In this book Jessica Watson, at 16 years old the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe non-stop, single-handedly, and unassisted, describes the journey that started years before she set sail from Sydney on her voyage around the world. She describes, in clear and entertaining prose, her childhood growing up near and on the water, how she gradually came to set her heart on sailing around the world, and the planning and development that led up to her voyage and, ultimately, to the realization of that dream.
Jessica is a remarkable girl, not merely because of her sailing accomplishments but, perhaps more importantly, because she reminds us all that in this world of political correctness gone amok, with over-protective parents, observers and commentators, that it is human nature to seek out challenges and to set ourselves goals to achieve. That is what "True Spirit" is all about. In the book, Jessica dismisses, matter-of-factly, the naysayers and those people who thought that she was too young, too inexperienced, or simply too much a girl, and she describes how she pursued her vision despite their opposition. Indeed, it is ironic, in such a world of political correctness, that the sailing establishment no longer officially recognizes the "youngest" circumnavigator. Sailing organizations, however, don't achieve greatness, or set records, or triumph in the face of adversity. Those of us who read her book, on the other hand, recognize Jessica's accomplishment. Officially recognized, or not, her record is a matter of fact. Even if she had not set a record, however, her journey would be a marvelous feat of endurance and seamanship. And official records don't really mean much, at the end of the day.
Some of the material in Jessica's book may be familiar to those who followed her voyage on a daily basis. She builds on her blog, but then she takes us behind the scenes, describing the teamwork involved in the effort. She discusses how she does not really consider herself a hero, in the traditional sense of the word, but rather as simply a girl who chose to follow her dream, single-mindedly and with conviction. Jessica is not afraid to reveal her human side, and discusses her human emotions, describing how they varied throughout the voyage. As you read her book you will see, shining through the pages, her determination, self-assurance, doubt, happiness, depression, anger, expectation, frustration, relief and, ultimately, joy.
For anyone interested in sailing, or in travel, or simply in the story of a girl following her dream, this book is highly recommended. As Jessica notes in her last page, you don't need a star to make a wish come true. You simply need to follow your dream.
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