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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Readers today are still fascinated by “Nat,” an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor’s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn’t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by “log, lead, and lookout.” Nat’s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the “Sailors’ Bible”), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero.
251 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
283 people are currently reading
10088 people want to read
About the author
Jean Lee Latham
85 books66 followersBorn on April 19th, Jean Lee Latham grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she wrote plays and operated the county newspaper’s linotype machine. She earned a master’s degree at Cornell University. While completing her degree, Ms. Latham taught English, history, and drama at Ithaca.
Once she graduated, she became editor-in-chief of the Dramatic Publishing Company in Chicago. She worked hard to become a radio writer, but WWII changed her plans. She signed up for the US Signal Corps Inspection Agency, where she trained women inspectors. The U.S. War Department gave her a Silver Wreath for her work.
After D-Day, Ms. Latham made the decision to write biographies for children. Her first book was The Story of Eli Whitney, published in 1953. Her third book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, earned the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Playwright, author, and teacher, Ms. Latham died on June 13, 1995, at the age of 93. Her manuscripts are housed in the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota.
Once she graduated, she became editor-in-chief of the Dramatic Publishing Company in Chicago. She worked hard to become a radio writer, but WWII changed her plans. She signed up for the US Signal Corps Inspection Agency, where she trained women inspectors. The U.S. War Department gave her a Silver Wreath for her work.
After D-Day, Ms. Latham made the decision to write biographies for children. Her first book was The Story of Eli Whitney, published in 1953. Her third book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, earned the Newbery Medal in 1956.
Playwright, author, and teacher, Ms. Latham died on June 13, 1995, at the age of 93. Her manuscripts are housed in the Children’s Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,487 reviews
February 1, 2019
Ok so I'm sick with a sore throat, but I wanna try to review this anyway because the thoughts are bouncing around my head and I want to get them out.
In a nutshell: IT WAS PRETTY AWESOME.
Nat Bowditch is my smol science child who just wants to be allowed to Do The Science and Do It Right; and life keeps throwing all these obstacles in his way, but he carries on and does the science anyway, b/c he's fabulous like that. I felt so bad when he had to leave school at age 12 and couldn't even go to college!!! Our baby is out here begging for an EDUCATION and you're just gonna TURN HIM DOWN?!?!
But you can't keep a man like Nat down for long. He teaches himself everything he needs to know and becomes the biggest expert on navigation on either side of the Atlantic. Not content with that, he makes a point to educate other people, too . . . guys like him who weren't given a chance to go to school. He truly has the heart of a teacher, a mentor; and those scenes where he helps an allegedly "dumb" sailor see that MAYBE I'M NOT SO DUMB AFTER ALL were some of the most powerful in the whole book, for me.
I also adored the scenes where Nat (usually so quiet & reserved & soft-spoken) would start yelling his head off about figures and charts in published texts being wrong and I was just like "I feel ya, buddy. I feel ya." I, too, go off on a bender every time I find any kind of error in a recognized textual authority. It's frustrating, guys!!!! *grins*
This was a very satisfying book, but, I won't lie to you, it was also a very SAD book. When I was a preteen, the age I think the author originally intended it for, my mom said I couldn't read it because "there are too many funerals and it will make you cry," and good golly, was she ever right. I had a vague memory of that when I started reading it for myself this week; but even so, I had NO IDEA how many people were going to freakin' DIE in this freakin' book. So much death. Let it never be said that I, Katie Hanna, am 'too hard' on my own characters or give them 'too many tragedies' as long as this beast of a story is being blithely handed out to 7th and 8th graders. Like . . . dang.
Nat has an incredibly rough life. That's a fact. But he rides out each tragedy and comes out stronger in the end; and that's also a fact. He draws a lot of sustenance from the constancy & consistency of Nature, which I found comforting: it's like, in Nat's mind, the sea is always the sea, no matter who you are or what you've been through. The wind is always the wind. The stars are always the stars. And that is TRUE. In fact, he has a little saying about it which he borrowed from his dead mom, and it made me tear up a bit:
"Sometimes, if you look at the stars long enough, they sort of shrink your own troubles down to size."
In a nutshell: IT WAS PRETTY AWESOME.
Nat Bowditch is my smol science child who just wants to be allowed to Do The Science and Do It Right; and life keeps throwing all these obstacles in his way, but he carries on and does the science anyway, b/c he's fabulous like that. I felt so bad when he had to leave school at age 12 and couldn't even go to college!!! Our baby is out here begging for an EDUCATION and you're just gonna TURN HIM DOWN?!?!
But you can't keep a man like Nat down for long. He teaches himself everything he needs to know and becomes the biggest expert on navigation on either side of the Atlantic. Not content with that, he makes a point to educate other people, too . . . guys like him who weren't given a chance to go to school. He truly has the heart of a teacher, a mentor; and those scenes where he helps an allegedly "dumb" sailor see that MAYBE I'M NOT SO DUMB AFTER ALL were some of the most powerful in the whole book, for me.
I also adored the scenes where Nat (usually so quiet & reserved & soft-spoken) would start yelling his head off about figures and charts in published texts being wrong and I was just like "I feel ya, buddy. I feel ya." I, too, go off on a bender every time I find any kind of error in a recognized textual authority. It's frustrating, guys!!!! *grins*
This was a very satisfying book, but, I won't lie to you, it was also a very SAD book. When I was a preteen, the age I think the author originally intended it for, my mom said I couldn't read it because "there are too many funerals and it will make you cry," and good golly, was she ever right. I had a vague memory of that when I started reading it for myself this week; but even so, I had NO IDEA how many people were going to freakin' DIE in this freakin' book. So much death. Let it never be said that I, Katie Hanna, am 'too hard' on my own characters or give them 'too many tragedies' as long as this beast of a story is being blithely handed out to 7th and 8th graders. Like . . . dang.
Nat has an incredibly rough life. That's a fact. But he rides out each tragedy and comes out stronger in the end; and that's also a fact. He draws a lot of sustenance from the constancy & consistency of Nature, which I found comforting: it's like, in Nat's mind, the sea is always the sea, no matter who you are or what you've been through. The wind is always the wind. The stars are always the stars. And that is TRUE. In fact, he has a little saying about it which he borrowed from his dead mom, and it made me tear up a bit:
"Sometimes, if you look at the stars long enough, they sort of shrink your own troubles down to size."
August 7, 2025
I was surprised when I first learned about this biography that managed the rare feat (for a nonfiction book) of winning the Newbery Medal, but after reading it, I wholeheartedly support the committee's decision.
The story of Nat Bowditch bursts at the seams with emotion. The steps along the path the reader is led are heartbreaking; the ordeals Nat Bowditch endured in his career and personal life were staggering and inspiring. No biography other than Cornelia Meigs's Invincible Louisa ever was so moving, in my view. I felt invested in Mr. Bowditch's story every inch of the way.
I will love and remember Carry On, Mr. Bowditch always.
The story of Nat Bowditch bursts at the seams with emotion. The steps along the path the reader is led are heartbreaking; the ordeals Nat Bowditch endured in his career and personal life were staggering and inspiring. No biography other than Cornelia Meigs's Invincible Louisa ever was so moving, in my view. I felt invested in Mr. Bowditch's story every inch of the way.
I will love and remember Carry On, Mr. Bowditch always.
April 22, 2025
Having just returned from New England and my first time seeing the Atlantic, it seems a fitting time to review this maritime tale—one of my all-time favorite classics and one I’ve read multiple times since my early teens. I’m not sure if this book engendered my interest in sailing ships or if my interest in sailing ships engendered my love for this book, but either way, it’s a fascinating, gripping, approachable look at life at sea. It’s one of those books that can be enjoyed just as much by an adult as by the younger audience for which it was written.
Nathaniel Bowditch is an amazing historical figure, and Latham brings him to life with finesse. There’s no glossing over the sad and hard parts of Nat’s life, of which there are many. As a younger reader, I don’t think I absorbed the full gravity of the many tragedies he endured. Rereading this as an adult, I’m more aware of the resilience he showed and the soberness of a time in which death was even more a fact of life than it is now.
But despite all of that hardship, there’s a great deal of courage, determination, and humor in this book. I love the supporting cast, especially the crewmen whom Nat sees as potential navigators when no one else believes they have any talent. There are so many great lines of dialogue, and it’s such fun to see Nat being a genius and learning how to handle it: “It’s like a chair—you trip over it in the dark, and it’s not the chair’s fault, but you kick it anyway. Your brain is so fast, and you trip over other people’s dumbness, and you want to kick something. Only people aren’t chairs.”
Facts about navigation, seamanship, and mathematics are woven seamlessly into the story alongside all the history and biographical information. And how many of us have wished we could casually pick up a new language with little more than a Bible and a grammar, become experts in maritime astronomy with little more than a notebook and an encyclopedia, then go on to astound arrogant British captains, chart courses through bewildering fog, find errors in books by royal astronomers, and revolutionize navigation for generations to come? This is the quintessential American story of can-do grit and a man’s gift making a way for him.
So, for whatever reason, Nat Bowditch, Captain Prince, Polly, and Lem Harvey will always have a fond place in my memory, and this book will always remind me that history can make some of the best tales. Highly recommended.
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Nathaniel Bowditch is an amazing historical figure, and Latham brings him to life with finesse. There’s no glossing over the sad and hard parts of Nat’s life, of which there are many. As a younger reader, I don’t think I absorbed the full gravity of the many tragedies he endured. Rereading this as an adult, I’m more aware of the resilience he showed and the soberness of a time in which death was even more a fact of life than it is now.
But despite all of that hardship, there’s a great deal of courage, determination, and humor in this book. I love the supporting cast, especially the crewmen whom Nat sees as potential navigators when no one else believes they have any talent. There are so many great lines of dialogue, and it’s such fun to see Nat being a genius and learning how to handle it: “It’s like a chair—you trip over it in the dark, and it’s not the chair’s fault, but you kick it anyway. Your brain is so fast, and you trip over other people’s dumbness, and you want to kick something. Only people aren’t chairs.”
Facts about navigation, seamanship, and mathematics are woven seamlessly into the story alongside all the history and biographical information. And how many of us have wished we could casually pick up a new language with little more than a Bible and a grammar, become experts in maritime astronomy with little more than a notebook and an encyclopedia, then go on to astound arrogant British captains, chart courses through bewildering fog, find errors in books by royal astronomers, and revolutionize navigation for generations to come? This is the quintessential American story of can-do grit and a man’s gift making a way for him.
So, for whatever reason, Nat Bowditch, Captain Prince, Polly, and Lem Harvey will always have a fond place in my memory, and this book will always remind me that history can make some of the best tales. Highly recommended.
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
February 15, 2019
*Mini Review*
I was a little worried that I would be lost reading this book. Like the people Nat trips over because they are too slow to understand everything he can, I was worried that I also would trip over Nat’s smarts. However, the author captures Nat’s genius and skills with clarity and simplicity, expertly painting Nat’s intelligence without losing us in the telling. Nat’s brilliant mind is truly incredible to watch, but it wouldn’t have mattered so much if it had not been paired with a irresistibly steady heart.
Carry on Mr. Bowditch shows us that life is full of setbacks, hardships and unforeseen detours—and it’s the attitude that matters. It is our own outlook that affects every aspect of our lives, and Nat’s outlook never falters. Victimization, self-pity, fear and depression are all firmly shut up in a box where they belong, where they can have no bearing on Nat’s life as he steps bravely and cheerfully through every valley. Nat is not just a navigator on the seas, he also knew how to navigate life in the best way possible—with self-effacement, courage, and hopeful determination. More than just a brilliant sailor with his ship, Nat knows how to sail through life’s freak storms and doldrums—with Faith, hard-work, and consistency. Sometimes a hard story, often an inspiring one, and, ultimately, a good story to the very last page.
I was a little worried that I would be lost reading this book. Like the people Nat trips over because they are too slow to understand everything he can, I was worried that I also would trip over Nat’s smarts. However, the author captures Nat’s genius and skills with clarity and simplicity, expertly painting Nat’s intelligence without losing us in the telling. Nat’s brilliant mind is truly incredible to watch, but it wouldn’t have mattered so much if it had not been paired with a irresistibly steady heart.
Carry on Mr. Bowditch shows us that life is full of setbacks, hardships and unforeseen detours—and it’s the attitude that matters. It is our own outlook that affects every aspect of our lives, and Nat’s outlook never falters. Victimization, self-pity, fear and depression are all firmly shut up in a box where they belong, where they can have no bearing on Nat’s life as he steps bravely and cheerfully through every valley. Nat is not just a navigator on the seas, he also knew how to navigate life in the best way possible—with self-effacement, courage, and hopeful determination. More than just a brilliant sailor with his ship, Nat knows how to sail through life’s freak storms and doldrums—with Faith, hard-work, and consistency. Sometimes a hard story, often an inspiring one, and, ultimately, a good story to the very last page.
April 18, 2017
(I wrote this for school in the format of a five-paragraph essay.)
Some books start out good, but just fade away towards the end. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham is one of those books. This novel, first published in 1955, is about Nathaniel Bowditch, a mathematician, navigator, linguistic specialist, and all-around scholar of the early nineteenth century. By looking at the characters, plot, and historical accuracy, we can determine if Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a worthwhile read.
This book featured many characters. It was sometimes hard to keep them from flowing together in my mind, especially as one after another seemed to die. Sometimes I forgot who was still alive, and the moment a new person became important to Nat, my brothers and I started betting on how and when he or she would die. However, many of the characters were interesting and a few were memorable.
This is primarily the story of Nat’s life from the age of six to an important accomplishment which he made, probably in his late thirties. Although historical fiction, it is also semi-biographical, so a lot of the story is true. It was a fairly exciting story, and my brothers really enjoyed it. I, of course, was more interested in Nat’s personal life than his sailing exploits, but that’s just me. However, the end was sudden. I would have liked to know more about Nat’s future.
As far as historical accuracy goes, I can only conclude that this book was meticulously researched. I don’t know a lot about Nat Bowditch, but I believe this to be a fairly accurate representation of his life. I was also impressed with the attention to detail on all of Nat’s research and on navigation.
We can now determine that Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a fairly worthwhile read having looked at the characters, plot, and historical accuracy. The characters are many and varied, but sometimes it was hard to remember them all. The plot was quite interesting and even exciting; however, the end was sudden and unsatisfying. The author’s research was plainly thorough, and the historical details added a special layer of realism to the novel. Overall, this is a fairly good book if you want to learn more about Nat Bowditch, but otherwise, it’s not really worth the read.
3.5 stars
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
Some books start out good, but just fade away towards the end. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham is one of those books. This novel, first published in 1955, is about Nathaniel Bowditch, a mathematician, navigator, linguistic specialist, and all-around scholar of the early nineteenth century. By looking at the characters, plot, and historical accuracy, we can determine if Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a worthwhile read.
This book featured many characters. It was sometimes hard to keep them from flowing together in my mind, especially as one after another seemed to die. Sometimes I forgot who was still alive, and the moment a new person became important to Nat, my brothers and I started betting on how and when he or she would die. However, many of the characters were interesting and a few were memorable.
This is primarily the story of Nat’s life from the age of six to an important accomplishment which he made, probably in his late thirties. Although historical fiction, it is also semi-biographical, so a lot of the story is true. It was a fairly exciting story, and my brothers really enjoyed it. I, of course, was more interested in Nat’s personal life than his sailing exploits, but that’s just me. However, the end was sudden. I would have liked to know more about Nat’s future.
As far as historical accuracy goes, I can only conclude that this book was meticulously researched. I don’t know a lot about Nat Bowditch, but I believe this to be a fairly accurate representation of his life. I was also impressed with the attention to detail on all of Nat’s research and on navigation.
We can now determine that Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a fairly worthwhile read having looked at the characters, plot, and historical accuracy. The characters are many and varied, but sometimes it was hard to remember them all. The plot was quite interesting and even exciting; however, the end was sudden and unsatisfying. The author’s research was plainly thorough, and the historical details added a special layer of realism to the novel. Overall, this is a fairly good book if you want to learn more about Nat Bowditch, but otherwise, it’s not really worth the read.
3.5 stars
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
July 16, 2024
That was great!! 🥰 Such a sweet and inspirational read!! I thought it would be good, but I didn't expect to love it that much. I loved the romance and the humor and, of course, Nat! 🥰🥰 I would love to reread this one day. Truly an amazing book!
February 11, 2017
I read this book for school, I believe, and I have reread it several times. I always loved Nat, from the small boy to his married years. I thought the sailors with whom he sailed were amusing several times. I loved his thinking, but I didn't agree with his infatuation with math.
There are several things I would like to mention, but they would contain spoilers. So, I'll just end by saying that I didn't like the way everyone seemed to die. This is a very appropriate book for almost all ages, and I with I had read it sooner.
There are several things I would like to mention, but they would contain spoilers. So, I'll just end by saying that I didn't like the way everyone seemed to die. This is a very appropriate book for almost all ages, and I with I had read it sooner.
January 28, 2022
May come back to give this a proper review, but wow, this was an incredible story. Definitely being added to my favorites.
May 21, 2022
I thought this book was marvelous! He was such an amazing young man with his ability and determination to make a difference as he did. I admired how he wanted the navigation books to correct as men's very lives depended upon them while sailing the treacherous seas as they were so often! It was a glimpse into real life then in Salem during ship building and seafaring eras and into his family's lives. He knew that education could change the sailor's lives; it gave them opportunities to advance, gave them confidence and self respect. Those weren't always allowed to learn for fear of an uprising against the captain if they were as well educated, but several of the voyages turned out more civilized overall when the men were given that chance. He even learned several languages by comparing to the English he knew so well from his Bible. Brilliant young man!
February 11, 2020
a classic. <3
July 5, 2020
Carry On Mr. Bowditch has been a huge part of my life since childhood, though I didn't fully appreciate it till I reread it as a teenager. For me, it’s one of those books that is so wonderful and beloved that it’s an impossible task to write a review that captures the book or does it justice. But I’m going to try, and hopefully my review will be adequate and worthy.
When Nat Bowditch is forced to quit school at age 12, he thinks his life and dreams are over. He’ll never be able to make something of himself, attend Harvard, or become a mathematician and scholar like he wants to be. But he refuses to give up or give in. He keeps working hard to learn, grow, and better himself--somehow, some way--with the help of people who support him in his endeavors along the way.
From boyhood to young manhood, Nat faces great tragedy and adversity, but through it all, he chooses to keep his hope and determination, to keep going through it all. Eventually, he reaches his new goals and dreams. They are not the same ones he dreamed as a boy, but they’re not so different, either. And they may be higher and better things than he ever could have imagined.
Carry On Mr. Bowditch is the true story of a quiet but fiery American hero, who saved countless lives and changed the world by revolutionizing navigation and sailing. His exceptional intelligence and immense skill with mathematics--and his hard work, determination, and grit--enabled him to succeed in creating scientific innovations other mathematicians had tried and failed to reach for hundreds of years. He reached this achievement as a young man, but his hard work from boyhood prepared him to succeed.
Jean Lee Latham’s fictionalized biography of Nathaniel Bowditch accurately captures the story, character, and humanity of the real Mr. Bowditch, with heart, humor, powerful depth, and quality writing. Carry On Mr. Bowditch is an engaging nautical adventure, with a gentle but steady pace, interspersed with laughter and exciting anecdotes.
The skilled, understated writing conveys Nat’s emotions with subtle power as he goes through hardship, and the author captures his bright and strong spirit. The real Nat’s personality, good nature, liveliness, strong moral character, values, and relationships are accurately and touchingly portrayed. Nat Bowditch himself steals the show for me, but I also love the fascinating, endearing portrayal of his interactions and bonds with the people close to him, including his family--especially his sisters and wife--his mentors, and the rough sailors he inspired with his leadership, as their teacher, and later as their captain.
The story of Nathaniel Bowditch inspires and challenges me to pursue my dreams with dedication and hard work, to do everything with excellence and passion, and to strive to be kind, patient, and loving towards everyone I meet, even when we all sometimes fail. Nat’s temper might blaze suddenly despite his good nature, but he always strives to overcome it--and most of the time, he uses his kindness, heart, and generous nature to understand and care about others.
I admire how Nat used his intelligence and skill with mathematics--and with people--to give back to others in return for the help and support he received from successful people as he grew up. He spent hours, days, and years of his life teaching others what he’d learned himself. Even though he was one of the most brilliant people who ever lived, he cared enough to teach mathematics and navigation to sailors who couldn’t do more than add and subtract on their fingers, purely to give them the chance of gaining a better position in life--the same chance Nat was given by people who helped him. While teaching them mathematics, he taught them to believe in themselves and not give up. And he didn’t stop there--he worked longer and harder to write a book teaching navigation to any sailor who wanted to learn--a book which was vital and revolutionary in Nat’s time and which has been the worldwide authority on navigation ever since. Sailing was dangerous and claimed countless lives. Nathaniel Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator made sailing infinitely safer. It’s simple, clear, and accurate--and better than any book written by centuries of famous scientists. And it includes a revolutionary discovery he made on his first sea voyage as a young man. Nat spent months eradicating the numerical errors contained in every other book, errors that meant life and death for the men who relied on them. He worked tirelessly for years to write his book, fueled by passion and drive to save lives, even when everyone he knew thought he was crazy and believed no one could improve sailing or make it safer. This was the culmination of his achievements in navigation, though not in science and mathematics--he continued to study and achieve his entire life.
I relate strongly to Nat’s experience of having my life, future, and dreams destroyed at a young age. I aspire to his refusal to give in and his drive to pursue and achieve goals that should be impossible, both for someone in a situation of unique hardship and for everyone else in the world. Nat Bowditch inspires me to hard work, determination, a fiery spirit, and unquenchable hope. He shows me that I’m not crazy for striving to reach dreams deemed unattainable by the rest of the world--or rather, we’re both crazy in just the right way.
Carry On Mr. Bowditch is a fabulous read for readers interested in historical fiction, sweet families, charismatic protagonists, and seafaring adventures. Though it’s written at a middle grade reading level, it can be enjoyed by all ages. It follows Nat into early adulthood, and it has depth, thoughtful themes, and fascinating story and characters that will appeal to adults as well. Readers young and old will be impacted and inspired by Nat Bowditch’s story.
When Nat Bowditch is forced to quit school at age 12, he thinks his life and dreams are over. He’ll never be able to make something of himself, attend Harvard, or become a mathematician and scholar like he wants to be. But he refuses to give up or give in. He keeps working hard to learn, grow, and better himself--somehow, some way--with the help of people who support him in his endeavors along the way.
From boyhood to young manhood, Nat faces great tragedy and adversity, but through it all, he chooses to keep his hope and determination, to keep going through it all. Eventually, he reaches his new goals and dreams. They are not the same ones he dreamed as a boy, but they’re not so different, either. And they may be higher and better things than he ever could have imagined.
Carry On Mr. Bowditch is the true story of a quiet but fiery American hero, who saved countless lives and changed the world by revolutionizing navigation and sailing. His exceptional intelligence and immense skill with mathematics--and his hard work, determination, and grit--enabled him to succeed in creating scientific innovations other mathematicians had tried and failed to reach for hundreds of years. He reached this achievement as a young man, but his hard work from boyhood prepared him to succeed.
Jean Lee Latham’s fictionalized biography of Nathaniel Bowditch accurately captures the story, character, and humanity of the real Mr. Bowditch, with heart, humor, powerful depth, and quality writing. Carry On Mr. Bowditch is an engaging nautical adventure, with a gentle but steady pace, interspersed with laughter and exciting anecdotes.
The skilled, understated writing conveys Nat’s emotions with subtle power as he goes through hardship, and the author captures his bright and strong spirit. The real Nat’s personality, good nature, liveliness, strong moral character, values, and relationships are accurately and touchingly portrayed. Nat Bowditch himself steals the show for me, but I also love the fascinating, endearing portrayal of his interactions and bonds with the people close to him, including his family--especially his sisters and wife--his mentors, and the rough sailors he inspired with his leadership, as their teacher, and later as their captain.
The story of Nathaniel Bowditch inspires and challenges me to pursue my dreams with dedication and hard work, to do everything with excellence and passion, and to strive to be kind, patient, and loving towards everyone I meet, even when we all sometimes fail. Nat’s temper might blaze suddenly despite his good nature, but he always strives to overcome it--and most of the time, he uses his kindness, heart, and generous nature to understand and care about others.
I admire how Nat used his intelligence and skill with mathematics--and with people--to give back to others in return for the help and support he received from successful people as he grew up. He spent hours, days, and years of his life teaching others what he’d learned himself. Even though he was one of the most brilliant people who ever lived, he cared enough to teach mathematics and navigation to sailors who couldn’t do more than add and subtract on their fingers, purely to give them the chance of gaining a better position in life--the same chance Nat was given by people who helped him. While teaching them mathematics, he taught them to believe in themselves and not give up. And he didn’t stop there--he worked longer and harder to write a book teaching navigation to any sailor who wanted to learn--a book which was vital and revolutionary in Nat’s time and which has been the worldwide authority on navigation ever since. Sailing was dangerous and claimed countless lives. Nathaniel Bowditch’s American Practical Navigator made sailing infinitely safer. It’s simple, clear, and accurate--and better than any book written by centuries of famous scientists. And it includes a revolutionary discovery he made on his first sea voyage as a young man. Nat spent months eradicating the numerical errors contained in every other book, errors that meant life and death for the men who relied on them. He worked tirelessly for years to write his book, fueled by passion and drive to save lives, even when everyone he knew thought he was crazy and believed no one could improve sailing or make it safer. This was the culmination of his achievements in navigation, though not in science and mathematics--he continued to study and achieve his entire life.
I relate strongly to Nat’s experience of having my life, future, and dreams destroyed at a young age. I aspire to his refusal to give in and his drive to pursue and achieve goals that should be impossible, both for someone in a situation of unique hardship and for everyone else in the world. Nat Bowditch inspires me to hard work, determination, a fiery spirit, and unquenchable hope. He shows me that I’m not crazy for striving to reach dreams deemed unattainable by the rest of the world--or rather, we’re both crazy in just the right way.
Carry On Mr. Bowditch is a fabulous read for readers interested in historical fiction, sweet families, charismatic protagonists, and seafaring adventures. Though it’s written at a middle grade reading level, it can be enjoyed by all ages. It follows Nat into early adulthood, and it has depth, thoughtful themes, and fascinating story and characters that will appeal to adults as well. Readers young and old will be impacted and inspired by Nat Bowditch’s story.
July 24, 2018
I enjoyed this well enough, and can absolutely imagine child me rereading it with pleasure.
Of course I do wish the 'author's note' as to sources were included, but the interesting Newbery acceptance speech in Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books: 1956-1965 With Acceptance Papers, Biographies & Related Material Chiefly from the Horn Book Magazine does admit to it being a 'fictionized biography' because, despite extensive research, little could be found by Latham about Bowditch.
She does make him out to be larger-than-life, but then that was the fashion for these inspirational boys' books of the 1940s and '50s, apparently, as evidenced by other Newbery winners. She also humanizes him a bit, and there are bits of both insight and humor mixed in with the glorious adventure, so it's a readable book.
It does reflect the casual racism of the time against, for example, Malays... but when we get to know individuals like Lupe, we learn to respect them.
Overall I could see using this in a classroom, if only because the man is less well-known than most heroes known to schoolchildren.
Of course I do wish the 'author's note' as to sources were included, but the interesting Newbery acceptance speech in Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books: 1956-1965 With Acceptance Papers, Biographies & Related Material Chiefly from the Horn Book Magazine does admit to it being a 'fictionized biography' because, despite extensive research, little could be found by Latham about Bowditch.
She does make him out to be larger-than-life, but then that was the fashion for these inspirational boys' books of the 1940s and '50s, apparently, as evidenced by other Newbery winners. She also humanizes him a bit, and there are bits of both insight and humor mixed in with the glorious adventure, so it's a readable book.
It does reflect the casual racism of the time against, for example, Malays... but when we get to know individuals like Lupe, we learn to respect them.
Overall I could see using this in a classroom, if only because the man is less well-known than most heroes known to schoolchildren.
September 10, 2015
Carry on, Mr. Bowditch is a remarkable true story of perseverance in the face of adversity, and a testimony to the fact that hard work and diligence pays off. Things didn't go exactly how Nathaniel Bowditch might have planned for himself from the time he was a little boy, but they went exactly the way Providence had designed. Had some of the misfortunes that he endured early in life not happened, he would have most certainly not have been apprenticed as he was, and thus would have not been around the individuals who later placed him in roles where he was able to exponentially develop his knowledge and understanding of mathematics, astronomy, Latin, and various other disciplines. And of course his mastery of those subjects enabled him to change the course of nautical and navigation history.
To be honest, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Although it takes place in the colonial era–one of my favorite periods of American history–I was a little worried it might be boring or dry. Turns out, the true story of Nat Bowditch was a fascinating one, from the time he bought his first "expectation" from a privateer in his hometown of Salem, to his being apprenticed to a ship chandler as a bookkeeper, to his not only learning to be a sailor, but even writing an entire navigation manual that has been expanded and is still in use by the United States Navy even to this day.
I don't recommend this book to everyone; not everyone appreciates history. But for those who do, I recommend it wholeheartedly.
To be honest, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Although it takes place in the colonial era–one of my favorite periods of American history–I was a little worried it might be boring or dry. Turns out, the true story of Nat Bowditch was a fascinating one, from the time he bought his first "expectation" from a privateer in his hometown of Salem, to his being apprenticed to a ship chandler as a bookkeeper, to his not only learning to be a sailor, but even writing an entire navigation manual that has been expanded and is still in use by the United States Navy even to this day.
I don't recommend this book to everyone; not everyone appreciates history. But for those who do, I recommend it wholeheartedly.
June 27, 2015
This book is the verification that self education is very effective and as viable as any university ed. Nathaniel Bowditch was a indentured servant/apprentice accountant at the age of 12 after his mother and grandmother died. His mathematical ed was so advanced that he needed no training in accounting in the boat supply warehouse. He worked in the chandlery for 9 years.
In that time, he taught himself Latin so he could read Newton's "Principia", French to be an interpreter at the conclusion of his apprenticeship, astronomy,and then while a 2nd mate on ships he studied Spanish, navigation, lunar sightings, discovered thousands of mathematical errors in Moore's navigation book (the standard of the time, a book which led to the demise of uncountable sailors, including his 2 brothers and a bro-in-law and lost ships). All of this while enduring the loss of loved ones at sea and at home.
He eventually discovered a new way to sight the moon, even when it could not be seen, using a 3 star sighting around the moon, then he rewrote the navigational manual that is still used today.
Wowser!!
I would say that today's early education is lacking and the belief that one MUST go to university to get a "higher" education is a fallacy.
In that time, he taught himself Latin so he could read Newton's "Principia", French to be an interpreter at the conclusion of his apprenticeship, astronomy,and then while a 2nd mate on ships he studied Spanish, navigation, lunar sightings, discovered thousands of mathematical errors in Moore's navigation book (the standard of the time, a book which led to the demise of uncountable sailors, including his 2 brothers and a bro-in-law and lost ships). All of this while enduring the loss of loved ones at sea and at home.
He eventually discovered a new way to sight the moon, even when it could not be seen, using a 3 star sighting around the moon, then he rewrote the navigational manual that is still used today.
Wowser!!
I would say that today's early education is lacking and the belief that one MUST go to university to get a "higher" education is a fallacy.
June 5, 2008
I was really surprised by this book.
The main character is such a great example of hard work and self-learning. I was amazed at what he was able to accomplish on his own, but searching out and learning what he wanted/needed to. He has a lot of 'bad luck' along the way, but also a lot of people who truly love this humble, industrious man, people who do their best to help him along.
The author did an excellent job developing the characters and moving the action along.
My husband just finished reading this to the kids and they all loved it. I'm sure that a lot of the science and math went over their heads, but the rest of the story was enough to hold their attention. I plan on having them read it when they're older as well.
A valuable addition to any home library and a wonderful man to learn from.
The main character is such a great example of hard work and self-learning. I was amazed at what he was able to accomplish on his own, but searching out and learning what he wanted/needed to. He has a lot of 'bad luck' along the way, but also a lot of people who truly love this humble, industrious man, people who do their best to help him along.
The author did an excellent job developing the characters and moving the action along.
My husband just finished reading this to the kids and they all loved it. I'm sure that a lot of the science and math went over their heads, but the rest of the story was enough to hold their attention. I plan on having them read it when they're older as well.
A valuable addition to any home library and a wonderful man to learn from.
August 26, 2007
My favorite juvenile fiction work ever, this book tells the inspirational story of a bright young boy who seems to have all his dreams dashed as he grows up. But by "sailing by the ash breeze" and pursuing his intellectual passions whenever he has a spare moment, he becomes one of the most famous marine navigation experts of all time and saves countless lives as a result of his work. No better book can be given to a young person who shows real intellectual potential, especially in math and science.
July 3, 2022
I knew this book had won the Newbery Award, but I had never read it because it was about three things I thought I wasn't interested in: biographies, mathematics, and the sea. I picked it up off my own bookshelf, which is full of library discards, and decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Well! I was amazed! This is an absolutely fascinating book! Nathaniel Bowditch deserves to be remembered in this way. Despite hardship after hardship in his life, he became one of American history's most important men. At the age of 9, following the death of his mother, his father indentured him out for the next 12 years to a ship's chandler. Nat was devastated because he longed to go to school. He was mathematically gifted, although no one realized it. But he chose to spend those 12 years educating himself in every possible way. He studied navigation and discovered many mistakes in the navigation books of his day. He therefore wrote his own navigation book. After his indenture was up, he went to sea and put all of his education into practice. And he taught all of his fellow sailors how to navigate as well, and they went on to become mates on other ships.
I can definitely recommend this book for homeschoolers, middle schoolers, and even adults who are interested in our nation's history.
Well! I was amazed! This is an absolutely fascinating book! Nathaniel Bowditch deserves to be remembered in this way. Despite hardship after hardship in his life, he became one of American history's most important men. At the age of 9, following the death of his mother, his father indentured him out for the next 12 years to a ship's chandler. Nat was devastated because he longed to go to school. He was mathematically gifted, although no one realized it. But he chose to spend those 12 years educating himself in every possible way. He studied navigation and discovered many mistakes in the navigation books of his day. He therefore wrote his own navigation book. After his indenture was up, he went to sea and put all of his education into practice. And he taught all of his fellow sailors how to navigate as well, and they went on to become mates on other ships.
I can definitely recommend this book for homeschoolers, middle schoolers, and even adults who are interested in our nation's history.
February 3, 2018
Loved it. I was supposed to be listening while I worked (found a computer-read version online...can't recommend that as the most aesthetically pleasing way to consume), but I didn't get much done because I was too gripped by the story. Listened all the way through in one sitting.
June 14, 2024
So good! This is a fascinating look into the life of a brilliant mathematician and sailor who made his way not by attending school as he had desired, but through small moments of study whenever he had the chance. Nat Bowditch is an inspiration! Deeply disappointed by his required apprenticeship at age 12, he had to give up his dreams of Harvard, but instead managed to live a life that later enabled him to create a book that would go on to save the lives of sailors with its exact charts and tables.
All about sailing and nautical measurements, this is nonetheless a story for everyone, and a picture of what it might look like to pursue a life of self-education, to possess a hunger for knowledge, and to work diligently at hard things. Perseverance in the face of hardship, toil, and grief built a strong character and created a man whose diligence made the dangerous career of seafaring a lot less harrowing. It's so cool that this was based on a real person! Wish I'd read it a long time ago.
All about sailing and nautical measurements, this is nonetheless a story for everyone, and a picture of what it might look like to pursue a life of self-education, to possess a hunger for knowledge, and to work diligently at hard things. Perseverance in the face of hardship, toil, and grief built a strong character and created a man whose diligence made the dangerous career of seafaring a lot less harrowing. It's so cool that this was based on a real person! Wish I'd read it a long time ago.
March 13, 2017
First sentence: Nat lay very still in the dark, trying to stay awake until his big brother, Hab, went to sleep.
Premise/plot: Based on history, Latham chronicles the coming of age of Nat Bowditch. The book opens during the Revolutionary war and is set in Salem. His childhood was not easy. With the economy being what it was, with risks high, no matter how hard the family worked, the odds were against their success. One by one the boys had to drop out of school to work with their father in a struggle to survive. Nat takes this the hardest. He being a genius and having a passion for book knowledge. He's encouraged by plenty that he is destined for Harvard. But instead he becomes indentured for nine years. When he's free he'll be too old to go back to school. But he is determined--persistent. He will teach himself. Latin. French. Algebra. Trigonometry. Astronomy. Navigation. Surveying. If there is a book he can borrow he will read it, take notes, and absorb the information. Not all of his learning comes from books. There are people in his life whom he cultivates relationships with learning all he can through conversations. When he is free, he becomes a sailor--a clerk or super cargo. The learning continues. He learns about sailing, about guns, and how to get along with all sorts of people. (He also learns Spanish). He begins teaching the crew--anyone and everyone--about navigation, specifically about taking lunars--using the moon, the stars to figure out longitude. After finding hundreds if not thousands of mistakes in a navigation guide--in the tables--he thinks about writing his own book one day.
My thoughts: I probably would not have found this one interesting as a child, but the adult me found it engaging. Society is so quick to label children, I wonder what they would have made of Bowditch. He loved math because math is logical and predictable. He wasn't as fond of people finding them impossible to predict and understand. He was amazingly gifted and he learned how to teach others in a way they could understand. Loved the fact that he recognized that education empowers and gives people choices that they never would have had before. He wasn't naturally patient--who is?--but he worked hard at his people skills.
I also loved, loved, loved that he learned new languages using the New Testament. The first verse of John is quoted several times!
Favorite quotes:
We can't have freedom unless we have freedom. And that means freedom to speak our minds (91).
Premise/plot: Based on history, Latham chronicles the coming of age of Nat Bowditch. The book opens during the Revolutionary war and is set in Salem. His childhood was not easy. With the economy being what it was, with risks high, no matter how hard the family worked, the odds were against their success. One by one the boys had to drop out of school to work with their father in a struggle to survive. Nat takes this the hardest. He being a genius and having a passion for book knowledge. He's encouraged by plenty that he is destined for Harvard. But instead he becomes indentured for nine years. When he's free he'll be too old to go back to school. But he is determined--persistent. He will teach himself. Latin. French. Algebra. Trigonometry. Astronomy. Navigation. Surveying. If there is a book he can borrow he will read it, take notes, and absorb the information. Not all of his learning comes from books. There are people in his life whom he cultivates relationships with learning all he can through conversations. When he is free, he becomes a sailor--a clerk or super cargo. The learning continues. He learns about sailing, about guns, and how to get along with all sorts of people. (He also learns Spanish). He begins teaching the crew--anyone and everyone--about navigation, specifically about taking lunars--using the moon, the stars to figure out longitude. After finding hundreds if not thousands of mistakes in a navigation guide--in the tables--he thinks about writing his own book one day.
My thoughts: I probably would not have found this one interesting as a child, but the adult me found it engaging. Society is so quick to label children, I wonder what they would have made of Bowditch. He loved math because math is logical and predictable. He wasn't as fond of people finding them impossible to predict and understand. He was amazingly gifted and he learned how to teach others in a way they could understand. Loved the fact that he recognized that education empowers and gives people choices that they never would have had before. He wasn't naturally patient--who is?--but he worked hard at his people skills.
I also loved, loved, loved that he learned new languages using the New Testament. The first verse of John is quoted several times!
Favorite quotes:
We can't have freedom unless we have freedom. And that means freedom to speak our minds (91).
May 30, 2021
4.5 stars // read May 2021
Thoughts:
-The first 50 pages was me trying to get through it because I've owned a copy for so long but never read it. After the beginning, though, something clicked, and I flew through the rest.
-Yay for illustrations!
-For a book that mentions so many deaths and is based on true life, this was remarkably light hearted. Some parts were downright hilarious.
-the character dynamics! Although the romance aspect was somewhat glossed over (it is a middle-grade book, anyway) I did like the unexpectedly lovable characters like Lem and the friendship between Nat and Captain Prince.
-I love how Nat keeps going despite difficult times, keeps adjusting to his circumstances. You know that one quote, "You can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails?" and that fits Nat in more ways than one. He can't read the Principia? Well, he'll just learn Latin. His life is driven by a thirst for learning that is both relatable and encouraging. Not only is he drawn to learning, but he also wants to share that, and it was really cool to see him teaching the other sailors.
-As a general rule books about the sea and sailors don't appeal to me, and while the nautical terminology was mostly gibberish (or should I say, "jib"-berish?) to me I was interested enough in other aspects that I enjoyed the book.
-Despite apparently "simple mathematics" , the sciencey descriptions were still over my head.
All in all, this was an enjoyable, middle-grade biography perfect for sea, math, and science lovers 8+.
Thoughts:
-The first 50 pages was me trying to get through it because I've owned a copy for so long but never read it. After the beginning, though, something clicked, and I flew through the rest.
-Yay for illustrations!
-For a book that mentions so many deaths and is based on true life, this was remarkably light hearted. Some parts were downright hilarious.
-the character dynamics! Although the romance aspect was somewhat glossed over (it is a middle-grade book, anyway) I did like the unexpectedly lovable characters like Lem and the friendship between Nat and Captain Prince.
-I love how Nat keeps going despite difficult times, keeps adjusting to his circumstances. You know that one quote, "You can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails?" and that fits Nat in more ways than one. He can't read the Principia? Well, he'll just learn Latin. His life is driven by a thirst for learning that is both relatable and encouraging. Not only is he drawn to learning, but he also wants to share that, and it was really cool to see him teaching the other sailors.
-As a general rule books about the sea and sailors don't appeal to me, and while the nautical terminology was mostly gibberish (or should I say, "jib"-berish?) to me I was interested enough in other aspects that I enjoyed the book.
-Despite apparently "simple mathematics" , the sciencey descriptions were still over my head.
All in all, this was an enjoyable, middle-grade biography perfect for sea, math, and science lovers 8+.
February 12, 2017
So, I'm ashamed to say when I picked up this book that I had no clue that Nathaniel Bowditch was a real person. I had selected the book for history for homeschooling because I'd read rave reviews about it. But I'd assumed that it was simply a historical fiction, much like Johnny Tremain. Now, though, I'm interested in learning more about Mr. Bowditch's life after his first voyage as captain.
The book is well written, in a style that will be easy for children to grasp and learn from. I enjoyed the personalization of the historical figures being described and felt like I knew them better for reading it. Definitely something I will continue to have my children read in upper elementary and junior high.
The book is well written, in a style that will be easy for children to grasp and learn from. I enjoyed the personalization of the historical figures being described and felt like I knew them better for reading it. Definitely something I will continue to have my children read in upper elementary and junior high.
October 12, 2016
WORST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know this is a biography, so this guy had the worst life ever.
Literally.
Everyone he knew died.
Most people died after one chapter. You were lucky if you lived for at least 3 chapters.
It was like this: live one chapter, then die.
We had to read this for class, and my friend said after she finished it she thought "You really have to think the author was a serial killer."
Overall, I hate this book. I strongly don't recommend this book. Unless you like death.
P.S.
The ending was horrible and made no sense.
I know this is a biography, so this guy had the worst life ever.
Literally.
Everyone he knew died.
Most people died after one chapter. You were lucky if you lived for at least 3 chapters.
It was like this: live one chapter, then die.
We had to read this for class, and my friend said after she finished it she thought "You really have to think the author was a serial killer."
Overall, I hate this book. I strongly don't recommend this book. Unless you like death.
P.S.
The ending was horrible and made no sense.
April 14, 2024
➳ 3 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
╰┈➤ ”we can't have freedom unless we have freedom.”
so, this is yet another book i read for school a while back. this book was a fairly good story about a young sailor. i enjoyed learning about the nautical life and although i don’t remember much about it, i remember enjoying it as much as i could for being forced to read it.
the characters were all really lifelike and if you’re into historical fiction or sailing i’d recommend this. it won awards, after all.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
╰┈➤ ”we can't have freedom unless we have freedom.”
so, this is yet another book i read for school a while back. this book was a fairly good story about a young sailor. i enjoyed learning about the nautical life and although i don’t remember much about it, i remember enjoying it as much as i could for being forced to read it.
the characters were all really lifelike and if you’re into historical fiction or sailing i’d recommend this. it won awards, after all.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
February 22, 2018
Enjoyed reading this with my 11 yo student. He wanted me to look up more details about Nathaniel when we finished. I think we both expected a death at the end even though I should have remembered it did not end like that. It was fun to see that Nathaniel went on to have 8 children.
February 18, 2023
This is one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again.
August 1, 2018
4.75 stars rounded up
Nathaniel Bowditch was from a long line of ship captains but when Nat's father lost his ship, he lost his "tuck." Young Nat has a plan to turn his family fortunes around. He shares this plan with his beloved sister Lizza and then with a new friend who will help Nat make his fortune. When plans go awry, Nat keeps carrying on. His mathematically inclined brain moves at high speed and proves to be the making of him after all.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UDBVeTga75g...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ieYZKVgrPzB...
This book is incredible! The story is rich in historical detail. The author learned so much just to write this book. The story is full of action and I simply couldn't put it down. The author is a champion of show don't tell. I can't believe she crammed all that fact into one novel without resorting to reciting basic facts. There is a tiny bit of casual racism "swarthy" Spaniard, "brown" men but Nathaniel himself judges men on their abilities and not who they are. There's also a great section on the freedom of the press after the Revolutionary War leading up to the War of 1812. The
Nathaniel's life was full of tragedy and setbacks yet he never ever gave up. He taught himself Latin, figured out the principles of navigation AND discovered errors in the leading textbook of the day. He taught common men navigation that was considered beyond their scope of understanding, rewrote the book and undertook several sea voyages around the world. If the novel is to be believed, he was also kind, compassionate and loving. I really connected to Nat because I have a quick brain too and feel like kicking a chair when someone can't keep up but unlike Nat I can't understand math. I can't even imagine beginning to understand 1/10th of what Nathaniel Bowditch understood! I especially liked his gentle sister Lizza, sweet Liza and laughing Polly. The women in this story are very strong despite the lack of opportunities for girls in those days.
I really liked the illustrations despite them being black and white line drawings. I could easily picture 18th century Salem since I was just there a year ago. I walked the same streets Nathaniel did and learned about the history of Salem. Unfortunately many of the maritime museum exhibits were closed so I must return to learn more about the background of this story. For those readers who have not been to Salem, the illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of the town before the kitschy witchy craze took over in the late 19th-century.
More background on the Derby family
https://photos.app.goo.gl/phxEjoAaCk1...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PmHDo9DCGap...
Pepper trade
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLTfdEjkxGk...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CZzCLK3Fq1N...
What is a Kris? (knife briefly mentioned in the story)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/P7dKvb3gEaG...
fuzzy map of Salem harbor
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HoCDs6HsRKS...
Salem ships
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QeR45dPsrhZ...
Nathaniel Bowditch was from a long line of ship captains but when Nat's father lost his ship, he lost his "tuck." Young Nat has a plan to turn his family fortunes around. He shares this plan with his beloved sister Lizza and then with a new friend who will help Nat make his fortune. When plans go awry, Nat keeps carrying on. His mathematically inclined brain moves at high speed and proves to be the making of him after all.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UDBVeTga75g...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ieYZKVgrPzB...
This book is incredible! The story is rich in historical detail. The author learned so much just to write this book. The story is full of action and I simply couldn't put it down. The author is a champion of show don't tell. I can't believe she crammed all that fact into one novel without resorting to reciting basic facts. There is a tiny bit of casual racism "swarthy" Spaniard, "brown" men but Nathaniel himself judges men on their abilities and not who they are. There's also a great section on the freedom of the press after the Revolutionary War leading up to the War of 1812. The
Nathaniel's life was full of tragedy and setbacks yet he never ever gave up. He taught himself Latin, figured out the principles of navigation AND discovered errors in the leading textbook of the day. He taught common men navigation that was considered beyond their scope of understanding, rewrote the book and undertook several sea voyages around the world. If the novel is to be believed, he was also kind, compassionate and loving. I really connected to Nat because I have a quick brain too and feel like kicking a chair when someone can't keep up but unlike Nat I can't understand math. I can't even imagine beginning to understand 1/10th of what Nathaniel Bowditch understood! I especially liked his gentle sister Lizza, sweet Liza and laughing Polly. The women in this story are very strong despite the lack of opportunities for girls in those days.
I really liked the illustrations despite them being black and white line drawings. I could easily picture 18th century Salem since I was just there a year ago. I walked the same streets Nathaniel did and learned about the history of Salem. Unfortunately many of the maritime museum exhibits were closed so I must return to learn more about the background of this story. For those readers who have not been to Salem, the illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of the town before the kitschy witchy craze took over in the late 19th-century.
More background on the Derby family
https://photos.app.goo.gl/phxEjoAaCk1...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PmHDo9DCGap...
Pepper trade
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLTfdEjkxGk...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CZzCLK3Fq1N...
What is a Kris? (knife briefly mentioned in the story)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/P7dKvb3gEaG...
fuzzy map of Salem harbor
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HoCDs6HsRKS...
Salem ships
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QeR45dPsrhZ...
March 12, 2024
Read this for school, it was ok!
December 6, 2021
The kids loved this one. Fascinating story!
February 4, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book SO MUCH!!!
It was a wonderful read for both parent and child. I admire how self-motivated Nathaniel was. He did not give in to despair or adversity. He survived and then thrived through his self-education. This was an incredibly inspiring book! I am happy to have this classic on my shelves!
I enjoyed all the characters. My favorite part of the book is when Mr. Bowditch begins teaching his fellow shipmates how to do complicated mathematics and navigation.
My favorite quote from the book, "Your Brain is too fast, so you stumble on other people's dumbness like a chair in the dark...And you want to kick something." A girl friend was expressing to Nathaniel what it was like when he got impatient because someone was not learning something as fast as he could. He began to realize that everyone was a person...not a chair, and everyone had feelings just as he did. So he began to rewrite all his journals in order to teach navigational concepts more efficiently to others.
When you are talking with someone who may not have the same level of understanding as you do, do you kick them in frustration and keep them in the dark? Or do you reach out the hand of a fellow learner & laborer and help them find the light switch?
It was a wonderful read for both parent and child. I admire how self-motivated Nathaniel was. He did not give in to despair or adversity. He survived and then thrived through his self-education. This was an incredibly inspiring book! I am happy to have this classic on my shelves!
I enjoyed all the characters. My favorite part of the book is when Mr. Bowditch begins teaching his fellow shipmates how to do complicated mathematics and navigation.
My favorite quote from the book, "Your Brain is too fast, so you stumble on other people's dumbness like a chair in the dark...And you want to kick something." A girl friend was expressing to Nathaniel what it was like when he got impatient because someone was not learning something as fast as he could. He began to realize that everyone was a person...not a chair, and everyone had feelings just as he did. So he began to rewrite all his journals in order to teach navigational concepts more efficiently to others.
When you are talking with someone who may not have the same level of understanding as you do, do you kick them in frustration and keep them in the dark? Or do you reach out the hand of a fellow learner & laborer and help them find the light switch?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,487 reviews