With Reckless Abandon: Memoirs of a Boat Obsessed Life

This is an excellent read, especially for anyone who loves wooden boats. Jim Sharp is an adventurous man and this book reflects that.

This is an excently written book by a true sailing enthusiast. What a way from Upper Darby to the coast of Maine.

I have not yet read the book, but I dare give it 5 stars, for I have sailed before the mast on Jim's "Adventure" 3 times, and his tales can only have improved since my first trip in 1968.

Jim Sharp dominated the "windjammer" scene in the 70's and 80's in midcoast Maine helping to launch the careers of several of the current and past schooner (and ketch) captains. Jim always managed to tell a good tale as he steered the Adventure during those decades and this book is no exception. Jim doesn't let his childhood disability slow him down much whether dealing with motion of a boat or with official notions of how things should be done. From his early days as finance manager to his gradual tranformation as multiple boat owner/operator, the story is revealed with personal insight and humorous details. If you desire to learn how one can cope with personal disabilities, deal with a maritime ghost or what to do with an old iron safe, give this book a gander. Disclaimer: I sailed with Jim in 1986 as a one time passenger on the Adventure after having sailed on the boat he nicknames "the Jingler" in this book and spent the bulk of the cruise hearing his side of the rivalry he had with the "Jingler's" captain.