The Boy Behind the Gate

How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love

By: Larry Jacobson

Narrated by: Larry Jacobson

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Larry had dreamed of sailing around the world ever since he first stepped foot into a sailboat at the age of 13. He held onto that dream for 30 years, until one day he realized that "it's now or never". He left his corporate job, trading his comfortable executive life for adventure.

Award-winning author Larry Jacobson brings you aboard JULIA as he embarks on a six year odyssey at sea after leaving everything behind to make his lifelong dream a reality. He and his crew dodged pirates in the Gulf of Aden, battled 30-foot seas and 60-knot winds in the Red Sea, were chased by Komodo dragons in Indonesia, had multiple equipment breakdowns, nearly lost their mast in the Coral Sea, and pushed the envelope with Larry nearly losing his life scuba diving.

A true story memoir packed with lessons from the ocean that served as a teacher of seamanship, personal strength, growth, leadership, and perseverance, while Larry and his crew discovered themselves, and the world. You'll sail 44,000 nautical miles and live the ups and downs of this incredible adventure.

This is not just the story of fulfilling a lifelong passion. It is also a story of absorbing wisdom from the sea, and from the people they met along the way. And it's a deep dive into Larry's thinking as you experience the changes that took place in him, recounted in his very personal journals. Step aboard and share the life lessons earned on the voyage as you sail around the world from the comfort of your home.

This audiobook is life-changing. If you are wondering whether you should start living your dreams, this audiobook will confirm you should. We are each given one great opportunity in life. What are you going to do with yours?

©2011 Larry Jacobson (P)2012 Larry Jacobson

Great Story!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This book will inspire you to follow your dreams. It's a very open and relatable story! I have listened to this book multiple times and I will continue to love it each time

Along for the Ride

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and wanted the adventure to continue. I felt I was truly along for the ride, which was FUN and scary at times. The people and places were so colorfully described that again, I was along for the ride, and felt a part of their experiences.

Larry takes us through his decision to make his dream come true with honesty. He proves that with perseverance and determination, anyone can overcome their fear of failure, danger, or the unknown and reach out for whatever it might be that we dream of doing or becoming.

I was inspired by Larry's journey...from decision to execution!

Grit and Grace

Would you consider the audio edition of The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love to be better than the print version?

First of all, Larry is a wonderful speaker and it is no surprise to me that he is so well received.
I felt fortunate that I had heard Larry's musical, happy voice as I read the hardbound copy of The Boy Behind the Gate. It made "my" journey around the world all the more real. I am so glad that his is the voice in this recording!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Although I do very much enjoy Larry as a character, I will have to say that the ocean had the most dramatic role and I have to applaud Ken for his moxie.

Which character – as performed by Larry Jacobson – was your favorite?

This may not actually be a straightforward answer to the question but whenever Larry speaks of his mom, wow - the love - what a genuine man!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Larry has a great sense of humor and his sensitivity toward others is evident. This book evokes laughter and tears, frustration and joy and wonder.

Any additional comments?

Larry Jacobson continues to share his dream. I enjoy his voice and his enthusiasm as I listen to him tell his story of grit and grace.

A different approach.

instead of go small, go simple. This adventuresome couple went large and complicated. This is a great adventure story about self-discovery and growth. Seeing exciting new places and completing a personal goal. on the other hand it's also a story about learning how to be a mechanic in exciting new places. I greatly enjoyed this book.

Live your dream!

What made the experience of listening to The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love the most enjoyable?

Realizing that a middle age man can follow his dreams.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Larry

Any additional comments?

An excellent choice for any adventurer

Amazingly honest account of circumnavigation.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this honest account of Larry & Ken's circumnavigation. I loved not only the magical moments sailing dreams are made of but also the detailed accounts of foul weather and a barrage of maintenance issues.

That Larry and Ken are gay lovers lends a very unique perspective to the story. Larry narrates to us with humour and a very genuine sense of openness.

Sail around the world with your life coach!

There’s that feeling of freedom you get, being on the open road, but did you ever consider the feeling of the open sea? As a sailor’s daughter, I had my chance, and so can you, by going on a journey around the world with Captain Larry and his crew. You might be surprised where it takes you.

You don’t need to be a sailor to appreciate this tale. When you think about the biggest dream you’ve ever had in your life, and what it took to achieve it, or if you’re wondering whether or not you have the courage to go for it, this book is for you. Larry will be your guide all along the way, cheering you on, and giving you pointers.

I have the good fortune to know Larry professionally, and his book was on my list. Thankfully, I just found out that it’s on Audible, read by Larry himself! I have to say, it’s a very enjoyable read when you listen to it. Much of the story is told in “Captain’s Log” style, as he kept a journal on the entire 6 year journey. YES, it took 6 years, amazing, right? I guess going in I thought it was going to be more about the sights and the navigation and filled with sailing lingo, but it was so much more. Sometimes it’s very matter of fact, and, at other times, filled with emotion. That balance was just right, too. I was incredibly curious and often astounded by the mechanical breakdowns, and how to buy food and get through customs and properly bribe officials! I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of both pristine beaches and roiling three story high seas. My heart was often racing right along!

The emotional center of the book was about relationships, something I never considered, as I always pictured Larry making this journey by himself, and how lonely that might be. Turns out, he needed all kinds of help and had lots of different crew along the way. Many friendships were forged through good times and bad. There were wonderful celebrations, some tough arguments, and a few very hairy situations. Larry was going through a very personal journey along the way, too, letting go of an old love, navigating a new love. Most importantly, Larry was on a deepening his relationship with self, and he often passed along his lessons learned directly to the reader, just like he’s your personal life coach.

If you enjoy motivational speakers, if you read books about personal development, this is great choice. I would liken it to books by the great Andy Andrews, who uses story and parable to make his point to the reader. Larry, like Andy Andrews, is a gifted motivational speaker and author. Larry, also like Andy, knows how to sprinkle in humor effectively, and it is most welcome when things are going wrong, showcasing his resilient spirit. Storytelling is the most effective way to impact the reader, so I would choose this over a dry “how to” leadership book any day of the week.

The Boy Behind The Gate is a story we can all relate to. Perhaps you have a big bold, audacious wish that you’ve held inside for years, decades. But, maybe, just maybe, this true story will remind you that it still is possible to fulfill your dreams, or that it’s not too late to come up with a new dream. It may not be easy, and it might take longer than you thought, and, most certainly, you won’t have to go it alone.

Optimistic, Realistic, Fantastic.....

Where does The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

At the top! Definitely one of the best.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love?

When Ken decides to stay ;.)

Which scene was your favorite?

Do I have to list just one?! I love all of the open-water swimming scenes..

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I hope Larry decided to write more books! Larry is an inspiration.

Open, Honest and Incredibly Inspiring

Where does The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far one of my favorite audio books as well as one of my favorite sailing books. The author does an amazing job of inspiring all of us to stop dreaming and start living.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love?

I had to laugh at the maintenance stories... cruising really is working on your boat in new and exotic places.

The transit of the Persian Gulf was pretty amazing... I found myself feeling growing anxiety along with Captain and crew as they prepared for their departure.

What about Larry Jacobson’s performance did you like?

It's clear that the author is a sailor's sailor... well prepared and confident. That comes through in this performance. I'm looking forward to his next book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book was a kick in the pants - get up and get moving. The time is short.

Tremendous adventure

Where does The Boy Behind the Gate: How His Dream of Sailing Around the World Became a Six-Year Odyssey of Adventure, Fear, Discovery and Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best books I have read - a true coffee-table and bedside item! If Larry could do it, so could you!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Julia, Larry's mom

Have you listened to any of Larry Jacobson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have seen him as a live speaker - inspiring!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both

Any additional comments?

Buy this book today - it could change your life!