Full of insight, joie de vivre and laughs

Would you listen to The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love again? Why?

Yes, lots of sailing tips in a highly entertaining package. This will be well worth another listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love?

It's alway instructive when Larry relates how simple errors can lead to such big problems when at sea - a slightly misaligned engine, causes such expense - losing the anchor by extending too much chain, gybing with a hatch open or more seriously when his diving gear gets entangled in a stray mooring rope or the potentially fatal decision of swimming down-current when diving.

What about Larry Jacobson’s performance did you like?

It's a very honest book and having it read by the author is that much more affecting.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a very funny book with lots of laugh-out-loud moments. It's also very moving as the author is totally honest and open about his relationships.

Any additional comments?

Full of wisdom - about sailing and about life.

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Inspirational - loved it

So good, I had to listen to it twice. An amazing account of Larry's round the world journey from the highs and low of circumnavigation. Great insight into places to visit whilst cruising along with much to learn about boat handling. The story has also been very well written to convey the emotions felt along the way.

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Spectacular

Thank you Larry for such an inspirational book. Wonderfully written and I really appreciate the way you shared your experiences. Congratulations and a must read!

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Funny, educational, inspirational.

from start to finish, I could barely turn this audio book off. It's clear why Larry is now doing motivational talks. his enthusiasm, honest and go get attitude is an inspiration.

after reading this, I shall certainly be planning my own adventure over the coming years.

Thanks Larry!

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Very enjoyable

What did you like most about The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love?

The honesty expressed in the book. He didn't hold anything back, when he made a mistake, he explained it in the book. He learned a lot on this voyage, and it was enjoyable to go on that journey with him.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ken. Ken has to be the hero of the piece. Both for patching up Larry's heart (as it were) and for patching up the boat.

What does Larry Jacobson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I always think the best audiobooks are those read by the author. It may not be quite as professional and polished, but is more real.

Any additional comments?

Someone else mentioned that this book was a little heavy on the 'inspirational speaking' aspect, and I agree, it was a tad. But it wasn't dripping with it, and you soon learn that that is just Larry. For him, it's not all about his story, but also motivating others to have their own story. And that's really cool. I also really appreciated that Larry is clearly gay and made no effort to hide it or play it down. If you struggle with that, well, get over it. I found it very refreshing, and very real.

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He is NO Joshua Slocum

Would you try another book written by Larry Jacobson or narrated by Larry Jacobson?

NO

What will your next listen be?

Karin Fossum

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Larry Jacobson?

Not the point

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Frustration at his bitching and griping, i could care less about his sexual inclinations, but the constant moaning from a man with all of the toys a man with a 50ft boat could buy and none of which he could fix! Just drove me nuts.

Any additional comments?

NOPE

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Not gripping

I found this impossible to get into:

(a) it reads far too much like a motivational seminar...

(b) although supposedly a story about someone struggling to follow his dream the plot really seems to be guy makes a fortune in business; goes sailing

(b) too in-your-face with unnecessary detail about the author's gay relationships; were he straight I still wouldn't want to know how long his lover made him wait before sleeping with him, etc.

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