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Taking on the World cover art

Taking on the World

By: Ellen MacArthur
Narrated by: Lisa Coleman
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Summary

On February 11th, 2001, Ellen MacArthur sailed into port in France, completing the Vendee Globe, the world's toughest race. Alone and unsupported, she had spent more than three months at sea and had coped with storms, exhaustion, rigging failures, and a catastrophic collision with a submerged object. But Ellen never gave up and, at the age of 24, she became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. This is Ellen's story, from her childhood in land locked Derbyshire, to that historic race.
©2002 Ellen MacArthur (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Taking on the World

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Stunning and inspirational

I am not normally one for biographies nor am I interested in sailing very much. With The Vendee Globe race about to start for 2008 I thought it would be interesting to hear about the race from one who has completed it. I am not sure what I was expecting, but this book gave me so much more. I was inspired by this young ladies tenacity, dedication and sheer determination. She is also clearly a talented writer. She moved me to tears on a number of occasions.
this one really touched a cord with me. I hope you enjoy t too.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

inspirational

loved this book. she's a similar age to myself and I can't imagine how she did this so young and with her petite frame. a true celebration of following a dream.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An inspirational story

Thank you Ellen for your incredible story. I can’t begin to imagine the challenges you faced.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • JH
  • 02-11-10

Authentic

What an example. Exciting, candid and without guile. The reader sounds exactly like Dame Ellen.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great book

Great book and very well read.
Makes me want to get back into sailing now!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful inspirational story for all

This story is inspirational and I have talked about it to my young daughters - I’m sure they will read it when they are older - overcoming adversity and persistence of a changing life goal!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

first class story telling.

This has truly transported me. Amazing emotions that have surfaced in me. Ellen you are an inspiration I want.more than ever to go the extra mile and push myself to the limit thank you

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  • NW
  • 24-04-19

Brilliant brilliant book!

I know nothing about sailing - and have never been sailing but, after hearing this book recommended on R4 I purchased it. It’s very inspirational and moving. The writing is incredibly down to earth and documents Ellen MacArthur’s early life and path towards her career. Lots of gripping detail about racing at sea and the highs/lows that occur. If you’re trying to decide between this book and Ellen MacArthur’s other book ‘Full Circle’, then this is definitely the one to choose!

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    4 out of 5 stars

very impressive

Thought this was going to be hard going but I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it and the narrator did a really good job.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful, inspiring book from a tenacious lady

Ellen has clearly achieved greatness but this book shows that she was born to do it, she HAD to do it. A fantastic story detailing the hardships of singlehanded sailing and the strength of personality needed to succeed in a brutal sport where mistakes lead to disaster or cost lives. Not an out-and-out sailing biography, there's plenty here for anyone looking for inspiration or just a cracking adventure.

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