Paulsen, Gary. Caught by the sea; my life on boats.PAULSEN, Gary. Caught by the sea; ray life on boats. Random House, Dell Laurel-Leaf. 103p. map. c2001. 0-440-40716-8. $5.50. JS Readers in search of vivid descriptions and engaging adventure will enjoy Paulsen's autobiographical look at his affection for sailing and the sea. Paulsen, known for his Hatchet hatchet: see tomahawk. series and many other popular YA books, profiles how he began to understand the art and mystery associated with sailing. His love affair with the water began when he was a young "starving artist A starving artist is an artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork. They typically live on minimum expenses, either for a lack of business or because all their disposable income goes towards art projects. " who explored the romanticism romanticism, term loosely applied to literary and artistic movements of the late 18th and 19th cent. Characteristics of Romanticism Resulting in part from the libertarian and egalitarian ideals of the French Revolution, the romantic movements had associated with the sea by writers like Melville, Dana, Gann and Hayden. Paulsen uses his personal experiences as a developing yachtsman to describe the sea--its vastness and incredible power. At one point toward the end of the book, he describes an ill-fated trip to Catalina Island Catalina Island: see Santa Catalina. where a huge storm developed, detailing each moment of this harrowing experience: ... They were true monsters, steepsided, galloping gal·lop·ing adj. 1. Of or resembling a gallop, especially in rhythm or rapidity. 2. Developing or progressing at an accelerated rate: galloping technology. 3. , twenty, thirty feet high, almost vertical walls with breaking tops that caught the boat and held her down on her side with me on the water, clawing to get back on, ripping my nails, cutting my hands, now fighting to live, not sail ... Similar examples of great imagery are found throughout this work--suitable for middle school and a great book for high school reluctant readers. English instructors, working with teacher-librarians, may be able to use Caught by the Sea as an excellent reference for descriptive writing or introducing students to "nautical authors" like those profiled in the book. Tom Adamich, INFOhio Specialist, Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Falls, city (1990 pop. 48,950), Summit co., NE Ohio, on the Cuyahoga River; inc. 1836. On its course through the city the river drops 220 ft (67 m) through a series of falls and rapids. , OH |
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