I know–I said I would be gone until November 30th but this is a surprise birthday gift to my good efriend, Liesbet Collaert. Today is her birthday as well as the launch of her debut novel, Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary, the #1 New Release in Sailing (Woot!):
Tropical waters turn tumultuous in this travel memoir, as a free-spirited woman jumps headfirst into a sailing adventure with a new man and his two dogs.
I had the opportunity for an early read and couldn’t put it down (literally–I finished it in a weekend). It’s fresh, personal, with tons of details on sailing and traveling on a shoestring. Here’s my review:
Liesbet Collaert’s debut memoir, Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary, is one of those books I couldn’t wait to read. Who hasn’t wanted to be a wanderer, go wherever life led them, bravely face new adventures with courage and aplomb, make new friends in dozens of countries, and conquer crises as though it were easy. Me, I think ‘wandering’ is part of man’s DNA. There’s a reason we are the only species that inhabits every corner of the planet. The issue: Most of us think living requires settling down.
Liesbet didn’t–think it or do it.
She is that rare individual not afraid to explore any new country whether she speaks the language or not, no matter that she knows no one who lives there (because she’ll just make new friends). In Plunge!, we see just the sailing part of her nomadic life (in a sailboat and then a catamaran) and mostly in the Americas.
“We trust our lives and future to Irie [her catamaran]. She’s our home, our transportation, our safe haven, our irritation, our support, our biggest curse, and our greatest treasure.”
“We wake up with the sun, work in the morning, and snorkel, walk, or read in the afternoon. Then, we jump in the clear ocean to take a bath; we get wet, wash up with shampoo, and lower ourselves again to rinse off. We use our sun shower for a final freshwater rinse in the cockpit.”
“We rise early in frigid temperatures, take the wheel, test the autopilot, follow day marks and buoys, look at charts, check our depth, observe the chart plotter, and shiver non-stop. We pay attention to the route, take photos, get in line for bridge openings, and stick to a schedule of eight to ten hours on the go.”
Liesbet visits countless countries, discusses their immigration, their maritime laws, their culture of folks who sail fulltime. Liesbet and her friends are likable and interesting, the story unusual, and the settings authentic.
But as much as it is a travel story and an adventure, Plunge is a love story. Liesbet starts with a wonderful man and finds one even better but their shared life is not without problems. Of course there are problems! They live together on a small boat 24/7/365. They face issues on a daily basis most couples wouldn’t in a lifetime. They sail multiple oceans, enter numerous countries, even cross the Equator (where I found out there is little/no wind). If you don’t follow her blog, Roaming About, you’ll want to. There, I found out that she wrote this debut novel (did I say it is #1 in the Amazon category Sailing) on the road, often between Internet services.
To give a sense of the book, I wanted to quote some of my favorite lines. That list got long. I tried to shorten it which proved an exercise in futility:
“Freedom to do what I want, go where I please, and be myself, no matter what, has always been more important to me than security, comfort, routine, and keeping up appearances.”
“Most people follow a distinct path, set by social norms, dictated by society. I become antsy staying in a familiar area for months, following certain habits. It’s too restrictive.”
“…plans are written in sand at low tide.”
“…enjoy this plunge into my less than ordinary thirties.”
“Ever since I chose travel over stuff, at age 17, people have wondered whether I’m rich. I’m not. And I never will be.”
“Anything salty on a boat means trouble in the long run. It will always suck moisture from the air, acquiring a permanent state of dampness.”
See what I mean?
For anyone who’s wanted to take the road less traveled, who wondered what was in the other side of a hill, who is happy with any answer when they flip a coin, this book is for you. I read it because of my lifelong desire to do that. By the time I’d finished, I felt like I had.
More nature-related books
My Latest Non-fiction Winner–Enos Mills
Frozen Crimes by Chrys Fey–A Chilling Adventure
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Man vs. Nature saga, and the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Laws of Nature, Fall 2021. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
Pingback: 10 Ways to Promote Your Book – What Works & What Doesn’t? – Roaming About
Pingback: Chatting with Liesbet about Her #1 Debut Novel – Interview on WordDreams with Jacqui Murray – Roaming About
Pingback: Chatting with Liesbet About Her #1 Debut Novel | WordDreams...
Took on an adventure at age 17 was the most amazing and brave thing that Liesbet has done. It was an incredible journey and memoir, I can tell. A great share of your review, Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I traveled to the Soviet Union when I was 20–with a group but alone. My mother didn’t think I would go so didn’t even warn me to be careful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must have been a incredible experience, Jacqui! Especially back in the day. I visited St. Petersburg, Russia, with my mom on a guided tour a few years ago. Fascinating. But I learned I’d rather travel independently. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My trip was in 1973 so seriously socialist-communist. And it showed! I did visit St. Petersburg, too. Worth the trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably you didn’t give them too much time to think about it before you went. What was Soviet Union like polically when you went? I went to China with my brother before the iron gate was open. It was very different. Propaganda through speakers were everywhere.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brezhnev was the leader–I missed Khrushchev! They were called Communist but actually more socialist. Maybe a mix. I didn’t get the propaganda through speakers but all around me. It was quite interesting for a Western girl.
LikeLike
The time we went, all the people there wore gray and white. They looked at us as if watching something in the circus. When we went back from the US 7 years ago, the cities look like downtown LA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry I missed this comment. I’m jealous you returned! That’s interesting the huge changes. I guess something is working right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries, Jacqui. It happened to me sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We watched a documentary years ago about a young girl sailing solo on a boat around the world. She videotaped her journey and posted it via setelite and had quite a following. She didn’t finish due to some circumstances but had a big cheering in the last country she stopped. I may search to find out how old she was.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a 14-year old Laura Dekker who sailed solo, took the same route her parents did 20 years prior. She took 518 days? I’m going to watch the film by National Geographic later. I thought she didn’t finish.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember Laura Dekker (she’s Dutch) and her journey. It caused a stir in the sailing world. I saw her boat moored in New Zealand at some point after she finished her journey. Would be nice to see the documentary. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for catching the typo, Liebet. It’s hard to type a long comment on the phone. I’ll ask Jacqui to edit it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Miriam! I think my parents still get the chills when they think back about their daughter leaving Belgium for five weeks with a friend, at seventeen, hitchhiking to Italy. Can’t say that was the smartest of ideas. But, that’s a story for another day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine with all the “what ifs.” My nephew when very young, and a few friends were backpackers going through China, Russia, and Europe with little money, stopped and worked their way through the travel. I guess parents don’t worry about boys as much as they do their girls.
You may think about if you would let your daughter (if you have a daughter) do the same. ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good point! I’d like to believe I’m very open-minded and trust in a “trial and error” approach. 🙂 Easier said than done. About a daughter… one of the themes in Plunge, so I won’t give anything away. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t read a lot of memoirs but may need to get a copy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think there’s a bit of wanderlust in all of us and Liesbet taps into that nicely.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy to take you along for the ride, CAV12! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Looking forward to it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jacqui, a wonderful and enticing review! I have seen Liesbet’s book around WP and each time am more intrigued and fascinated by her amazing life! I think perhaps we all dream slightly we had the courage and fortitude to lead such a nomadic life … a book that is quickly climbingmy tbr list!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree–about the dreaming. It’s one of the things scientists think could have led to man spreading throughout the world–that he is instinctively nomadic. I know I’m drawn to it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Annika! Sorry for the late reply here… I’m so glad I have you intrigued with my lifestyle and with “Plunge!” 🙂 As I mentioned before, sometimes the best way to travel is comfortably seated on a couch! Although, most travelers by heart are probably getting sick of that, these days, and prefer the real action once more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve purchased a copy and look forward to reading it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She has led a unique life. I thoroughly enjoyed trailing along behind from the safety of my armchair!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks again, Deb!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome! Hopefully, sales will go well, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review, Jacqui. I lovee th excerpts and the possibilities of a life lived so fully. I will have to pick up a copy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Relying on her wits and creativity. I love visiting her blog. The old adage–“pinch a nickel until the buffalo sh***”–has nothing on Liesbet.
I haven’t seen a buffalo head nickel in a long time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me either;)
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’ll have to explain to me what that expression means or what a buffalo head nickel is, Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot, D.L.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what a sensational review! Congrats again to Liesbet. I agree with your review Jacqui and I’m only halfway through the book. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m definitely an armchair adventurer. In a different life, I could do as she does.
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Deb, and I barely do justice to her book. What a start to a writing career!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ll second that! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a lot, Debby! For reading and commenting here and for reading Plunge! Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
My absolute pleasure! I’m soooooooooooo enjoying it. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you are enjoying your break, Jacqui, and how exciting to see your post and review of Plunge. I’ve met Liesbet and Mark in person when they were house sitting in the exciting town of Rocklin, close to where I live for now. They really live and have lived quite the life. I’ve got the book and hope to get to it soon. Hope you had a joyful Thanksgiving, maybe a peaceful one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is an exceptional memoir. I like ‘the road not taken’ and this certainly qualifies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Liesbet also uses “living a life less ordinary..” just love that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hello Terri! Nice seeing you here. I hope you and Hans (and your daughters) had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. Almost time to leave Sacramento… Exciting? Sad? Bittersweet?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Days away from leaving, Liesbet! All of the above.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wishing you a happy and smooth move, my friend. It will be overwhelming in more than one way. Xox
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy birthday, wonderful lady and eFriend! I hope your special day is as beautiful as mine yesterday. I managed to spend it with a few friends, like Duwan and Greg from Make Like An Apeman, in the Arizona desert. 🙂 And, yours is a very special and big one. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We almost share the day, Liesbet! Far enough from Christmas to not overlap, close enough everyone is in the celebratory spirit. Nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui – Happy Birthday to both you and Liesbet. What an amazing review – sounds an amazing travel adventure … and she’s obviously got a wonderful memoir to tell … and no doubt a fascinating road ahead. Dogs make our lives don’t they … but great reads do too … stay safe both of you – and all the best – Hilary
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Hilary. Their love of dogs–hers and her husband’s–shines in this story. I loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Hilary! Thank you for the wishes. So, you love books and dogs as well. Ah, a woman to my heart! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds fascinating! Congrats to Liesbet, and happy birthday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a nice escape from today’s world. Sigh.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jacquie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My grandfather, with my mom’s help, authored Around the World in 80 Years about his solo circumnavigation of the globe, twice–once at 76, I believe, then in the other direction at 84 or so. Some pretty fascinating stories there too. He and Liesbet would’ve been friends, I’m sure. He made them all over the world.
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s amazing. That was an excellent book and took a really adventurous spirit to do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was an excellent book, you say? Did you read my grandfather’s book?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I read the Jules Verne one. Same idea? Different trips?
LikeLike
For my grandfather, it was 80 years, not days. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yikes! I skipped right over that. Can I blame COVID?
Thank you, Betsy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Your brain supplied the title you were used to seeing. I totally understand. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! That must be a fascinating read! I guess your grandfather lived on the oceans his entire life! We met a few old salts along the way, but he beats them all! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
He and my grandmother built the boat themselves. They had a lot of adventures in it together before she died of cancer. Then he was on his own for decades with the same homemade boat. Single-handers, as they’re called, are so revered in Japan that, when he came into port, the whole town was there with banners to greet him, including the mayor who had canceled school that day for the occasion. My grandfather was kinda famous in the boating world. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, what a tale! No need to explain “single-hander” to me, though. 🙂 Japan sounds quite the place, especially back then. What’s your grandfather’s name?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Captain Harry Heckel 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I just signed up for Liesbet’s blog last week, Jacqui. I read your review regarding her book today on her blog. I enjoy memoirs because you truly get to put yourself in another person’s shoes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’ll love her blog. It’s fascinating, looking at life through minimalistic lenses.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s why I like reading memoirs (and wanted to write this one) as well, Pete. One can live “many lives” – or be open to them – this way. Thanks again for becoming a follower of my blog!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Liesbet’s book and life sound fascinating! I love her approach to life, taking on challenges as part of the atmosphere aware that the next wave could wash away all her plans. i could never live this way – I’m afraid of the dark – but it’s exciting to learn about someone for whom this is the way to breathe. Great review, Jacqui, and best wishes to Liesbet on all her future pursuits.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree with you, Shari. I’m an armchair Liesbet!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks a lot for your kind comment and wishes, Sharon! Sometimes, I wish I had a comfy chair to read in as well. But, being a nomad at heart, itchy feet are irresistible. And it is nice once in a while to know ahead of time where we will spend the night. Balance is what it’s all about. And the right balance is different for different people. The beauty of being part of the human race. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A wonderful review, Jacqui. I have read “Roaming About” some in the past–I’ve done a lot of sailing and racing, so reading this could be fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice to hear from you, Jeff. I hope your holidays in a new town go well for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jeff! Have a wonderful holiday season with a few good books! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific review, Jacqui. And it sounds like you’re living a full, interesting life, Liesbet. You go, both of you! : )
LikeLiked by 2 people
We could all learn a lot about a minimalistic lifestyle from Liesbet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Cathleen! And both of us almost share the same birthday! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great read. As a sailor myself (started sailing when I was quite young) I love being on the water. But I also know I couldn’t do what Liesbet has done and live on a boat 24/7/365…a few weeks, yes, but not longer.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi AJ! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Full-time sailing (cruising) is a lifestyle. What we found interesting is the difference between sailing for fun (like what you’re doing) and sailing to get somewhere. We rarely sailed for fun or took a day trip just to sail. To me that’s one of the biggest differences between the two versions. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m impressed, Anita. A sailor! Why am I not surprised.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for this lovely surprise, Jacqui. You are making my day even better! Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t resist. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, dear efriend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday to Liesbet, a wonderful author and wishing her great success. A debut book is always dear to author’s heart and this one sounds too good. Thanks for including those quotes Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the lovely wishes, Balroop!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You should see the quotes I didn’t include. They’re just as amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. That sounds incredible. And I can’t imagine having two dogs on the boat too. Really?!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a fascinating chapter in our lives, dogs included. 🙂 But, much easier to live and travel in our current camper van with our current dog! Smaller too…
LikeLiked by 2 people
By the end of the book, I couldn’t imagine not having the dogs. They seemed to make it a home for Liesbet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I saw this book at Sally’s (I think). What an adventurous person and intriguing tale. I enjoyed your quotes, Jacqui. I’m sure I’ll be jumping into this one soon. Congrats to Liesbet on her new book. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw it there! I kept shaking my head at Liesbet’s adventurousness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And I thought I was adventurous. NOT!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yep, Diana, that’s where you saw me and Plunge as well. Thanks for leaving a comment in both places. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a great book and a cool thing to do on a birthday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe she’ll release the sequel on her birthday, too. My birthday is tomorrow and I will celebrate by writing, more, all day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh Jacqui, you’re a Sagittarius as well! Happy early birthday!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are a fun sign, aren’t we?
LikeLike
Happy birthday!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I figured if everything else went wrong (surely a possibility in our unstable lives), I did give myself a decent birthday gift, Andrew. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A great birthday gift!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the terrific review, Jacqui. I can’t wait to read Liesbet’s book. I think I saw somewhere on social media that her memoir hit #1 on Amazon. I’m so happy for her!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It did! In a particular category but for a debut novel–I am so impressed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jill! So far so good! 🙂 I’m still #1 as a new release in the sailing category. I will add more Amazon categories tomorrow. Can’t deal with it today…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wishing your friend, Ms Collaert a Happy Birthday and the best with her book!
LikeLiked by 2 people
She is unusual–her life choices and her ability to complete a plan. Very impressed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, JP. We are having a great day in the Arizona desert! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific! I just spoke to my brother yesterday. He moved to the AZ desert recently and lovin’ it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love the sunshine and the scenery, but the dirt everywhere can get old! It’s probably easier to deal with in a house. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book sounds fascinating! Based on the quotes, it is well written too. I love books like An Embarrassment of Mangoes so I know I would enjoy this one. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t believe it’s her first book. And for those of us who follow Liesbet’s blog, we are sure there will be a sequel (because she ended this book in the middle of her adventures!).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Darlene! I can’t believe you know and read An Embarrassment of Mangoes! It’s one of the books I read when we were sailing in the Caribbean. If you liked that one, you’ll most likely enjoy mine – albeit it being written differently – as well. 🙂
LikeLike
This book sounds interesting, Jacqui. Some people are adventurous and chose a different path. I hope your Thanksgiving day was enjoyable and you have a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t read a lot of memoirs but this one–because of her sense of adventure and fearlessness–got me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like memoirs. It is the people collector in me [smile].
LikeLike
Thanks for reading and commenting, Roberta!
LikeLiked by 1 person