Review of Starboard Eight

[Joyce Nwaogazie]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Starboard Eight" by Brian Casey.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Starboard Eight is a book in the historical fiction genre by Brian Casey. The protagonist in the narrative always thought his father hated him because of the decisions he sometimes made towards him. But his mindset changed after his time at the floating school known as Blue Water School.

Jesse grew up in Northeast Arkansas on his family's farm. He always indulged in dangerous plays that left his mom, Mary, crying and his father, WC, enraged. One of them was when he stayed outside during a storm wave, which left his family looking for him. When he returned home, he found everyone distraught. WC took him to the barn and flogged him very well. After a brawl with a kid at school, he was expelled from school. Mary had to tell him about the Nordic blood, Warrior blood, and the family cause that made WC the way he was. Jesse then became determined within himself not to end up like his father. However, he didn't stop his wild activities, some of which were not within his control. This made his father send him to Blue Water School so he wouldn't become a damaged person. Unknown to him, the school would usher him into a life utterly different from everything he'd ever known.

The book was well-written without any jumbled parts. I loved the bond Jesse shared with his dog Rip and the way he cared so much for him. It evoked a sweet emotion in me. The author's writing style was simple and creative. He had a thorough mastery of words, and the way he weaved the sentences together gave the narrative a smooth flow. The storyline was interesting. I loved the vivid descriptions of WC's farm and Jesse's wild adventures. It felt so real and like I was with him through the experience. I could relate to his childhood explorations because I did almost the same thing.

I admired the backtrack Jesse made while in school. I was enamoured that a time would come in his life when he would take criticism without fighting back angrily at the person who opened up to him. I welcomed this development.

I liked the character, John Gold. Despite his bullying nature, he still had a favourable attribute. On the ship, he had navigational mastery. He was able to evaluate wind speed, the speed and direction of the current, the course and speed of the vessel, the distance to be travelled, and the time of arrival, all in his head with only a simple look at the data needed to calculate all of this information.

I'm glad to rate Starboard Eight four out of four stars because it was well-written. Also, my interest was retained throughout the reading. I remarked on only two errors, and as such, it was professionally edited.

I recommend this book to readers motivated by well-written stories of individuals' intentional efforts to overcome their flaws to become better people. The book had themes about life as a sailor. So if you like such books, this would appeal to you.

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Starboard Eight
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[Anna Allen]

I too loved this story and felt like I was onboard the ship with Jesse and his shipmates! The author did a really nice job of helping you envision what the experience looked and felt like.