“The Sea Captain’s Wife” by Tilar J. Mazzeo

When her husband, Joshua, begins captaining his own ships, Mary Ann joins him. Together, they voyage around the world hoping to make their fortunes.  On their second trip, Joshua falls deathly ill.  Mary Ann, who has learned to navigate from their previous journey, steps up and leads them safely around the treacherous coast of South America.  Surviving a gale that lasted 18 days, Mary Ann gained the respect and loyalty of the crew.  After landing in San Francisco, Mary Ann is penniless with a dying husband.  With the help of friends, they travel across Panama, and make their way back to New England.  Tragically Joshua dies and Mary Ann is left destitute.

A true story, this book highlights the life of a courageous and heroic woman.  In a time where women were submissive, Mary Ann stepped up to save the lives of everyone on board.  Life was not kind to Mary Ann, but her story inspired many generations of New Englanders and female sailors.  The book was well written and moved at a quick pace.  It was fascinating to read!  Overall highly recommended.

“Running Deep” by Tom Clavin

During WWII, submarine commander Dick O’Kane, led the USS Tang to a record number of enemy craft sinkings.  He was so successful that the Japanese thought an entire squadron of submarines were stalking their fleet.  This book outlines the history of submarine use in the United States, and highlights a number of commanders and men.  It follows the USS TAng through its building, commission, and eventual sinking by its own torpedo.

This was a very interesting and enjoyable read. It was brilliant storytelling with facts woven in.  The story was well paced and entertaining.  Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.

“Gemini” by Jeffrey Kluger 

This book outlines the history of the Gemini space missions.  It covers the astronauts, the tension with the Soviet Union, and the successes and failures of the program.  I thought the book was very well written.  The author did a good job of weaving storytelling with facts.  However, for a book that repeatedly told us that the author wanted to highlight Gemini, the Mercury missions were highly featured.  It didn’t bother me, but I found it ironic.  Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

“The Zorg” by Siddharth Kara 

In 1781, the slave ship Zorg took off from Africa overloaded with 442 slaves. With a novice captain, and makeshift crew, the ship was bound for disaster.  After becoming lost in the Caribbean, a decision was made to throw approximately 130 slaves overboard.  A zealous owner then decided to make an insurance claim against the lives of those slaves.  He claimed necessity in their deaths.  A lawsuit ensued, bringing the horrors of the middle passage to a wide audience, and ultimately leading to the abolishment of slavery in England.

I thought this book contained some great storytelling.  Facts and story were blended together seamlessly.  The author really brought the historical figures and horror of the middle passage to live.  Overall, a must read!