Across Islands and Oceans

A Journey Alone Around the World By Sail and By Foot

By: James Baldwin

Narrated by: Spencer King

Across Islands and Oceans is the memoir of 25 year-old James Baldwin and his epic two-year, solo circumnavigation in Atom, his trusty but aging 28-foot sailboat.

Early on and "as broke as [he] dared to be", James determined not only to sail around the world, but also to hike across every island that he visits. His inland forays are unique in the literature of circumnavigators as he finds danger, humor, friendship, and romance in places most sailors will never visit. James' story unfolds in his earnest exploration of distant lands and seas, his meditations on the people whose lives he touched, and his greater voyage to explore his own private ocean of solitude.

His adventure is not merely an attempt to seek thrills, nor even to tempt death, but rather a voyage of discovery as he set out in the direction of his youthful dreams to meet the life he imagined.

"Go seek what you will, where you will, but be a seeker all of your life." (James Baldwin)

©2012 James Baldwin (P)2017 James Baldwin

Exceptional story!

This was a phenomenal book! I would highly recommend this book to anybody that is interested in sailing. He shares his adventures on the high seas and in remote parts of the world in ways that leave the reader captivated. A must read!

I’ve fallen in love with Baldwin’s style.

The spiritual aspects can become incessant but his descriptions of people and places are second to none. I feel like I’ve been to some of these islands in the South Pacific. I read his second book first and now I’m just waiting for my next credit to pick up the third.

The narrator struggles with a few terms, but he gets you there.

Amazing Adventures

First, I must say that one of the reviewers had given a misleading review - he claimed that James Baldwin was a black man and complained that the narrator was a white man. This is not true - I think the reviewer had mixed up the author with another James Baldwin who was also a writer, playwright and activist. This caused a little confusion to me as I listened to the story picturing young James as a black person exploring various islands inhabited by colored people. I did not realize until half way through the story that James is white! This is actually important as I had to reimagine what it would be like for a white person to befriend the locals on his many exciting and challenging adventures.

Second, I am awestruck at this story and the courage and bravery of a 25 year old to go on this journey of spirit and discovery of nature and humanity. I didn't want the journey to end and now I am looking forward to listening to Jame's other books. The writing is a great mix of humor, education, and poetry. It is also an excellent resource for anyone contemplating long passages at sea.

Excellent Read

I loved the story narrative of not finding the path in life attractive where you slog away in a boring and dreadful job for moments of joy only found on some packaged vacation. The best part and always so true is travel around the world is not just for rich people but frugal people with courage and a sense of adventure combined with a savvy interest in many things equals an interesting life worth reading about. Well done!

A true sailor' s quest

As a young man, this is something I always dreamed of doing. Now, I have sailed vicariously freely around the world. Thank you James Baldwin for this wonderful adventure as your first officer!!