Book Reviews
"My Life's Dream Took Me To Sea" by Ronald Epner MD is a captivating and enriching narrative that transcends the boundaries of a typical sailing memoir. The book masterfully weaves together the author's personal journey, practical insights, and the universal themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams."
Hollywood Book Review
Through author Ronald Epner’s memoir, My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea, readers sail around the world, experiencing the sea, the adventures, and every challenge which comes with cruising. This book is exceptionally written, with the author narrating his personal experiences in an intimate style, somewhat like a chronicle, which makes the reader feel as if they are part of the story. My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea is stimulating from the very onset of the book.
Anyone who enjoys true stories about traveling will immerse themselves in this book instantly. The readers get to live the author’s life through his words, thoughts and actions. From the time Ronald Epner was a child, the moments his father took him on a sailboat, how he developed his love for the sea, and how life’s turn of events became a destiny for him.
The readers will get transported to a new world where their minds get challenged as they enjoy different cruise itineraries. In My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea, readers share his journeys. Here is a man who has grown up in a family where the sea was a friend to them, and has grown up to come to love the waters and every aspect of sailing. As a sailor, physician, and surgeon, Dr. Epner has witnessed many electrifying moments. At one point he suffered a heart attack while alone at sea, and being a medical doctor gave him the wherewithal to save himself – a lesson to others who may face a similar
encounter while solo sailing.
Ronald Epner’s book is a beautiful memoir which reads like tales in a storytelling
session. The author writes about his immediate family, his friends, career, social life, challenges, and successes. The general discourse in the book is about sailing and the different kinds of sailors, but therein lies critical and lifetime guidance for every adult.
Author Ronald Epner’s writing is unique for multiple reasons; one being his honesty. The chapter on “Homeless, Jobless, and Boatless” was one of the most absorbing as the author laid bare his struggles. This chapter was also great to read as you get insights on financial management, improving your skills, and how to relate with people.
Ronald Epner is also an excellent author because of how articulate his words are. This book is a breath of fresh air because the book is written in a personal and friendly tone. Apart from the writing, I also enjoyed going through the images shared. The pictorial content is as great, if not more appealing than the text. The author shares pictures throughout his life of his family, friends, and even colleagues. I mostly enjoyed pictures which had the sea as a background, as they complemented the main theme in the book and the persona the author portrays.
My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea is written for lovers of non-fictional memoirs and autobiographies. The writing is exceedingly striking, as the author writes from his heart. Sailors, seasoned with salt water in their blood, and landlubbers, emerging from the shore, will both especially enjoy this book. The sailing jargon, discussions about the sea, and technical content about sailing and engineering are enlightening. Through Ronald Epner’s book, you will learn how to navigate the sea when it is stormy and when calm; both literally and figuratively.
Pacific Book Review
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In My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea, author Ronald Epner offers a unique perspective on sailing through an unforgettable journey filled with the ups and downs of a life connected to the ocean. Through his storytelling, which spans various locations and times, readers are fully immersed in a world of adventure, strength, and deep self-understanding.
The memoir begins with the author’s formative years, where sailing was not just a pastime but a fundamental part of life, influenced by a father deeply engrossed in maritime activities. This upbringing forges a lasting bond with the sea, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead.
As the memoir unfolds, readers are not just reading about various locations but are transported to them, from the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas to the lively streets of Papeete. Each location is vividly described with rich detail and captivating writing. As we read, we experience the excitement of discovery, the companionship among sailors, and the peacefulness of being out at sea through the author’s eyes.
The memoir shines in its examination of important universal themes such as family
bonds, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. With the author’s thoughtful storytelling, we see moments of both achievement and difficulty, each teaching the readers something valuable about life. It’s structured around sailing adventures, each with its obstacles and discoveries, capturing the author’s journey of adventure and self-discovery, from facing dangerous waters to dealing with personal struggles.
The author’s writing pulls readers into a world where reality and imagination blend as
the waves roll by. One essential part of the memoir tells about the author having a life-threatening heart attack while out at sea. It shows how life can be fragile but also how strong people can be when faced with tough times. In those challenging moments, we see the protagonist stay strong and brave, even when things are uncertain.
In the end, the readers can feel deeply thankful and amazed, like they’ve encountered something extraordinary that’s more than just reading. In My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea, the different experiences shown aren’t just about one person’s life; they show how strong people can be when things get tough. Additionally, this memoir is also beautifully illustrated with personal photographs that capture the essence of Dr. Epner's journey. These visual elements complement the narrative, bringing to life the places he visited and the experiences he shares.
My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea isn’t just about sailing; it’s about the courage to chase your dreams and the strength to overcome obstacles. With each adventure, the author shows us that no matter how stormy life gets, there’s always a way forward. Ronald Epner, MD, offers a heartfelt and inspiring account of his sailing journey, encouraging readers to pursue their own dreams with passion and perseverance. Whether you are a sailing enthusiast, a medical professional, or simply someone looking for an inspiring read, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom and adventure.
Kirkus
Epner recounts living out his dream of sailing around the world in this debut memoir.
At the age of 42, the author writes, he “had accomplished virtually everything [he] had set out to do.” By this point in his life, he had graduated from Cornell University Medical College, worked as a chemical engineer, lived for a while in Mexico, founded a successful orthopedic practice, and lived in “a big house with expensive cars in the garage.” Yet, he recalls, he “didn’t feel joyful or complete.” After a bit of soul searching, including completing a vision quest at a Native American reservation in the Southwestern U.S., Epner decided to pause his lucrative career to spend time with his children and then-wife and to return to the passion of his childhood: sailing. A sailor, navigator, and racer, Epner’s father had often invited the author aboard sailboats and yachts throughout his childhood in the 1950s and ’60s (at age 14, Epner had even saved enough money to buy his own sloop). The bulk of the memoir is divided geographically, charting the author’s subsequent decades spent at sea with entire chapters devoted to specific destinations (from the Caribbean and South America to New Zealand, Fiji, and Southeast Asia). Interspersed throughout the technical commentary on the logistics of sailing and travelogue observations of places encountered are reflective passages conveying Epner’s personal insights into his childhood, his eclectic brand of spirituality, and his quest for purpose. Readers are given intimate details of the dissolution of his first marriage and the fostering of a new romantic relationship and follow his children as they grow into adulthood with families of their own. There are harrowing moments along the way, most notably a heart attack suffered by Epner while hundreds of miles from land. The book balances detailed knowledge of sailing (which will appeal to fellow mariners) with an accessible, vulnerable writing style. The text includes a lengthy glossary of nautical terminology for neophytes and is accompanied by an ample assortment of photographs.
A thoughtful chronicle of an adventurous life at sea.
Forward Reviews
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Ronald Epner’s inspiring memoir My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea is about sailing trips throughout his life.
The son of a sailing hobbyist, Epner took to the waters at a young age. Following his mother’s encouragements to accomplish whatever he set his mind to, Epner raised money for his first boat when he was twelve. Later, he became a surgeon. After attending life coaching seminars, he decided to prioritize his family over work, taking time off to sail to the Caribbean with his wife and daughters. He became a “blue water cruiser” in his retirement, sailing across the Pacific with a new partner, Nancy, and becoming a master of the sea.
Focused on themes of self-transformation, the book’s early stories center Epner’s determination to buy a boat and attend medical school in spite of admission rejections. His grit paid off in his thriving career and devoted family. But feelings of numbness to joy also pervade the book early on. It moves toward a midlife mindset switch from sheer willpower toward “setting an intention,” the latter of which becomes like a mantra from the halfway point forward. The prose also smooths out in time with this transition, its willful tone giving way to a calmer, more instructive narrative voice.
Indeed, great attention is devoted to sailing culture and trade in the book’s second half, which also pays more attention to the places Epner visited from his boat. There are bits of history related to the Caribbean and Polynesian islands he stopped at and observations of their residents. These details vivify the text, as with a story about passing through the Panama Canal and the time and ardor that passage takes. Black-and-white photographs further illuminate the intricacies of the canal operation; some capture beautiful sites, tourist attractions, sunsets, and street life too.
But Epner’s singular voice is also diluted in the book’s second half, with Nancy’s blog posts included to offer additional perspective. The introduction of her voice is at odds with the book’s general tendency to place her relationship with Epner, and Epner’s family relationships, in its background. Still, her contributions are colloquial and lively, contrasting with the otherwise mechanical language that’s devoted to fix-it projects and the long process of preparing a boat for sale. The book’s anecdotes about and gratitude for other cruisers met along the way are more personable.
The sailing memoir My Life’s Dream Took Me to Sea is about pursuing passions across a lifetime.
Bookmark Alliance
"My Life's Dream Took Me To Sea" by Ronald Epner MD is a captivating and enriching narrative that transcends the boundaries of a typical sailing memoir. The book masterfully weaves together the author's personal journey, practical insights, and the universal themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams.
Epner's extensive seventy years of sailing experience serves as a treasure trove for blue-water sailors, providing them with not just technical knowledge but also invaluable life skills. The author's ability to extract profound lessons from his adventures sets this book apart, making it more than just a sailing manual. The narrative becomes a guiding light for those seeking to transform their lives and create fulfilling paths, as Epner's experiences serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.
The book's narrative unfolds as a testament to a life well-lived, replete with challenges, fulfillment, and adventure. The emphasis on life skills, derived from personal experiences, adds depth to the storytelling, making it a relatable and impactful read. The notion that these skills not only enriched the author's life but also acted as a lifeline in critical situations adds a layer of practicality that readers can directly apply to their own lives.
At its core, the book serves as a guide for blue-water sailors, drawing insights from the author's extensive seventy years of sailing experience. Epner shares invaluable lessons and practical tips that go beyond the technical aspects of sailing, delving into the realm of life skills that have the potential to transform the lives of those who choose to embrace them.
For experienced sailors, the book offers a valuable resource for navigating emergencies at sea and maintaining their vessels. The survival strategy for handling a heart attack far from help adds a critical dimension to the book, making it an indispensable guide for those venturing into long-distance sailing.
On the other hand, armchair sailors are treated to a vivid and vicarious experience of long-distance open water passages and the allure of exotic destinations. Epner's descriptive prowess brings these locations to life, offering readers a passport to explore the cultural richness of places like Bora Bora,
Tahiti, and the Tuamotus archipelago. The inclusion of real-time highlights from the author's blog adds a contemporary and engaging layer to the narrative, allowing readers to feel immersed in the journey.
In essence, "My Life's Dream Took Me To Sea" is more than just a sailing memoir; it's a universal exploration of dreams, life skills, and self-discovery. Ronald Epner MD's narrative invites readers to
embark on a journey, whether it be on the open sea or within themselves, and emerge with a renewed perspective on life's possibilities. This book stands as a testament to the transformative power of following one's dreams and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.