Book Review: “True Spirit”

By Jessica Watson
Atria, 2010

Reviewed by Lauren Kearney, 17
Bulgaria

“I’m just an ordinary girl who believed in a dream.”

These were the words spoken by the admirable 16-year-old girl who sailed her yacht, solo and unaccompanied, around the world. This fascinating tale takes you back to the childhood of Jessica Watson, when her dream first began, up through the time when she takes her inspirational journey. With Jessica’s conversational prose, she takes us on an exciting adventure around the world on her yacht, Ella’s Pink Lady. Readers get the chance to see her perspective on life at sea for 210 days.

During her voyage, Jessica has to deal with knockdowns, aggressive seas, and loneliness. Despite all of this, she never once gave up on her goal, and that determination is what makes her a true heroine in my eyes.

This book was so enjoyable. Jessica’s ambition and never-give-up attitude are remarkable. I believe it’s contagious too, because when I finished reading her book, I had an overwhelming urge to fulfill my dream, just as she did. True Spirit is a compelling story told with utter passion and honesty.