Book Club

[Susan in California]

Our older son told us to read this non-fiction book, and wow, I am glad

I did. 

This story centers around a true story, which was the basis for the

fictional book, Moby ******, written by Herman Melville.

I have always been interested in Nantucket Island and its history,

and this book gives an interesting glimpse in that direction as well.

This is a book you will not be able to put down.  I have not seen the Ron

Howard film, based on this book.  But I highly recomment this book for

anyone interested in a fascinating, true story. 

[Another new name Sue]

I've read it too. Very good. I like sea stories. 

[Lilysmom]

@Susan in California, Thanks for reviewing this.  The movie did not get great reviews.  I was looking at it on Rotten Tomatoes.  Maybe I should try the book first, not the movies.  Rotten Tomatoes rated it 42% by critics and 56% by audience.

Did anyone see the movie?  Would love to hear a review.  LM

[Susan in California]

@Lilysmom

I still have not seen the movie, but I have it in my Netflix queue for when it

releases on DVD. 

I found the book excellent and well written and documented fully.  It made

me want to read more about Nantucket Island's history. 

If you do decide to read it, please let me know what you think.

My husband is now reading other books by Nathaniel Philbrick, this time

about the Mayflower and the history around the Pilgrims. 

It is fun to find  a new writer to enjoy.  We often read fiction, but lately

the non-fiction has been fascinating.

Back to the book about the Essex tragedy--thank you for your interest

in this book (or film).

---Susan

[fluffie]

I happened to see your comments on this book and had to get myself a copy to read.  I finished it last night and wow, what a read.  Very disturbing to say the least.  I knew the story was the foundation of Moby **** but had no idea how profound an experience it was.  I also liked the history provided on Nantucket.  I knew it was the whaling capital at one time but that was about it.  So glad I ran across your post.  I will skip Ron Howard's movie as I find him to not have much depth as a director.  Thanks again!

[Susan in California]

@fluffie

I am so glad I ran across your post.  I know, what a read!  I'm so glad you read it, it is exciting to hear what others think.  Thank you for making your comments in response to my original post.

[Maudelynn]

Loved this book and Mayflower too.  Having grown up in that part of the country, I have walked in some of the places described.

I think Philbrick is a terrific writer and I particularly was struck by the imagery of the whale ships processing the whale into oil on the open sea.  The picture of it stayed with me for quite a while.

[Susan in California]

@Maudelynn

I just read your post today.  I appreciate so much your comments. 

I just love Philbrick's writing and plan to read more.

We rented the film and watched In the Heart of the Sea last night.

What an incredible disappointment.  It was changed around a lot and the

connection to Moby ****** was overly dramatic.  As my husband said,

books are almost always better than the subsequent films based on them.

How interesting that you grew up in the area.  So much fascinating history.

Thanks again.

[Maudelynn]

@Susan in California

I really wanted to see the movie, but i may pass now, based on your review.  The book was descriptive and although talked about how this incident inspired the Melville book, really seemed to stick to the true-life events.

If you like Philbrick, I'd totally recommend Mayflower.  He's also written Bunker Hill, which I have next up on my Kindle.

[maestra]

I read this when it was first publiushed and so fascinating.