Review:
Richard Bode's First You Have to Row a Little Boat (1993) is part memoir, part love story, written by a man whose early life was deeply impacted by sailing. Profound insights and existential revelations came to the author as he was learning to sail. As a result, sailing became a metaphor for learning how to really live. This book is written in laymans language and one does not have to have sailing experience to appreciate the underlying messages. One of the key life lessons the author gleaned from sailing was a profound respect for the wind. A sailor learns quickly that to set ones eye rigidly on a mark with no consideration for the wind will inevitably inflict suffering, as the true destination is the journey itself. And unlike geometry, where the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, in sailing the journey towards any goal will inevitably be jagged, for the sailor must tack and jibe according to the wind. In essence, the wise sailor knows when to embrace change.

Other important life lessons offered in this little book include navigating ones way through fog, learning to sail without a rudder, and surviving the moments of dead calm. It is an excellent, quick read for anyone navigating their way through lifes transitions, and highly recommended for any client who enjoys the outdoors or nature or physical activities. Its messages could easily benefit clients in group settings, career counseling, and human resources as well.