LONDON CALLING ROW

Suggest a Book

A good book can offer a change of scene, even in the middle of the Atlantic.

Share a book and tell the crew why you chose it. Suggestions go to the crew for review; selected recommendations may appear in a future update.

From the original supporters’ list.

Recommendations shared in 2023–24, preserved from the original website. References to the earlier crew reflect that expedition.

3: a. On Desperate Ground, b. A Woman of No Importance, c. Freedom's Forge

a. Hampton Sides, b. Sonia Purnell, c. Arthur Herman

a. Hampton Sides is a superlative writer and this book tells the story of the U.S. Marines fighting in Chosin Reservoir in Korea. If you think you've had a hard day on the boat, consider their situation. b. The protagonist is an American woman working for the British as a spy in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. She has a prosthetic leg and, among other amazing things, she helped a wounded American flyer cross the Pyrenees to safety. The CIA later named its agent training center after her. Again, when you think you've had a hard day... c. This tells the remarkable story of how U.S. politicians, business people and citizens drew together to essentially create enough military equipment in record time to defeat the Axis powers and save the world. it shows that amazing things can be done when people work together--just like the London Calling crew! In fact all of these books detail victories under extremely difficult circumstances--which is something I'm certain the crew will share with them. I'm proud to know John Lowry and I hope to someday meet all of you. Godspeed!

Suggested by Rick

Shark Heart

Emily Habek

It moves quickly, is good kindling for the imagination, and is full of empathy. I heard about the premise for this book (human mutations, guy turns into shark) and thought “no way this is gonna work as a book!” But she pulls it off. Will give you something to talk about without being too brain taxing while working so hard.

Suggested by Bethany

Original book link ↗

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

J.R.R. Tolkien

This book is all about adventure, camaraderie, and finding the will to complete a long, challenging journey.

Suggested by Frodo

Anxious People

Fredrik Backman

A bank robbery gone wrong, a father/son duo who aren’t used to solving crimes and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined. Witty and poignant while tying in every human emotion in between with a perfect bow in the end. Hope you enjoy!

Suggested by Juliane

The Greatest Generation

Tom Brokaw

Inspirational of contributing without expected return.

Suggested by Tom

Red Notice

Bill Browder

Because it makes you really happy you’re not a hedge fund manager specializing in Russian equities

Once an Eagle

Anton Meyer

Probably the best loved novel on military leadership. Follows the epic career of the Army’s Forrest Gump.

Suggested by Christopher

The Boys in the Boat

Daniel James brown

“The Boys in the Boat is full of heartwarming and encouraging wisdom as James Brown relays the underdog story of the 1936 Olympic rowing team and their ultimate triumph over adversity. “ A mesmerizing true story that captured my heart. I thought crewing was a bunch of guys jumping into a boat and rowing like crazy. In this book I learned it is a beautiful, synchronized art on the water.

Suggested by Peggy

Longitude

Dava Sobel

It’s short and well written. I think it provokes really interesting conversation.

Suggested by Jennifer

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

Excellent story, if you like fantasy. First in a great series.

Caine Mutiny

Herman Wouk

Leadership at Sea.

Suggested by Eric

The Old Man Who Loved Cheese

Garrison Keillor

A book to listen to and build your own imagination of what the illustration would be.

Suggested by Eric

The pillars of the earth

Suggested by Robert

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you ask the crew?

Life at sea? Preparing the boat? Something you’ve always wondered about ocean rowing?

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