Interesting history of whaling and the Nantucket culture

Amazingly well-researched and documented. With all of that, it still reads like a novel. I am amazed that these whale-catching men routinely went on what looks t me like a near suicide mission.

This book was selected as the "One Great Read" by our local libraries. Our book club reads that selection each year. We receive many responses concerning the book. For myself, I enjoyed the book. It... (read more)

Well written historical book about the sinking of the Essex in 1800s and whaling. The event was the basis for fiction tale Moby Dick. Not a book I may have chosen on my own, but important & interesting... (read more)

I had borrowed this book from my father and held onto it for years before finally starting it. I was worried that it would be too dark and depressing. While the story definitely is dark, it is also written... (read more)

Great book. Hard to put down.

This is a must read! Hard to believe it actually happened.

When my friend picked this book I thought "I may not read this month's book" but I am so glad I did. I could not put it down. I thought about it all the time and talked about it constantly with innocent... (read more)