Book info

• Title Taking on the World
• Author Ellen MacArthur
• Year 2002
• Genre Memoir

When Ellen finished the Vendee Globe, yachting's toughest race aged just 24 the nation took her to it's heart. The depth of the affection for Ellen is extraordinary - she makes people feel like they can do anything! This is her story, written intrue Ellen style, in her own words, without the help of a ghost writer. Passionate, dramatic and and deeply affecting, her story will move and inspire all who read it.

Thoughts

I know very little about sailing but I’ve heard of Ellen MacArthur and reading about her early career was fascinating. I couldn’t believe how much hardship Ellen went through to get where she wanted to go - no money, often homeless or sleeping in cars, saving every penny on boats, and doing anything possible to reach a goal. I wish I had that kind of desire for something! And then when the sailing and races start taking off, it’s fascinating to understand that mix of desire to be out there alone but also to revel in the joy of working as a team. Fascinating read and very well written.

Rating: 4 / 5