Maiwar’s Bookshelf

Every boat needs a bookshelf, even a rowing boat!

Unfortunately, I’m very limited in the number of books I can take. You see, they’re heavy, fragile, and take up a fair amount of space. Therefore, I had to keep Maiwar’s library quite small. Hopefully I can do some exchanging along the way…

I mostly packed books that are new to me, with a few favourites for comfort. In reality, I don’t know how much reading I’ll be doing. Most of the time I think I’ll be too busy rowing, cooking, eating, navigating and sleeping to find the time to read. But perhaps a few pages will become a nightly ritual, we’ll have to see!

How about I just list the books I’ve packed? A picture and a description would be nice too…

The Holy Bible

I happen to have two very good friends, Jacinta and Elissa, who also happen to be believers, lucky them. They were kind enough to gift me a lovely leather bound Bible with gold fore edge. They even inscribed the inside cover with some well wishes and a handy ‘how to’ for the uninitiated.

A must have, perhaps I’ll convert.

Travels in the interior districts of Africa – Mungo Park

I hadn’t head of this book before embarking on my quest to fill Maiwar’s library. It sounded interesting. Who doesn’t love a bit of trailblazing African travel literature?

The making of the English Working Class – E. P. Thompson

If the Bible doesn’t stir something within me, I’m sure this will.

Manufacturing Consent – Edward S. Herman & Noam Chomsky

Apparently a must-read for the youth of today (or anyone for that matter). Mid-Pacific-Maiwar is perhaps the safest spot to read a book like this.

By Hand & Eye – Walker & Toplin

For the woodworking nerd within me. I bought this book a while ago, very excitedly. It happened to come wrapped in tight plastic, which got me thinking… So it has stayed in that plastic all this time, ready to be unwrapped at some point on my journey. If everything else gets wet, this one will have the best chance of surviving.

Small is Beautiful – E. F. Schumacher

In case I start to dream of a bigger boat…

The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James Brown

This book was a gift to me from a friendly and generous couple who live in my neighbourhood. Apparently it is a most fantastic read. Rob and Pamela were nice enough to pepper the book with quotes from their time sailing around the Pacific, a very meaningful gift indeed.

Walden – Henry David Thoreau

This is a good book.

Meditations – Marcus Aurelius

A Christmas gift from my dear sister, Chloe. Highbrow here we come!

Fatu-Hiva – Thor Heyerdahl

My favourite book, ever. Favourite probably isn’t the right word, but it had the biggest impact on me. I haven’t dared read it again, as it will never be as good as the first time. However, I hope to get to Fatu-Hiva. It would be the pilgrimage of a lifetime to come ashore at Hanavave, book in hand, walking in the footsteps of the greatest (or second greatest) adventurer of the 20th century.

No Logo – Naomi Klein

I started reading this book and felt something coming over me. So I quickly closed it up and packed it away. I look forward to the day when I can open it up again. I now have a NO LOGO sticker on my laptop, a contradiction in itself, I know.

The Varieties of Religious Experience – William James

Maybe I’ll have one.

We, the Navigators – David Lewis

If Thor Heyerdahl isn’t the greatest adventurer of the 20th century, then David Lewis is. This book is probably Lewis’s most notable publication. It details the traditional navigation techniques of Pacific islanders. In the late 1960’s Lewis set off on a research voyage to isolated Pacific Islands that still practiced their traditional techniques. This book is also a practical guide, perhaps I will be able to learn a thing or two while looking at the night sky.

The Voyaging Stars – David Lewis

Two books by the same author? You must be joking. Alas, I couldn’t resist, this is a great read, the same subject as ‘We, the Navigators’, but less academic and more adventure tale. A must have for any true Pacific Romantic.

Omoo – Herman Melville

Finally, some non fiction! This is a great little book, and fits into one’s top pocket. I picked it up at a second hand book shop some years ago, and has been a companion ever since. Upon arrival at the Marquesas, it will be the book’s second trip in my pocket to the far flung islands where the story is set.

Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu

A last minute arrival. This was a sincere gift from Abir’s wife, Peta. They came round for dinner the night before my departure. We all ate and laughed. Written on the inside cover are a few words, one of the nicest things someone can do. I too hope this book unlocks life for me.