First You Have to Row a Little Boat: Reflections on Life & Living

by Richard Bode

Book Overview

In the bestselling tradition of Harold Kushner and Robert Fulghum, this inspiring little volume uses sailing as a metaphor for embarking upon the journey of life. Sailors and non-sailors alike will be enchanted by this simple yet compelling book which sheds a magical new light on the age-old search for self.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446516813
• ISBN13: 9780446516815
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The metaphors in this book are well understood by sailors

I was a bit skeptical when first starting to read this book, however the author has made many astute observations using sailing metaphors. I have done a fair bit of sailing throughout my life, and I can relate to the observations made. It is a very well written book with quite a bit of substance, and a fast read.There were sections in the book that made me laugh and then cry as the points made were so on the mark.I recommend this book.

Quite simply, a good book

My best friend recommended this book to me. I picked it up, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a high school teacher, and I distribute this book to each of my seniors when they graduate. (Normally, I don't have a lot of seniors in my classes. :-) ) I found this book very thought-provoking, and it gave me a very unique perspective on life. This book is definitely worth the read - it's short and light, and you'll be reading it more than once.

Charming and thoughtful

From Joan Mazza, author of DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF, DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE, FROM DREAMS TO DISCOVERY and THINGS THAT TICK ME OFF.Richard Bode has given us a beautiful book to savor and ponder. I read this straight through in one day-a rare event for me, since I always read several very different books at a time. FIRST YOU HAVE TO ROW A LITTLE BOAT had me totally engaged and I kept marking paragraphs and writing WOW in the margins. On page 145 he says, "If every man and woman were to take the meaning of their life and pursue it passionately, they would alter the social landscape overnight. In fact, that's how lasting revolutions are made-not by the raised arm of the masses, not by the military seizure of power, not by the political coup d'état, but by individuals asserting who they are one at a time." WOW.His use of sailing as metaphor worked beautifully for me, even though I don't sail. His comments (page 32) about listening to the wind instead of holding tightly to dogma and rigidity were eloquent bordering on poetry. Very inspiring.

Just a good book.

This is just a good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is in love with the water. First you have to Row a Little Boat by Richard Bode is a wonderful book about reflection on life and living. I can truthfully say that this book is the best book I have ever read. R. Bode uses his young life as a sailor to show philosophical views on life, and what views they are! I feel a connection to Mr. Bode's childhood. I too have a little blue boat that I love so much and sail during the summer. In this book I have learned that the fastest way to a certain spot is not a strait line, but a zig zagging one. Just simple sailing lessons like this one can relate to everyday life and help a person through it. If you are a sailor too you will easily relate to this book in that same way as I have. The wonderful way that Richard Bode writes this book is that everyone, who is a sailor, can relate, but in his/her own ways. Everyone draws from his/her own experiences but gets the same result, understanding life. I really enjoyed reading this book. It brought up ideas in my mind that I would have never though of otherwise. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes sailing.

Sailors & non-sailors will appreciate this fine book!

Bode uses his obvious love for sailing as the basis for lifes' learning experiences, and it works to the point that everyone should be given a boat at birth! If only we could all have lived in his childhood to share those 'building blocks of life' in the first person, but this book is the next best thing. Sailors like myself gain even more from his experiences, because although we might have been there, Bodes grabs us back to that joy and disappointment, the thrill and inspiration that sailing has given us. If you haven't got the idea that I heartily recommend this book, perhaps my writing isn't as elequent as Bodes... buy this book!!