Fourteen

A Daughter's Memoir of Adventure, Sailing, and Survival

By: Leslie Johansen Nack

Narrated by: Leslie Johansen Nack

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of five independent book awards: NIEA, Readers' Favorites, Next Generation Indie, Independent Press Award and Beverly Hills Book Awards.

Obsessed with sailing, Leslie Nack's larger-than-life Norwegian father has a dream to live on a sailboat and show his three daughters the world. And although it takes years, in 1975 he finally completes his preparation and sets his sights on French Polynesia. But when they begin their journey, Leslie, who has just turned 14, faces a disturbing reality: her father, who's crossed boundaries in the past, is not to be trusted...and she's trapped with him on a 45-foot sailboat.

Intense and inspiring, Fourteen is a coming-of-age adventure story about a girl who – with the help of the ocean, which alternately serves as her solace and her savior - comes into her own power and finds the strength to fight back against abuse.

©2015 Leslie Johansen Nack (P)2016 Leslie Johansen Nack

One of the Best sea stories out there.

There are a number of top audios that I have in my library,
however, this one ranks among those listed at the top.
The story was well presented, and never a dull moment.
I would say that Leslie is one of the most interesting authors out there,
and this book will continue to be one of the best in my library.

An amazing memoir

This beautifully written memoir of a young girl’s life changing adventure was so well read by the author. I felt as if I was with her and was often moved by the words she used to describe what she experienced and felt. I’m not a sailor but any sailor would probably love listening to this incredible story. I’m happy that the author is a new friend of mine.
Barbara

Great read!

This book was very interesting. I learned a lot about sailing and the islands in the South Pacific.

5 Star Book!

A remarkable story. What a strong and amazing young girl. I didn’t want it to end.

Adventure and Heartache on the High Seas

If you could sum up Fourteen in three words, what would they be?

A sailing adventure about a young girl's struggles with her father...and the sea.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fourteen?

Leslie is an excellent writer and many of her passages pulled me into the story. Here is one that really stood out for me: “The hatch closed, leaving me alone (at the helm) again. The world of stars and ocean took over my heart and soul. The comforting sound of the ocean sloshing against the hull filled my ears as the boat pushed forward.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, although I rarely have that luxury.

High Seas Adventure of a Man and His Three Daughte

Would you listen to Fourteen again? Why?

Do you mean if I had it to do over again would I listen to it? Definitely. If you mean do I want to listen to it again, I'd rather listen to Leslie's next book. Too many good unread books in the world to listen to the same one twice.

What did you like best about this story?

I like Leslie's voice and her willingness to let us in to all sides of the family relationship. She dealt with some very hard issues and I think conveyed well the double-sided nature of her relationship with her father.

What does Leslie Johansen Nack bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think her voice is consistent with the young girl, as conveyed in the book. Granted, she is this young girl, but her adult self. Nonetheless, the reading was believable and effective.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It wasn't possible, but I would have enjoyed listening to it on a long trip in the car. On the other hand, even though I listened to it in 12 or more sessions, there was no problem picking up with the plot session to session.

Any additional comments?

I am anxious to find out what happened to the characters next. Leslie seemed to be such a strong young woman. I can't imagine having a father who was a sexual predator and I am very interested to know what effect this has had on her life since, whether her sisters faced the same problems, and how this very complicated family continued to function. There are really two main plots here--the incredible adventures of the journey coupled with the complexity and narcissistic personality of the dominant father. I know she is writing her next book. I'll be here with an ear cocked!!! I really enjoyed this book and plaudits to Leslie for both the telling and reading of the tale. Good job.

A wonderful story

I had my doubts about this book but turned out to be a great story.

Compelling

What’s it like to sail across the Pacific with someone you despise, love, and fear all at the same time? Coming of age story full of the wonderment and confusion of being a teen.

A good read about an awful topic.

I read this straight through in a couple of days. It's an engrossing Tale from the perspective of a young girl dealing with enormous emotional and physical assault. While not the adventure story I was expecting I could not put this book down.

Moving story, sometimes happy and sometimes sad

I enjoyed this book a bit more than I thought I would. It was deeper and not quite what i expected but I enjoyed it just the same. It made me angry hearing about the abuse and the authoritarian way her father treated them. That made me think about how I behave with my own children. I enjoyed the sailing bits and would recommend the book overall.