Official Review: Salt Water and Spear Tips

[Beatus]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Salt Water and Spear Tips" by Thor F. Jensen.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Salt Water and Spear Tips is Thor F. Jensen’s account of one of the most challenging seafaring adventures around the island of New Guinea. Thor started the expedition to set a world record by sailing 6,300 kilometers around the island using a traditional canoe. When I picked up this book, I didn’t know that it’ll keep me awake at night. The author did not disappoint. It reminded me of Papillon by Henri Charrière.

The book opened with a near-miss disaster before the expedition even begun. The canoe, "Tawali Pasana," nearly sank because Thor rested his foot upon the outrigger. And this was only hours before take-off. With a shoestring budget, an iron will, and help from a few friends and crew, the expedition got underway. It involved pirates, active volcanoes, crocodiles, tsunamis, and the fear of the unknown. Thor and his fellow sailors, who famously became known as the fellowship of the Tawali Pasana, embarked on what was to shape and test their wills in ways they never expected.

The book is brilliant in every aspect. I encountered only a single error. Structured and arranged for adventurous readers and wanderlust souls like me. An elegant writing style with a gentle flow gave the story character and depth. I drank from the Guineans’ rich culture, their songs, dishes, and even legends. Thor, locally known and the "dim dim" (white man), didn’t know if the expedition would ever occur. In fact, he didn’t even know if he will return home alive or dead. When I started reading this book, I thought, “How stupid could this man be?” But in the end, I was exhilarated, probably more than the crew.

I have nothing to complain about this book as I loved everything about it. I found no foul language or religious propaganda. Therefore, I recommend it to anyone in love with adventure. It was a great idea to document the expedition and make this book. I believe it will be an inspiration to generations of adventurers around the world. In fact, the author has inspired me to do something. Maybe not record-level adventure, but something daring that will bring out the essence of my being.

I believe a professional editor edited this book. It is superb. Apart from the single typo I found, the errors in the Guineans’ conversations were intended to give the story personality. And it worked out great. So, all things considered, I rate Salt Water and Spear Tips by Thor F. Jensen 4 out of 4 stars.

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Salt Water and Spear Tips
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[Fabulous mind]

This seems like an adventurous novel. I love reading about encounters with pirates and this book seems to have a bit of it. It will surely make a great read. Great review.

[Awesomeliker]

The story is unique and interesting! Thanks for the amazing review!

[Mtibza eM]

I am glad that it was professionally edited and that you enjoyed it, I should definitely check it out. Thank you for the review.

[Faithy_Goody_Star]

This book seems like one that will keep readers on the edge. The experiences of the author must be an enjoyable read

[Yvonne Monique]

Your review is very interesting, and the book probably even more! I love real life stories.

[Eutoc]

I appreciate adventurous books especially when they take the reader through different places that only the mind can imagine.

[Usama swati]

I would love to read more like that its interesting its educational. And the fact and figures are mostly correct. Thats a masterpiece

[Anna Bookowski]

This sounds so interesting! Mostly because it's true! I consider myself a coward and more of a hobbit lifestyle person so I really do admire people who go for it. You can tell the man is brave - even his name says it all, haha! I'll definietely add it to my "to read shelf" and grab it when I feel like an adventure. And also, thank you for the good review.

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your review. It's quite interesting to read about a sea adventure, which covers 3,400 nautical miles, around the island of New Guinea, with only a traditional canoe.

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

This sounds like a great story of adventure. The expedition was very brave and their encounters sounds awesome and terrifying. Thanks for a great review.

[Aan Granados]

Your review makes me want to read this. This sounds exciting, especially for adventurous people. Thanks for your review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

It sounds like an adventure book that's full of close calls and near-disasters. To travel that distance in a canoe would be an arduous task, and it sounds like the author has provided readers with excellent descriptions. I will have to add this one to my list. Thanks for the informative review.

[Bertha Jackson]

My initial reaction matched yours. How foolish it is to travel so far in a canoe? I am glad everything works out for the adventurers. Thank you for your review.

[Fasmin]

A non-fiction book about adventures the likes of which I've only read of in fiction?! I would love to check this out. And the fact that this book encouraged you to try something adventurous as well encourages me to do so even more.