I've Been Around

If you read the wonderful book writen by Tania Aebi titled, Maiden Voyage and enjoyed it, then these stories that are inspired from that specific trip, then you will enjoy the inspiration these have to offer. I reread them from time to time enjoying them each and every read.

When I was a freshman in high school, I read Tania Aebi's first book, Maiden Voyage, about her solo circumnavigation of the globe at the age of 18. That book was a huge inspiration to me, and I was thrilled to find out she had a new book out. I've Been Around is a collection of essays that will update Aebi's fans as to her life after her trip. More than that, this new book evokes the same sense of wonder and inspiration as Maiden Voyage. In fact, when I first purchased I've Been Around, I was so excited that I began reading it on my walk from the bookstore to my car. I parked far enough away that I was able to finish the first essay I had turned to: "Close Call". Immediately, this essay put me back in that state of mind which Maiden Voyage evoked; a sense of the amazing potential we all have. "Close Call" is about the story Aebi tells people when they ask if she ever felt in danger from anyone she met on her voyage. Aebi relays a story of meeting some fishermen off the coast of Sri Lanka. Ultimately, the story is not of the danger she was in, but of how helpful the fishermen were. In fact, she finds out years later just how safe she really was, and how sincere these men were in their concern and helpfulness towards this young woman alone at sea. I think tales of the inherent goodness of people are more necessary now than ever. "Close Call" will be the essay I share with the many people who tell me that they are scared to travel overseas. The fact that I was nearly run-over by a Honda Element while reading this essay, however, taught me I need to be more careful while close to home. I've Been Around is written with the same humble, down to earth tone as Maiden Voyage. While there are plenty of sailing stories from trips she has taken since her solo voyage, what appeals to me about Aebi's writing is how she applies the lessons learned from her trips to real life. I've personally never been on a sail boat. The writing in this book is less about sailing and more about how to be resourceful and inventive in order to survive the many day-to-day and extraordinary challenges we all face. I loved reading I've Been Around and I highly recommend it to all sailors and non-sailors out there.

As a long-time follower and fan of Tania Aebi, and reader of her first book, "Maiden Voyage," the account of her solo circumnavigation as the youngest woman to accomplish such a remarkable feat, I waited in great anticipation for the release of her latest book, "I've Been Around." This compilation of her articles with her musings on not only the sailing life, but how intertwined that life can be with so many other aspects of living, is wonderful! It's a joy to learn about what is happening to her since her voyage and to be able to peek into the mind of this very special person. For the true adventurer or even the adventure wanna-be, I highly recommend Ms. Aebi's new book.