Rating: 4 out of 5

This book is a beautiful blend of memoir, history, and adventure. Like a lot of people, I’ve been aware of the shipping forecast my whole life. I’ve never had a reason to listen to it for any sea-faring purpose, but I still find it strangely reassuring.

The majority of the book is about Toby’s sea kayaking adventures in different areas of the shipping forecast. Some places I know of, others I’ve never really considered. The tone then changes after he receives a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

I found the page that described Toby’s death incredibly moving, especially the part about him being mentioned in the shipping forecast.

Toby had written a couple of chapters before he died. His sister, Katie, finished the book for him, using his notes, audio recordings, and WhatsApp messages to write the rest. In a final chapter, she writes about the process in her own voice. It must have been an incredibly hard, and also wonderful, thing to go through all of his things to finish his story. It was a very brave thing to do.

Originally posted to my Goodreads account