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Binding: HardcoverDewey Decimal Number: 910.91649 EAN: 9781400066551 ISBN: 1400066557 Label: Random House Manufacturer: Random House Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 240 Publication Date: July 01, 2008 Publisher: Random House Release Date: July 01, 2008 Studio: Random House Editorial Review: Product Description: “I told God that if he would let us survive this night, I would make it mean something worthwhile. And then, somehow, I felt calmer than I have ever felt. Unreasonably so. Irrationally so. I looked over the scene of our wrecked life and I smiled–a crazy smile for sure–and I looked through the dark at the mad beauty of it.” –Jean Silverwood An exhilarating true-life adventure of one family’s extraordinary sea voyage of self-discovery and survival, tragedy and triumph Successful businessman John Silverwood and his wife, Jean, both experienced sailors, decided the time was right to give their four children a taste of thrilling life on the high seas. And indeed their journey aboard the fifty-five-foot catamaran Emerald Jane would have many extraordinary and profound moments, whether it was the peaceful late-night watches John enjoyed under the stunning celestial sky or the elation shared by the whole family at the sight of blissful pods of dolphin and migrating tortoises. John and Jean had hoped to use the trip as a teaching opportunity, with the Emerald Jane as a floating classroom in which to instruct their children in important lessons–not only about the natural world but about the beauty of human life when stripped down to its essence, far from the trappings of civilization. Yet rather than flourishing amid the new freedoms and responsibilities thrust upon them, the children were sometimes confused, frightened, resentful. The two oldest, fourteen-year-old Ben and twelve-year-old Amelia, missed their friends and the comfortable life left behind in San Diego, while the two youngest, Jack, seven, and Camille, three, picked up on the stressful currents running above and below the surface–for throughout the journey, the Silverwood family found its bonds tested as never before. John and Jean, whose marriage had weathered its share of storms, would wonder again if they had taken on too much as the physical, emotional, and financial strains of caring for the expensive catamaran and their children brought old resentments to the surface. John’s dream trip that began on Long Island Sound ended almost two years later as a nightmare in treacherous waters off a remote atoll in French Polynesia, where, in an explosion of awesome violence, the terrifying brunt of the ocean’s anger fell upon the Emerald Jane. Gradually, in the crucible of the sea, a stronger, more closely knit unit was forged. The Silverwoods became a crew. Then they became a family again. But just as it seemed to them that they had mastered every challenge, their world was shattered in a split-second of unimaginable horror. Now their real challenge began, forcing them to fight for their very lives. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Excellent bookI couldn't put this book down. I was especially moved by Jean's account of the events. As a mother myself, I understand the inherent need to keep your kids safe. What an adventure this family took and it almost took everything from them. John and Jean were well prepared and had researched everything from route logistics to safety on the island--who knew you couldn't trust a taxi driver in Panama? If you are into sailing there's plenty of technical stuff to keep you on your toes, even if you're not, ... Read More Rating: - Buying a Boat?Extremely interesting to anyone who has ever gone down to the sea in ships. An authentic and chilling review of what can go wrong and things that probably will go wrong. The modern equipment may not save your ship but it may save your life (and limb?.) Would a regular single hull have reacted differently? Rating:  - Symbolic TitleA page turner! An amazing story of a seemingly grounded family who ran aground (& then some!), finding their footing in spite of it. A story of risk-taking, persevering & resiliency. "Black Wave" not only represents the literal wave that hides what lurks beneath the surface, but also reflects the dynamics that lurk beneath a family's polished exterior. Honest, compelling account -- interweaving 2 years aboard while returning to the scene of their ultimate crisis, where their journey ... Read More Rating:  - black waveAn amazing story of survival and all the people who were there in the nick of time to help this family. Not the best writer in the world, but he did a good job telling his story and bringing it to life with pictures. Rating: - An amazing and true story!I loved this book, even though there were parts that seemed a little repetitive. There were really two different stories going on, the physical one about the boat trip and what happened off Tahiti, and the parallel story of an American suburban family, a family that had a lot going for them, but real problems as well. The family tensions seemed very appropriate and understandable, and being a mom I appreciated Jean's concerns and the stress she was feeling. I've been on a 40 ft boat for 10 days with ... Read More |
