Ten Degrees of Reckoning: A True Story of Survival

by Hester Rumberg

Book Overview

An international bestseller. A remarkable true story of one woman's courage. In 1993, Judith and Michael Sleavin and their two children set out to sail around the world. Three years into their incredible journey, a nearby freighter altered its course by a mere ten degrees-and everything changed... After forty-four hours in the icy water clinging to an overturned dinghy, her back broken and paralyzed below the waist, Judith miraculously survived, winding...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425232107
• ISBN13: 9780425232101
• Release Date: January 2010
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Masterful, Compelling Work

This superb book succeeds on at least three levels. As an expository work, it plumbs the deep, rich traditions of works by Michener, or more recently, "A Perfect Storm". I felt supremely entertained, even as I learned a great deal about offshore sailing. It also tells a gripping story, and it draws us into the life of a family and its individual members. I cared deeply about these people, as the author presented them to me through a variety of "lenses." You likely would not be reading my words unless you are a lover of books. As such, you no doubt have experienced the bittersweetness of a story's end.....you want to know how it comes out, but at the same time you don't want to turn that last page. This is one of those stories. Readers seeking "magical justice," where all is resolved fairly and neatly, will be disappointed. This is part of the poignance of Dr. Rumberg's effort. I have sent copies of this book to friends, and I am recommending it to all the booklovers I know. Finishing "Ten Degrees of Reckoning" was an exquisite ending to a year of fine reading, and I hope you will consider starting out on the right "literary foot" for 2008 by discovering the treasures within these pages.

Hard to put down.........

Dr. Rumberg is a wonderful storyteller and this is truly a story that needs to be told. In her own words, using her own story and that of another's, Dr. Rumberg educates even the most novice of sailors to the potential joys and deep sorrows of circumnavigating the world. The main story centers around an American family who set off on a five-year excursion. In the middle of the night, off the coast of New Zealand, tragedy strikes deeply, lives are lost, and the lone survivor descends into hell for many days. Yet this is a story of love and redemption: a small, deeply protective community half way around the world and the strong woman who will not let anyone forget her family's tragedy. And it's the story of mystery and ethics: the exposure of a country unwilling to admit its culpability, a country who tried to manipulate and intimidate the victim of their crime. This amazing story has been told with grace and perceptiveness. Bravo, Dr. Rumberg!

An engrossing read

Like "The Perfect Storm" or "Into Thin Air", this book not only allows the reader to be an eyewitness to a horrific disaster, but also creates a vivid and personal portrait of a family that followed their dream to live life to the fullest. An incredible story, I could not put this book down.

Remarkable Story

Hester Rumberg tells the remarkable story of the adventurous Sleavin family. This extraordinary book will appeal to a wide range of readers, those looking for suspense and mystery. This book will hold your attention to the last page. An absolute page turner and without question, Hester Rumberg, in my opinion, is a very talented story teller. Because of the subject matter, I wondered if it would be difficult to read, but it was impossible to put down. Another thing I might add: I grew up in New Zealand where a portion of this story takes place. The author has captured the culture of my birth country exceedingly well, and added an informative element, even for me. I would highly recommend this mesmerizing book.

COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN !

This book is so captivating I read it page by page throughout the night. My eyes were burning, but I couldn't stop reading. The author has told a masterful saga of family love, living intentionally, and how to struggle with the uphill battles of our lives. This is more than a book. This is a tribute to 4 people who's story you must know. Thanks to the author for this gift. She must have crafted the book out of her own familiarity with life's turnings and an uncommon insight into the hearts of others.