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Book Jacket

A Pearl in the Storm:
How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
by Tori Murden Mcclure

Publisher: Collins
Publication date: 04/01/2009.
Biographies/Memoirs, 304 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 15
Readers' Consensus: 4.5
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First Impressions: Page 1 of 3
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Jean (DePere WI)

A Pearl in the Storm, How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean
I rarely read non-fiction books, but am very glad that I read this one. It was difficult to put it down. (read it in 1 1/2 days) This is a great story, very well told. The author's mind, heart and spirit are impressive. The words in this story captured my imagination and I was caught up in the adventure. This would be a very good book for a book club discussion.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Becky (Jackson TN)

Inspirational
A Pearl in the Storm by Tori Murden Mcclure was indeed a story worthy of telling. This book challenged me, inspired me and moved me. I cried, laughed and couldn't put it down. I was gripped not only by what was happening at sea, but the poignant events of Tori's life as they replayed in intervals throughout the book. I literally couldn't put it down. It left me wanting just a little bit more. Hopefully there is more to come. Thanks for sharing such an incredible adventure. Bravo!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Lisa (Millbury MA)

A force to be reckoned with
I knew I would love this book from page one. How could I not? The book's first line reads, "Let's face it: normal, well-adjusted women don't row alone across oceans." This memoir held no surprise as to the final outcome of the quest, as the cover indicates the author was the first woman to row alone across an ocean. (This was the second indicator that this was to be a delicious read.)

You'll discover her motivation to take on this challenge through flashbacks to Tori's childhood. The times where she is compelled to defend her younger handicapped brother are heart breaking. When reading this book you will come to know the author as a force to be reckoned with; she earned degrees from Smith College and Harvard's Divinity School, has completed wilderness training in Alaska, and skied hundreds of miles to be one of two women reaching the South Pole. She built her boat, the American Pearl, and earned a law degree as well as making her two trans-oceanic voyages. I finished the book thinking there is nothing Tori Murden McClure cannot do.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Kathy (Coral Gables FL)

Wow
I enjoyed this book very much and was always sad when I had to put it down. I enjoyed how she weaved her life story in between the days of rowing. It did not go too long on either the rowing or about her family. Her descriptions while in the boat of the water, storms, brilliant stars, and sea life are very vivid. I recommend this book very highly.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Cathy (Shelton CT)

Excellent adventure!
This was an amazing book from a truly amazing person. Tori Murden McClure has led a fascinating life and does a great job of sharing it with us. The style of writing made the book move quickly and the story was interesting. I can not get over the experiences she had out on the ocean! It took a lot of courage for her to do what she did, not just rowing across the ocean but all the choices she had to make over her life. Kudos to Tori for putting it all down on the page for us. Book clubs get ready for a great discussion after this read. It should motivate all of us to strive for better and to never give up.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Gigi (Lufkin, TX)

Life-transforming adventure
This is a life-transforming adventure for both author and reader. Tori Murden McClure has effectively woven her row across an ocean with her life experiences through life from early childhood. "A Pearl in the Storm" would captivate readers from ages 15 to 150 both intellectually and emotionally. It is much more than entertaining; it is engaging, and the memories will linger.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Karen (Sandy UT)

A Pearl in the Storm
This book is definitely a rare pearl! Extremely readable and enjoyable. I would recommend it for everyone; teens, book clubs, and anyone who likes to read. It is inspirational and forceful. I usually read fiction, but found this much more compelling than anything I have read lately. Tori's story is amazing - as is she! I am recommending it to all my friends. As a additional bonus, I found out more about rowing and small craft ocean travel than I ever would have researched on my own.

Definitely a must read!

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