The new edition of Aweigh of Life has some minor revisions. At the request of readers, the new edition has maps and photos which only enhance the original text. The following reviews were for Aweigh of Life by E.D. Snow, but because it’s been reprinted under my legal name with new ISBN numbers, the previous reviews are “lost,” except that I saved them and I share them with you here:
Tales of Adventure on the High Seas delivered straight from the heart of a remarkable gal.
July 8, 2019
“A Sweeping Tale” doesn’t do justice as a description of this book. You know how it feels when you are reading a really good book and suddenly realize you’re only 30 pages from the end? “But I don’t want it to end” you think. That’s this book. Edie’s story is a “warts and all” memoir told with grace, humor, irony and just a tiny bit of sarcasm. Her gift for describing the geography and nautical aspect of her travels will pull you in to the point where you can actually feel the salt spray coming over the bow of your Lazy Boy Recliner. Beyond that her brutal honesty and candid confessions of doubt, hurt and amusement make this book so much more than a travelogue. I am a compulsive reader. I normally read to “learn” stuff (non-fiction & history) and an equal amount of literature that makes me “feel” stuff. This book covered both bases. A 2-fer if you will. I recommend it highly.
Janis O’Neil writes: July 17, 2019.
A woman’s outstanding account of sailing in the South Pacific in the 70s, written from her journals.
I’ve been acquainted with the author going on 58 years from Jr. High school, followed by a long gap after high school, until bumping into her again a few years ago. She has thoroughly lived life, is full of courage and joy to this day. She has an amazing life philosophy of which she not only speaks of, but lives. She’s a traveler, deep thinker, skilled writer, sincere, starkly honest about herself and of generous character. If you like adventure, honesty, beautifully worded descriptions of land, sea and of people from far and wide, you will enjoy this story. In her book, she takes you along, beside her, sharing her life experience. It is a wonderful.
A Must Read Nancy W writes a 5-star review:
This book is very well written and a fascinating account of the author’s unique experiences sailing and traveling in the South Pacific. I especially appreciated her reflections on the various cultures she experienced and was amazed at her strength and resiliency in very challenging situations. I was also impressed with her self reflection and honesty. You will keep turning the pages of this book! I am recommending it to my family and friends.
One of My Favorite Books Ever Amanda – May 3, 2022
I read a lot and this is one of my absolute favorite books. The writing is beautiful and was comforting to me in a way that is hard to articulate. With all we have going on in the world, this was like balm for my soul. I felt like I was on a journey of my own while reading along and it felt like stepping back from all of the busyness and chatter and craziness. I slowed down toward the end simply because I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book.
Sail Away – October 3, 2019
Imagine yourself boarding a sailboat in your early twenties and cruising the South Pacific for the next ten years, island hopping, moorage in blue lagoons, footprints on white sand beaches, swimming tropical pools, hiking palm tree covered islands, living on fish and coconuts, hunkering down through a harrowing hurricane, meeting colorful natives and swapping sea tales with other ‘yachtees,’ and all the myriad experiences of such a soul-stirring, life-affirming, wondrously fascinating journey. …… Now imagine what circumstances, obligations, trajectories and vectors would converge upon you until one day you realize you must leave the sea, and its ‘way of life,’ behind. …… Finally, in your later years you are drawn back to that time, through the extensive journals you kept and by the very pull of memories steeped in golden sunshine, blue seas and fair winds, and you sit down and write it all out.
Raw and touching memoir of paradise Judy Schaffer wrote a 4-star review:
Truthful, in depth look at an American woman coming to terms with life and dreams in the South Pacific. I could not out it down. At times it was a little over written but not enough to detract from the over all telling. I would love to have coffee with the author. Very interesting woman.
Wonderful Adventure Book, In and Out Elena’s 5-star review:
As everyone has said, this is a real page-turner. It’s beautifully descriptive of places and people and her day to day, year to year adventures in the South Seas. It reaches into the heart of “growing up” by exposing to all, her own path from hurt and anger, to seeing deeper into life. It’s brutally honest and kind of “in your face” in some places. It’s rare to see a memoir that is so chock full of emotion and feelings, but also such a wonderful and insightful travelogue. It will shake you up, while engaging you completely in the stories of 7 years on the open sea. I’m so glad I read it.
Honesty and Depth – Betsy P’s 5-star review:
This book is an emotional moving metaphor of a fearless, strong, independent woman who is looking for the soul she has always possessed. Its filled with her fascinating adventures throughout the South Pacific Islands in the 1970’s and gives us an historical and cultural glimpse of the special people that shared her life. It’s a page turner and one that I couldn’t put down and didn’t want to end. We can see you now, and thanks for sharing this piece of your life with us!
Exceeded my expectations! Gerrit Gamble wrote:
A wonderful real life soul searching adventure, of a brave young women. I couldn’t put it down!
Highly recommended! July 22, Pamela wrote:
Aweigh of Life is a must-read for all life adventurers and explorers. Fascinating and intimate story of a woman’s journey forward, while coming to terms with her past. Throughout, it’s a heartfelt memoir of a seven year trip of a lifetime, sailing the waters and learning of people and cultures in the South Pacific seas. I couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want it to end.
Brilliant Details of the South Pacific so few of us know ….Esauboeck August 14, 2019
[The author] is one intrepid woman, and very, very strong, both physically and mentally. Her incredible memory for details of her seven years sailing through the South Pacific 40 years ago makes these experiences seem like they’re happening right now. The book is really a “personal journey” memoir, in which she reveals disquieting aspects of her family and upbringing, and how she comes to grips with being a rebellious “outsider” who wants to live a minimalist lifestyle, freed of the trappings of capitalist society. The book gives a real sense of the adventure of sailing amidst remote islands that most of us have never heard of nor know anything about the people who live there. Two chapters really stay with me: the first is her absolutely spot-on depiction of the misogyny and racism of Northern Queensland 40 years ago–she really captures the harshness of that place then, remnants of which remain a part of Australian society to this day. The second is her stunningly beautiful description of giving birth to the first white baby on a tiny island in Papua New Guinea. That chapter could stand alone for any anthropologist or poet. Friends who are sailors to whom I’ve recommended the book say it includes some of the finest writing about sailing they have read. The book could use a bit of editing, for repetitive passages and awkward phrasing, but all in all, this is a magnificent effort. Well done! Let’s make it into a movie!
Honest and interesting perspective – Martin Childers Sep 28, 2022
We are planning a short trip to Tahiti next year on a sailboat, and I wanted some information into what to expect. This book gave me some historical concept into life in French Polynesia 40 years ago.
“The book is INCREDIBLE!” Aweigh if Life is a poignant memoir. I couldn’t read it fast enough! She takes you with her on her incredible journey in such a way you can almost smell the salt air. The quiet times, the exhilarating adventures, all of her trials and tribulations to find herself. Definitely recommended reading. – Amy C.