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A review by jdreads92
River Queens by Alexander Watson
3.0
3.5 stars.
I'd like to start by thanking the author, Alexander Watson, for sending me a copy of his memoir, River Queens, in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad that I was sent this book, because I'm not sure that I would have picked it up otherwise, and it was worth the read.
River Queens follows Alexander and his partner, Dale Harris, through the process of purchasing and restoring a boat and sailing it from Lake Texoma (outside Dallas, Texas) to Cincinnati, Ohio. In many ways, Watson and Harris figure out boating as they go; and it is an arduous experience. The couple's bravery struck me. They are two gay men boating through the deep south and Midwest, so often relying on locals for advice, directions, and a helping hand. I was struck, too, at how well they fared. Sure, they faced homophobia, but it wasn't the terrifying disaster I would have anticipated.
The people Watson and Harris meet along the way are mostly honest, kind, helpful, and earnest. Almost all are local, life-long boaters, and most are happy to have met Watson and Harris. I would have liked to learn a bit more about Watson's and Harris's pasts. The reader gets a few snapshots along the way, but it doesn't feel like enough. Ultimately, there was probably too much ground to cover. In any case, getting a glimpse into the ups and downs of river life felt like an adventure. I can't imagine not thinking of this memoir whenever I see a boat.
(full review at jdreads.com)
I'd like to start by thanking the author, Alexander Watson, for sending me a copy of his memoir, River Queens, in exchange for an honest review. I'm glad that I was sent this book, because I'm not sure that I would have picked it up otherwise, and it was worth the read.
River Queens follows Alexander and his partner, Dale Harris, through the process of purchasing and restoring a boat and sailing it from Lake Texoma (outside Dallas, Texas) to Cincinnati, Ohio. In many ways, Watson and Harris figure out boating as they go; and it is an arduous experience. The couple's bravery struck me. They are two gay men boating through the deep south and Midwest, so often relying on locals for advice, directions, and a helping hand. I was struck, too, at how well they fared. Sure, they faced homophobia, but it wasn't the terrifying disaster I would have anticipated.
The people Watson and Harris meet along the way are mostly honest, kind, helpful, and earnest. Almost all are local, life-long boaters, and most are happy to have met Watson and Harris. I would have liked to learn a bit more about Watson's and Harris's pasts. The reader gets a few snapshots along the way, but it doesn't feel like enough. Ultimately, there was probably too much ground to cover. In any case, getting a glimpse into the ups and downs of river life felt like an adventure. I can't imagine not thinking of this memoir whenever I see a boat.
(full review at jdreads.com)