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Sailing with Impunity

Impunity-Front-Cover For WebMary E. Trimble’s newest book, Sailing with Impunity, is another first-rate account of her travels. In her book, Tubob: Two Years in West Africa with the Peace Corps, Mary shares her experiences with Bruce, her newly married husband, in a third-world country.

Mary’s second non-fiction book, Sailing with Impunity takes its readers on a 13,000-mile adventure in the Pacific Ocean from Washington State to the South Pacific Islands.

I’m not sure about you, but I have absolutely no desire to sail anywhere. Anytime. I love water and was raised on water skies and sandy beaches of fresh, calm waters. But sailing. Seasickness. Isolation for almost two years. No thank you, ma’am. I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but knowing Mary as I do with her distinct voice and ability to transport her life experiences into our hearts, I knew the story would be exceptional.

I felt the roll of each wave, saw the brilliant stars in an endless sky, cowered below deck during the cyclone in Samoa. Yet I was tucked away under the covers as I read each night, anxious to see the brilliant colors of tropical flowers, taste salt water fish, rock while cooking in the pressure cooker, clinging to the counter, and listen to the voices drifting over the ham radio. I felt her panic when Bruce was thrown overboard at 2:00 p.m. during a squall.

Can you imagine the preparation for a voyage like this? Just the thought of it all is overwhelming. Mary tells us how they managed, showing such a high-level skill in organization. How can I go on without telling you everything? I can’t spoil the adventure. It wouldn’t be fair.

But I will share one excerpt with you, a life lesson in faith and encouragement:

The Coast Guardsman asked if we considered ourselves in danger “Yes! Yes!” I mentally answered, but Bruce’s calm voice said, “No, we’re okay. We just wanted to check in.”

I climbed back into the V-berth and Bruce joined me and held me close. I was comforted by his strong arms around me. “Are you worried?”

Bruce shook his head. “Not really. This sounds worse that it is. The boat’s doing fine. I just want to be close to you. It’s fine, Mary. The boat can take it and so can we.”

I still have no idea what port or stern or dodger or hawsepipe mean, although I can look them up in the book’s glossary. The nice thing is, I don’t need to know them in order to sail with Mary and Bruce. I don’t need to travel to the South Pacific Islands. You see I’ve already been there. With the Trimbles. I urge you to come along for the voyage of your life.

For more information: Mary E. Trimble  Mary0010 crop

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12 Comments

  1. Excellent review. My experience at sea is on a cruise ship, which is not the same thing.

    1. carmenpeone says:

      I bet not, Brenda. Great thought.

  2. Carmen, This is an insightful review of Mary and Bruce’s great adventure but also of your distinctive reaction to it. I, too, fear “big water” but look forward to reading Mary’s book for she is a wondrous writer.
    Thank you, Arletta

    1. carmenpeone says:

      Arletta, thank you for your kind words! I have full confidence you will love it!

  3. What a great review for an excellent book! I’m absolutely not a sailor, but I’m thankful to have experienced that trip through this book.

    1. carmenpeone says:

      Natalie, I agree! Mary’s descriptions make the pages jump out at me. Great story!

  4. Alice Trego says:

    Nice review of Mary’s book, Carmen. I like the way you have instilled your thoughts and emotions throughout the review, yet praising Mary and Bruce for their courage in undertaking their two-year journey. Sailing With Impunity is on my bookshelf, waiting for me to dive in!

    1. carmenpeone says:

      Alice, when you dive in you’ll be refreshed for sure!

    1. carmenpeone says:

      Kelly, I think you will love it!

  5. Enticing review, thank you. Now I need to read the book– while cozy on a couch, not in a boat

    1. carmenpeone says:

      Nancy, you will love this book. Each page held my attention, especially knowing it is a true account.