The Old Folks in the Boat, by award-winning author Becky Coffield, may not stir a reader to take to a set of oars and a rowing vessel (although it’d be hard not to) but it’s impossible to read the book and not be motivated to tackle personal challenges or long-held goals.
Coffield tells a delightful tale of taking up the sport of rowing in her late 60s. The first part of the book is highly informative about rowing vessels, the actual building of the boat by her husband, and the unique history of the sport of rowing – wherrys in particular. Once the author actually begins rowing, however, readers will likely laugh at the escapades, trials, and journeys Coffield takes in her wherry and her salvaged skiff. Indeed, the purchase and renovation of the $100 sunken, dilapidated skiff could be a book unto itself.
The author’s energy seems endless as she prepares for “rowing the West,” then decides to “row the Inside Passage” of British Columbia. It is after a summer in British Columbia that the idea of rowing Knight Inlet seizes her.
Read more
https://www.promorapid.com/read-blog/260565_large-picture-frames-sometimes-pictures-can-tell-a-better-newscalibre.html
https://www.promorapid.com/read-blog/260564_poster-frames-sensible-options-at-newscalibre.html
https://www.promorapid.com/read-blog/260563_black-picture-frames-for-beautiful-newscalibre.html
https://www.promorapid.com/read-blog/260562_how-to-draw-children-secrets-to-drawing-realistic-children-newscalibre.html
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97349/The-Wedding-Photo-island-boy
In the second part of the book, when the author’s plans to row the massive 200-mile Knight Inlet in British Columbia are dashed, she decides to undertake a 200 mile row, a 200 mile hike, and a 200 mile ride on her mule – all to be completed in 100 days in the deadly heat of Arizona. Here is where one really begins to see the author’s grit and determination. Her struggle to succeed may not match the struggle of ocean rowers who row for a thousand miles or more, but her ability to entertain the reader for 200 miles is exceptional, and leaves one with little doubt that this now 69-year-old woman could row an ocean if she decided to.
What is particularly captivating about the second part of the book, apart from the author’s genuine struggles, are her thoughts throughout her ordeal. Many of her reminiscences are extraordinarily humorous, and humor is definitely one of the author’s strengths. However, there are times in her rowing when her thoughts quickly veer from humor to poignancy, even sadness.
The ending of this book is surprising and perfect. The author simply states, “So, ultimately I guess this book is not just about rowing. Maybe this book is about remembering to truly live no matter your age. In any event, rowing may not be for you. Hiking may not suit you. Equines might scare you. But no matter, I’m pretty sure there’s at least one thing, maybe many things, you’d like to do before you’re a goner. Perhaps that’s what this book is really about. What are you waiting for?”
Read more
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97350/Hard-Back-Photo-Book-Designs-island-biy
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97351/Oscar-Fashion-by-Reeve-Chace-A-Book-island-boy-rappers
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97353/Practical-Photography-Essentials-who-are-the-island-boy-rappers
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97354/Art-Architecture-and-Photography-where-are-the-island-boys-from
https://www.rolonet.com/blogs/97355/Amateur-Photographers-Can-Make-electric-frying-pan-Too
Coffield is the multi-award-winning author of “Life Was a Cabaret: A Tale of Two Fools, A Boat, and a Big-A** Ocean”; she also penned the Ben Thomas Trilogy, and the newly released “A Beginner’s Guide to Owning a Mule.”
