modern hygiene.
I enjoyed reading about the island villages, coconut plantations, bars, and the interactions with the military, customs officials, and locals in diverse places such as Indonesia, Sumatra, Greece, Cuba, and Jamaica. I also found the different travel companions and personalities quite interesting.
Having grown up in the Roaring Fork Valley, I was especially delighted with the accounts of the Black Nugget (the local dive bar), the Glenwood Mall (one of my childhood hangouts), and the Carbondale Pool (7 years my summer job!)
The writing is very descriptive yet easy to read. The short chapters made it easy to pick up where I left off. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed reading about the island villages, coconut plantations, bars, and the interactions with the military, customs officials, and locals in diverse places such as Indonesia, Sumatra, Greece, Cuba, and Jamaica. I also found the different travel companions and personalities quite interesting.
Having grown up in the Roaring Fork Valley, I was especially delighted with the accounts of the Black Nugget (the local dive bar), the Glenwood Mall (one of my childhood hangouts), and the Carbondale Pool (7 years my summer job!)
The writing is very descriptive yet easy to read. The short chapters made it easy to pick up where I left off. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2022
The author writes in very descriptive detail the journey of her life on a sailboat. As someone who has always wondered about this choice of lifestyle, I appreciated the great detail in her writing. At times, I felt as if I were right there seeing and experiencing the things she did. I learned that it's definitely not the life for me. I should stick to day sails only.
From her first memories to adulthood, we follow the author through her journey to find happiness and her self. From land to sea. I thoroughly enjoyed my travel by book that the author has provided. The islands, villages, natives and the lifestyles.
There are some "R" rated scenes in her travels. However, she writes those areas of her life in so they don't sound raunchy.
I enjoyed following the authors journey. If you were or are interested in the sailing lifestyle, I would highly recommend this book.
From her first memories to adulthood, we follow the author through her journey to find happiness and her self. From land to sea. I thoroughly enjoyed my travel by book that the author has provided. The islands, villages, natives and the lifestyles.
There are some "R" rated scenes in her travels. However, she writes those areas of her life in so they don't sound raunchy.
I enjoyed following the authors journey. If you were or are interested in the sailing lifestyle, I would highly recommend this book.
Read
July 25, 2022This is the author’s memoir of life growing up on a sailboat with an eccentric father who loved the sea. I’ve always been fascinated by sailing life, so I was so excited to get my hands on this one.
It’s hard to review a memoir in my opinion because it’s someone’s experience, who am I to say? But, this book was super interesting to me because it is so extremely different than my own experiences. The author spent her life living between Colorado, Hawaii, and a sailboat traveling the world - having a combination of formal education and life experience. I feel like this is an ode to her father and the sea.
I would recommend this for fans of Educated or The Glass Castle and anyone intrigued by life on a sailboat.
Thank you to Booksparks for allowing me to participate in this summer pop up event! This book is out 7/26 from @shewritespress !
July 25, 2022
What I really enjoy the most about reading true stories or memoirs is getting a glimpse into other people's lives. It just shows how different we all are and that we can appreciate our differences.
With this book, I really felt as if I was experiencing everything through Rebecca's eyes. Thus, it only added to my reading experience. I always wondered what it would be like to not be tied down to one place of residence but to live on a boat. Now, after reading this book, I no longer have to wonder.
While it would not be all rosy as evident by Rebecca's childhood, it still would not be a good experience. Yet, it is only made by the people that you are surround by on your journey. As far as memoirs go, this is a truly wonderful read.
With this book, I really felt as if I was experiencing everything through Rebecca's eyes. Thus, it only added to my reading experience. I always wondered what it would be like to not be tied down to one place of residence but to live on a boat. Now, after reading this book, I no longer have to wonder.
While it would not be all rosy as evident by Rebecca's childhood, it still would not be a good experience. Yet, it is only made by the people that you are surround by on your journey. As far as memoirs go, this is a truly wonderful read.
August 1, 2022
A beautifully written description of life.
The pictures the author paints in this memoir are so intense and graphic you feel one with her plights. Through each passage I find myself researching the people and places only to find the picture painted was all I really needed. This is both a wonderful and hard story to read. The cathartic feeling of peace at the end calms me and leaves me with hope. I cannot adequately express the beauty of this book. It will leave you with a beautiful sense of completion as the chaos of youth becomes the beginning of inner peace.
The pictures the author paints in this memoir are so intense and graphic you feel one with her plights. Through each passage I find myself researching the people and places only to find the picture painted was all I really needed. This is both a wonderful and hard story to read. The cathartic feeling of peace at the end calms me and leaves me with hope. I cannot adequately express the beauty of this book. It will leave you with a beautiful sense of completion as the chaos of youth becomes the beginning of inner peace.
July 25, 2022
A meandering memoir. The author’s father led a vagabond existence, mostly on a boat. She traveled with him and records most of her experiences.
It’s an interesting read, but the writing is a bit disjointed. I got lost and a bit confused at times within the narrative.
Thanks to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the early read.
It’s an interesting read, but the writing is a bit disjointed. I got lost and a bit confused at times within the narrative.
Thanks to She Writes Press and NetGalley for the early read.
December 12, 2022
A fascinating read by Rebecca Sterling. The book caught my eye at Tattered Covers in Denver. Rebecca tells the tale of a life at sea, from her early days to formative years and her corresponding relationship with her father and family with whom she sailed with. Always entertaining, with short, quick chapters that jump through major event in her life, including experts from journal entries.
July 11, 2022
This was much darker and way more emotional than I thought it was going to be. It was an eye opening experience that I did not see coming. I loved every page and would love to know even more. I need more from this author!
September 26, 2022
The story was fascinating and I tried hard to finish it but, it was so creative it was like reading poetry at times. I was looking for more of a documentary approach. If you like creative writing however, you may really enjoy this.
December 4, 2022
The author sailed to faraway Ujung Pandang where I once lived!
July 26, 2022
This is a very descriptive coming-of-age memoir of growing up on a sailboat and traveling the world. The author's writing is so beautiful at times and makes you feel like you can smell the ocean and feel the waves. This one pulled at my heartstrings.
If you enjoy memoirs and adventures, be sure to check out The Shell and the Octopus.
If you enjoy memoirs and adventures, be sure to check out The Shell and the Octopus.
April 28, 2024
I love this book! I love the beautifully poetic way it’s written and how it’s descriptions form in a real emotionally, tender way. It’s written with great expressive details. It’s so descriptive, I felt like I was there, I felt immersed in the environment as I read. I found some of the experiences stirred uncomfortable emotions within me in its truths and on the other hand, soul soothing with its honesty throughout the book. as if I was sat by the fireside enjoying its honest warmth.
This is a memoir that tells of Rebecca’s travels all over the world in her fathers boat. Although you can tell her dad loves Becky, he’s by far not the greatest influence or father figure. However, life is filled with a lot of experiences that can support survival and empowerment. Rebecca shows avid strength.
I felt the honesty in this memoir and I loved the last paragraph! Thanks so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book, I’m so pleased I was given the chance to give my honest review.
This is a memoir that tells of Rebecca’s travels all over the world in her fathers boat. Although you can tell her dad loves Becky, he’s by far not the greatest influence or father figure. However, life is filled with a lot of experiences that can support survival and empowerment. Rebecca shows avid strength.
I felt the honesty in this memoir and I loved the last paragraph! Thanks so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book, I’m so pleased I was given the chance to give my honest review.
February 20, 2023
A memoir so close to my heart, this book takes me home. I found myself completely] enamored. I absolutely loved this one. I dove in and it fully consumed me in the most satisfyingly beautiful way.
In this lyrical memoir, Rebecca shares her stories of the highs and lows of sailing around the world with her eccentric dad. Rebecca speaks the magical language of the sea. I love that she sees the sailboat as a living breathing being. A Being she deeply connects with and relates to. Brilliant and beautiful. Angry and soft. All the perfect and imperfect oxymorons and contrasts of life. Like the sea, on her voyages she experiences the rage and the calm, the dark and the light, the beautiful and the terrifying. Rebecca contemplates life as she sails: Her goals, dreams, desires, her relationship with her dad... But one thing that is unwavering is her love of the sea.
This is a book for the dreamers, mermaids, boat captains, and adventurers. The ocean and moon lovers.
Heart-bursting. Tears flowing. Such an overwhelmingly beautiful book.
✨My Rating: 5/5✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this lyrical memoir, Rebecca shares her stories of the highs and lows of sailing around the world with her eccentric dad. Rebecca speaks the magical language of the sea. I love that she sees the sailboat as a living breathing being. A Being she deeply connects with and relates to. Brilliant and beautiful. Angry and soft. All the perfect and imperfect oxymorons and contrasts of life. Like the sea, on her voyages she experiences the rage and the calm, the dark and the light, the beautiful and the terrifying. Rebecca contemplates life as she sails: Her goals, dreams, desires, her relationship with her dad... But one thing that is unwavering is her love of the sea.
This is a book for the dreamers, mermaids, boat captains, and adventurers. The ocean and moon lovers.
Heart-bursting. Tears flowing. Such an overwhelmingly beautiful book.
✨My Rating: 5/5✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 18, 2023
Picked this up because of my current fascination with octopuses...spoiler alert, there is almost nothing about octopuses in this book.
I enjoyed the first half of the book which describes the author's unconventional childhood sailing with her imo chauvinistic & self-absorbed father. The travelog sections were interesting & I could see the good & bad gained in such different childhood.
Once the book got to her adulthood, though, it started to drag. I didn't feel a lot of self-reflection on her privilege or understanding of her relationship with her father. Towards the end it degraded into a lot of poor me narrative that made me feel a bit sad for her children. She seemed angry that she didn't have the perfect fulfilled life that few of us get.
Not one of the better memoirs I've read this year.
I enjoyed the first half of the book which describes the author's unconventional childhood sailing with her imo chauvinistic & self-absorbed father. The travelog sections were interesting & I could see the good & bad gained in such different childhood.
Once the book got to her adulthood, though, it started to drag. I didn't feel a lot of self-reflection on her privilege or understanding of her relationship with her father. Towards the end it degraded into a lot of poor me narrative that made me feel a bit sad for her children. She seemed angry that she didn't have the perfect fulfilled life that few of us get.
Not one of the better memoirs I've read this year.
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