438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't help but compare this book with Unbroken. Unbroken is an undoubtedly 5 star book. This one is maybe a hair short. Possibly because this story is still being written. The protagonist is still under construction. Undaunted is an incredible story of survival and faith. It is a story of forgiveness and of a changed heart and soul in spite of incredible suffering. This book is about never giving up, no matter how bleak it looks. Never, ever give up.

I haven't been able to stop talking about this book. The story is corroborated by scientists, specialists, and academics to explain weather and wind patterns, physical exhaustion, starvation, and dehydration, cravings, migratory patterns, and psychological distress of solitude, etc. it is fascinating what a determined person will do to survive. How he will intuit what parts of an animal's body he needs for nutrients, how he will pass the time.

It is an incredible and true account of a man who gets caught in a storm while fishing with a companion. With a wet and useless GPS, he throws out a last call for help before his engine dies. He has no oars, nearly all provisions are washed away. There are lessons to be learned in his attitude and that of his partner. The difference between living and dying is often holding on to that hope. I would love this book in a book club and discuss what previous experiences may have inspired resilience, how he survived alone, and so many other questions that I can't articulate because they contain spoilers.

Very worth reading.

Winter by Marissa Meyer

Winter by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My birthday present from my daughter. A satisfying ending to a series that began strong with Cinder, introduced new characters who stayed true and steady throughout. I take that back. I didn't care much for Cress. She grew into her character this book. Captain Thorne stayed true to himself with some slight altruistic growth. He is still my favorite. And Iko.

If you've been reading the series, you will be satisfied with the ending, I think. It's not necessarily fairy tale quality but very satisfying. True to the original fairy tales, however, there is blood and gore. No surprise that the power struggles lead to a war-ish.

I definitely enjoyed Winter. She was a pleasant addition to the crew. Best love story still goes to Scarlet and Wolf.