Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them

I couldn't put this book down. I was especially moved by Jean's account of the events. As a mother myself, I understand the inherent need to keep your kids safe. What an adventure this family took and it almost took everything from them. John and Jean were well prepared and had researched everything from route logistics to safety on the island--who knew you couldn't trust a taxi driver in Panama? If you are into sailing there's plenty of technical stuff to keep you on your toes, even if you're not, you still get the gist of the full power of the sea. Their story of survival is incredible. The bravery of Amelia and Ben especially stand out. The experiences they shared as a family will forever change them and bond them together too. They were able to work through so many obstacles--boat repairs, alcoholism, pirates, sea sickness, family drama, broken arm. Just an amazing read. Highly recommended.

Extremely interesting to anyone who has ever gone down to the sea in ships. An authentic and chilling review of what can go wrong and things that probably will go wrong. The modern equipment may not save your ship
but it may save your life (and limb?.) Would a regular single hull have
reacted differently?

A page turner! An amazing story of a seemingly grounded family who ran aground (& then some!), finding their footing in spite of it. A story of risk-taking, persevering & resiliency. "Black Wave" not only represents the literal wave that hides what lurks beneath the surface, but also reflects the dynamics that lurk beneath a family's polished exterior.

Honest, compelling account -- interweaving 2 years aboard while returning to the scene of their ultimate crisis, where their journey challenges their very lives.

Don't let the esoteric jargon dissuade you from reading what is a much bigger story. There are incredible, articulate descriptions of people, landscapes, seascapes, and the beauty of sailing, which makes you feel like you're along for the ride. The photos add to the visual descriptions. It is a growing lesson, finding balance, maintaining sanity in close quarters. Jean Silverwood's honest assessment of their joys & struggles is refreshing and very real. Not glossing over the speed bumps that make us human -- and not even providing (or having) all the answers. Some really great humor adds levity to some tense situations.

This is a story of a family that grew stronger through each crisis (there were several) even when it seemed darkest. It gives you a healthy respect for the sea, and yet yearn to sail on it. Their conviction in each other & their faith is inspiring. So is Jean & John's palpable pride in their children.

[4 Star Rating as the 2nd half of the book got bogged down in John's need to parallel a historical shipwreck to this family's plight. Altho' educational, it became overlong and avoided the emotional experience that we're so privy to by Jean's account in the first half of the book. But it's quick enough to skim through.]

An amazing story of survival and all the people who were there in the nick of time to help this family. Not the best writer in the world, but he did a good job telling his story and bringing it to life with pictures.

I loved this book, even though there were parts that seemed a little repetitive. There were really two different stories going on, the physical one about the boat trip and what happened off Tahiti, and the parallel story of an American suburban family, a family that had a lot going for them, but real problems as well. The family tensions seemed very appropriate and understandable, and being a mom I appreciated Jean's concerns and the stress she was feeling. I've been on a 40 ft boat for 10 days with 4 people, and couldn't wait to get off at the end. I also understood John's adventurous spirit, and loved the boating descriptions, having owned a 25 ft sailboat for many years. There is nothing like the free feeling of sailing on the open ocean. I found the Julia Ann story interesting, but the best part was the first part that Jean wrote. It was extremely compelling, with the narrative about the trip weaving back and forth through the details of the accident. The kids were both real, and real heroes. What an amazing story, and it was all true!