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Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding
Review: I am extremely impressed with every word and description from Mr. Callahan and enjoyed this book immensly; I cannot rate it high enough. His story and message truly comes alive as I become apart of the despair and continuous struggles these men experience. I am there with them, soaking it all in from hidden eyes. Mr. Callahan's writing is supurb; I cannot put this book down. When I am finished I rush to search for more books he has written as this author has become one of my favorites; I thurst for him as a capsized victom myself with no water. Give me more! Most of all, thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Hope this never happens to you
Review: I am sure most people have a nagging thought when they board water craft; that the possibility of sinking could occur. After that thought comes to mind, we attempt to push it to the back, unwilling to contemplate the horrible scenario. Unfortunately, for these 4 men, the possibility becomes reality. Even more frightening, this book is a true story. What occurs is a never ending nightmare and a struggle for survival beyond imagination. Four men board a trimaran for a pleasure cruise, encounter a gale that inverts the craft. They must use all of their physical and mental resources to cope with the challenges before them. At first, they hope for a timely rescue, but as days turn into weeks, they realize that they have been literally given up for dead. The book delves into the men's minds and lives while detailing their heroic attempts to save themselves. They feel all the emotions of desperate souls and face situations that no man should have to consider. This is a gripping account of a terrible accident on the high seas. One will conclude this book with one thought, "hope this never happens to me."
Rating: 
Summary: what an ordeal
Review: I guarantee you will be fatigued after reading this gripping account of a 119 day drift in the roaring 40's off the coast of New Zealand. Due to some freaky currents, the four men aboard actually ended up making a circle to the north and then back to the west towards New Zealand. While on board, they projected that they'd be heading toward South America and it is scary to note there just ain't anything between the two places. This is a very well done account of the day to day life and how little by little the four men come together at least enough to learn how to subsist off the sea. They were very lucky in that they had lots of food on board to start because it took them a while to learn how to catch fish. You'll never look at fish guts the same way -- they used EVERY part of the fish. The author does a good job showing the shifting friendships and loyalties -- not surprising considering the small space they shared for 4 months. This is more than the typical survival book in that the author follows up with one of the survivor's fight with cancer almost immediately when he returned. Thus, the end of the book is bittersweet with one of the men dying after he made many key personal realizations about himself and his life. An excellent adventure read with some insights into friendship as well.
Rating:
Summary: what an ordeal
Review: I guarantee you will be fatigued after reading this gripping account of a 119 day drift in the roaring 40's off the coast of New Zealand. Due to some freaky currents, the four men aboard actually ended up making a circle to the north and then back to the west towards New Zealand. While on board, they projected that they'd be heading toward South America and it is scary to note there just ain't anything between the two places. This is a very well done account of the day to day life and how little by little the four men come together at least enough to learn how to subsist off the sea. They were very lucky in that they had lots of food on board to start because it took them a while to learn how to catch fish. You'll never look at fish guts the same way -- they used EVERY part of the fish. The author does a good job showing the shifting friendships and loyalties -- not surprising considering the small space they shared for 4 months. This is more than the typical survival book in that the author follows up with one of the survivor's fight with cancer almost immediately when he returned. Thus, the end of the book is bittersweet with one of the men dying after he made many key personal realizations about himself and his life. An excellent adventure read with some insights into friendship as well.
Rating:
Summary: aka doctor is alive
Review: I have logged 30,000 miles at sea. Capsized lets you live what all of us sailors keep tucked in the back of our minds, survival at sea. I have talked with Jim on occasions, for advice on survival. To hear him tell of the capsized boat, slowly filling with chilling sea water, with four men trapped below. The water stopped at chin level, in the black of night. My God my spine shivered. Jim and Steve, thank you for the interesting, yet educational read. Minnesota welcomes you. AKA DOCTOR.
Rating:
Summary: Culinary skills at sea
Review: The previous reviews all rate and describe the story accurately - an excellent tale of survival at sea. To add to this now:On return, the survivors were doubted because of their apparent good health. Perhaps this is why the book focuses so much on food - they had a good cook with them and learned to dine relatively well. The story is from the cook's viewpoint too. If you have some culinary leanings, you may get more from the book than you expect. New Zealander's will also identify with aspects of the story - Picton, Cook Strait, Great Barrier etc.
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