First You Have to Row a Little Boat

Reflections on Life & Living

By: Richard Bode, Jeffrey Zaslow

Narrated by: Dan Woren

First You Have to Row a Little Boat first hit shelves in the mid 1990s and has been inspiring readers ever since. Written by a grown man looking back on his childhood, it reflects on what learning to sail taught him about life: making choices, adapting to change, and becoming his own person. Available for the first time as an audiobook, it is filled with the spiritual wisdom and thought-provoking discoveries that marked such books as Walden, The Prophet, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Includes a foreword from New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Zaslow.

©1993 Richard Bode (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"What a wonderful book it is! Pure Joy." (Walter Cronkite)

"Such an imaginative way to compare our sport of sailing to life. I really enjoyed how Richard shares his experience of sailing and how subconsciously it was preparing him for growth. Keeping life simple and appreciating the little things rather than getting caught up in the race or the idea of the adventure is an aspect of life that is easily forgotten these days." (Anna Tunnicliffe, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in Sailing)

"Bode uses his great love of sailing as a metaphor for the tides of life.... Determinedly inspirational, this book will appeal to admirers of Robert Fulghum." ( Publisher's Weekly)

Awesome

Loved it, just get the book. In my wish list a long time, Should of got long time ago. This is one book that I'll listen to again and again.

amazing

great book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .
. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Good book about life with a sailing twist.

I enjoyed this book. The narrator does a great job too. Makes me think of how fast my children are growing up while getting me psyched about future sailing endeavors.

Great book

Insightful and thought provoking. Like a guide book for aging and living, would recommend it to sailors and non sailors alike. Everyone can glean wisdom from this book.

Always Remembered

I have read this book at least twice over the past few years. While on a beach vacation, I decided I would listen to it this time around. The stories seemed to come even more to life through the listening. The stories and insightful life points were and will always be remembered by me. The author knows how to bring the reader/listener in and makes applicable life lessons out of the story told. Or perhaps he just reveals what is already there. This is at least 3 times for me to know this book and it will not be the last. What a blessing Mr. Bode shared with the world. I am forever grateful.

Timeless

As a small boat sailor - this was a must read. Took me 30 yrs to get round to it. Glad I read it. Thanks Rosemary

Just beautiful

This book resonated with me to my core. Beautifully written, a little wistful, but nevertheless uplifting and life affirming. It has resurrected a lot of wonderful memories within me. For anyone who grew up with boats, this book is a gem.