Tightwads on the Loose

A Seven Year Pacific Odyssey

By: Wendy Hinman

Narrated by: Robin Karno

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Everyone dreams of tropical escape. But what happens when you escape for too long? 

Imagine spending 24 hours a day with your spouse in 31 not-so-square feet for years, crossing the Pacific Ocean on two gallons of fuel, and tossing spaghetti marinara around your living room then cleaning it up while bouncing like ice in a martini shaker. 

Tightwads on the Loose tells the story of Wendy and Garth, lured to sea by the promise of adventure. They buy a 31-foot boat that fits their budget better than it fits Garth's large frame and set sail on an open-ended voyage, never imagining they'd be gone seven years or cover 34,000 miles at the pace of a fast walk. They live without most “necessities” and learn that teamwork and a sense of humor matter most as they face endless "character-building opportunities." 

They make a long-anticipated visit to the island where Garth had been shipwrecked as a teenager, only to find it had become a penal colony. An electronic catastrophe in the Solomon Islands leaves them without navigation equipment, which forces them to trade their free-wheeling lifestyle for one that seems straight out of a '60s sitcom: jobs at a US Army base in the Marshall Islands. 

In Asia, they dodge typhoons and ships that threaten to turn their home into kindling. Finally, they endure a grueling 49-day nonstop ocean crossing. None of this prepares them for their arrival "home" to a post-9/11 America which leaves them wondering what had changed more - them or the world. 

Tightwads on the Loose offers a fun listen to the armchair adventurer or anyone afflicted with wanderlust.

©2012, 2013 Wendy E. Hinman (P)2019 Wendy E. Hinman

These are the Voyages ...

In her first book, Tightwads on the Loose, author Wendy Hinman tells us the story of an amazingly funny journey that she embarked on with her husband without any of them knowing that it will result in a Seven Year Pacific Odyssey. Tightwads on the Loose is extremely amusing, written brilliantly with a sense of humor and from the author's heart, with inspired chapter names that will give a hint of things to come. After the necessary introductions are made, the listener is pulled into an adventure that will take him to exotic locations, vividly described with color and insight. I don't want to give away any of the story as I hate spoilers, but I'll say that I enjoyed Wendy and Garth's adventures tremendously, cheering them on forward, feeling their pain and understanding their confusion when they heard on the radio about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center... From the first time they cast off, to the moment they return to the United States in a post-9/11 World, the events in Tightwads on the Loose are worthy of a travel TV Series. I can't think of a better actor than Robin Karno who could have brought this story and characters to life. She reads with eagerness, passion and comedic talent, infusing every moment with emotions and a sense of urgency. She is perfect for Tightwads on the Loose as she is blessed to be able to reach a large range of voices and accents. This way, the listener is completely immersed into this thrilling adventure. Tightwads on the Loose is a perfect opportunity for those looking for a good book that blends travel with adventure to learn about distant parts of the World and about how a couple's love for the sea transformed into the journey of their lifetime. If you are still staying inside to protect yourself and your family, Tightwads on the Loose will compress seven years of adventure on the high seas into 12 hours of entertainment. I hope to see Wendy's second book released in audiobook format as soon as possible. If you liked this review please vote Helpful below and find more of them here and on theAudiobookBlog. I also post honest reviews at the author, narrator, or publisher's request, you can get in touch with me for more details. Thank you & stay safe, Victor