Home is the Sailor

I think I enjoyed this book more then 'Dove' his first story about sailing around the world as a 16 year old. I first read the Dove story when I was around 16 myself. It was basically a sort of travelogue with heaps of pictures. Looking back, it was probably one of the most impacting books I read during my teens and opened up a whole different concept of how a life could potentially be lived. Anyway, like many others, I wondered what happened to Robin afterwards and through a few hints dropped, if he had become a christian. I think I looked at the time for a sequal but didn't find one so left it at that. Fast forward to a couple of years ago, I found a battered old copy and re-read it and then decided recently to get one to keep. What really suprised me when the book turned up was that I'd gotten the full story in paperback, not the cut down version I'd always assumed was the only one available on the voyage. And even more suprising, found a sequal, 'Home Is The Sailor' which I ordered as well. I actully wonder how to give this a balanced review as I enjoyed reading this book so much. I have to say it's been one of the most inspirational and interesting things I think I've read in years. In fact it's just slipped on to my top ten favourites list without even trying. And I've read (or browsed through) thousands of books in my lifetime. However that being said I don't think this book would necessarily appeal to everybody. It really depends on your perspective. Firstly, Robin Graham is one of the most honest, unaffected, unpretentious, and un-caught-up-in-himself people I think I ever remember coming across in print. He just doesn't try to make himself out to be a hero. He is who he is. The beauty in that, is that if you really don't like facades or self-glorification wrapped up as a story to share (or polish for the sake of presentation), it's a fascinating read. Particularly if you share similar values and worldviews on society and life in general. This book wasn't written primarily to impress, but to share real experiences and thoughts. People who can be themselves in front of potentially millions of viewers or readers through television or print and not make any effort to hide who they are have always really impressed me. To me it's the mark of someone who doesn't have a lot to either hide or prove. On top of that, Robin Graham and his wife have had an unusually fascinating life. Sometimes great people slip under the radar because part of their greatness is their general lack of guile. Guile that would sell them to a much larger audience if they were more skilled in it. I would put this couple in that category. I found that they answered some questions and solved a couple of major situational and lifeview shifts for me as I read. However it was so unconciously done that I could have easily put it down to my own revelations. When somebody can impart something like that to you just by being themselves, that says a lot about who they are. O

I thoroughly enjoyed this follow up story to Robin's sailing adventure. I am also looking forward to his next possible book continuing in his life's unfolding journey. I appriciated his frankness and honesty that held nothing back making it a fascinating character study as well as a study of life in general with all it's victories and hard won lessons. I can't understand those who were disappointed in this book. It's the story of life and a humans journey through it...what's not to appriciate? If you enjoyed "Dove" you'll most likely enjoy this story even though his love life is tested as well as his dreams of living on the land. This is where innocent idealism hits the pavement of reality. We can learn from each other and I have learned a great deal through Robins life and the sharing of his victories as well as defeats. Learn,love,deepen and grow stronger, you can survive every storm that life presents in order for those qualities to mature and find your potential as a human being and Robin is but one inspiration to help support one's personal journey on the sea of everyday, life.

Writing style is honest, It took a while to get going. I am impressed with where he was at in his life 1983 and wish I knew what he was up to now. I followed his journey in the NG, all those years ago, envious of his freedom to do as he pleased in the Dove. While he was naive about Montana, I found myself relating to their struggles and was impressed with the openness of his writing. In this book I believe he just let it all hang out.I think this book could be useful to a couple having marital problems! Their simple faith as discussed openly in the book is refreshing all the more in 2005! I recommend it for Teenagers and grandparents. My grandkids will be getting a copy!

Robin continues to live and grow in his quest to be a husband, father, and spiritual person. Very painful to read about some of the family's hard lessons in building their home.I contacted Robin several years ago wondering whatever happened to the rest of the story. He was very gracious to respond (twice!) and those notes, as well as his family newsletter are proudly stored with my copies of his books.I know many people pursue truth and faith. Few have written about their journey in such a transparent, warts-and-all manner.