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From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Many people, at some time in their lives, dream of sloughing the day-to-day and traveling the world; Erik Orton and Emily Orton actually went for it, not letting the fact of five children or a lack of wealth stop them. Pulling up stakes required years of planning, so Erik honed his sailing while Emily learned how to homeschool their children, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. Scrimping, saving, and creative financing finally allowed them to purchase a boat. When they finally shove off on their new catamaran, Erik establishes a timetable. Fate, however, has other plans, and they spend the next three-plus months sidelined with a broken motor while they wait for workers to diagnose and fix the problem. They meet two other families, picking up valuable tips and enjoying friendship while they wait for their adventure to begin. The book is distilled from journals Erik and Emily kept during their trip, which give honest accounts of their difficulties and triumphs. Readers looking for a vicarious sailing experience should try this.--Joan Curbow Copyright 2010 Booklist