Sailing Grace by John Otterbacher (Samadhi Press) is the story of former Michigan legislator John Otterbacher of Grand Rapids surmounting the challenges of 8 heart surgeries in 8 months. From the Sailing Grace web site (where you can also see a lot of cool photos from the trip):
This true story, narrated with present-tense immediacy, begins with John flat on his back in a local health club, gasping for air. It ends thirty-one months and four thousand miles later when he, Barbara, and their two youngest children maneuver their sailboat, Grace, into Schull Harbor, Ireland. A gritty account of their family’s struggle to do better than simply survive, it is also a commentary on how love heals, dreams energize, and trauma can be a wake-up call. From hospital ward to the stormy Atlantic, this hard-edge story will resonate with anyone who has struggled with profound adversity - be it coronary disease, cancer, or the “heavy weather” that unexpectedly blows through every life.
You can hear a podcast interview with John on the sailing show Furled Sails and learn more about the Otterbachers and their travels at their web site.
The Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan's diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. You can click to view more Notable Books featured on Absolute Michigan and learn more about the program at www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.
One Comment
Most inspirational! I met John @ a boat show on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, IN late September. He filled my heart with good things. Beautiful man. I hope he and his family are doing very well and I hope to meet him again!
Good sails John, you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers!
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Lisa Brattain
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